If you’re unsure of where to ski this winter, then Soldeu should definitely be on your list. Part of the Grandvalira ski area offering 210km of linked slopes, the village of Soldeu has an excellent range of good quality accommodation as well as a fantastic spa and lively après ski bars, all the ingredients for an excellent ski holiday.
Where to Stay
If luxury is what you’re looking for then don’t miss the superb 5* Sport Hermitage, offering all-suite accommodation overlooking the mountain, however if your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far you can always plan a trip to their spa during your stay, which is a great way to relax after a hard day on the slopes.
Soldeu has an excellent range of three and four star hotels to suit a range of budgets, and some of our favourites include:
- Soldeu Maistre (3*) – family run & comfortable, two minutes walk to the gondola
- Hotel Naudi (3*) – fantastic terrace overlooking the slopes
- Himalaia Soldeu (4*) – great location with its own small spa facilities
- Piolets Park & Spa (4*) – stylish & modern, with relaxing spa
To help you choose a hotel, visit www.soldeu.com/hotels/.
Soldeu also has a good selection of apartment blocks and private apartments, our favourites being:
- La Pleta de Soldeu – modern & well equipped, with a free shuttle to the gondola
- Apartments Turistics Pirineu – older style, but right next to the gondola
For more information about apartments visit www.soldeu.com/apartments/.
Where to Ski
Grandvalira is the largest skiable area in the Pyrenees with 210km of marked slopes, plus plenty of opportunity to ski off piste, weather permitting. The village of Soldeu sits in the heart of the ski area, which means it’s the perfect location to base yourself as you explore the region.
Well-known for an outstanding ski school with plenty of British ski instructors, Soldeu is ever-popular with beginners and intermediate skiers. That aside though, in recent years it has gained a reputation for high quality snow combined with a high investment in infrastructure based around the hosting of European and World Cup competitions, and the development of challenging FIS-approved slopes.
We love heading from the Soldeu sector across to the Grau Roig sector, which has the most beautiful panoramic views and is often much quieter on the slopes. Your Grandvalira lift pass allows you to access the whole ski area so no matter your level you’ll be sure to find something to enjoy and something to challenge you!
Off the Slopes
Everyone knows that ski holidays are as much about the après ski as they are about the skiing, and Soldeu doesn’t disappoint. If you fancy a beer or cocktail once off the slopes, the village has a selection of terraces with excellent views of the slopes, for example Hotel Bruxelles, Barcode and Hotel Naudi, or if you prefer live music check out The Harp or Fat Albert’s.
We’ve already mentioned the Sport Wellness Spa, but don’t forget about Caldea in Andorra la Vella, which is Europe’s largest thermal spa. For the more adventurous you can take the zip wire in Canillo or perhaps a scenic helicopter ride, plus you can enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiles, snow shoeing and more – there are so many choices!
How to Arrive
Fly to Barcelona or Toulouse, then take a shared or private transfer to resort. Barcelona is the most popular, with seven shared bus services daily, plus the route from Spain is less affected by weather. To plan your trip visit www.soldeu.com/holidays/.
What the Press Says
“Now you can hit the slopes with gusto, relax in a spa and enjoy sumptuous cuisine, all for decent value.” (Telegraph Ski & Snowboard).
“Add… the food and the accommodation options and all begins to stack up to a seriously attractive proposition.” (Snow Magazine).
“Andorra has genuinely fantastic skiing, with almost endless freeride terrain, uncrowded pistes and a solid snow record.” (Fall-Line).