Andorra Lift Pass FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book! Booking your Andorra lift pass should be simple, but with three ski areas, two different pass types and a handful of age-based discounts, it’s easy to end up with more questions than answers.
That is why we’ve pulled together the questions we get asked most often by skiers heading to Grandvalira (Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Encamp, Canillo) and Pal-Arinsal (Arinsal, Pal: La Massana), so you can book with confidence.
General Lift Pass Questions
What lift pass do I need for Andorra?
It depends on which resort you’re staying in:
- Staying in Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Encamp or Canillo? You need a Grandvalira lift pass. It covers all seven linked sectors of Grandvalira – 215km of the largest ski area in the Pyrenees.
- Staying in Arinsal or La Massana? You need a Nord Pass, covering the Pal-Arinsal ski domain.
The good news is both passes now overlap more than ever before.
Does one lift pass cover the whole of Andorra?
Almost. Since the 2022–23 season, Pal-Arinsal, Grandvalira and Ordino-Arcalis have all been brought under the same Grandvalira Resorts umbrella, so:
- A Grandvalira lift pass includes access to Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalis as well as all seven Grandvalira sectors – over 300km of skiing on a single pass.
- A Nord Pass works slightly differently. Book 2+ days and you get both areas, Pal-Arinsal or Ordino-Arcalis. Book 4+ days and you can also spend one of those days skiing in Grandvalira.
So if you want maximum flexibility to explore all three ski areas, a Grandvalira pass of 4 days or more (or a Nord Pass of 4+ days) is your best bet.
Are the ski areas linked?
No – Grandvalira, Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalis are three separate mountains and there’s no ski run or lift connecting them. So while a single lift pass can now cover all three (see above), getting between them isn’t a case of skiing across – you’ll need to take a bus. (Or car!)
A free inter-resort bus service runs once a week to the other ski areas, but seats are limited and get booked up fast, especially for large groups or during peak weeks like February half term and New Year. If you’re planning to use one of your pass days in a different area, book your bus seat in advance rather than leaving it to chance.
How does the “hands-free” lift pass system work?
Every lift pass in Andorra – Grandvalira and Nord Pass alike – has a small chip built in, so there’s no need to take it out at the lift gates. Simply keep it in a zipped and secure jacket pocket, ideally on your left-hand side, since that’s where the scanners are positioned at the bottom of each lift. The gate reads the chip and lets you straight through.
One thing worth flagging: lift passes aren’t automatically replaceable if lost, so keep yours secure for the whole trip.
It’s also worth knowing that lift gates now use cameras to scan and identify who’s using each pass, so it’s no longer possible to share a pass between different people during your stay – for example, parents taking it in turns to ski while the other watches the kids. Each skier needs their own individual pass. If a pass is flagged as being used by someone other than its registered holder, it can be confiscated on the spot, so it really isn’t worth the risk.
Should I buy my lift pass online or in resort?
Online, every time. Pre-booking with any of the Andorra Resorts sites means:
- You won’t find lift passes cheaper once you’re in resort.
- Zero booking or card fees.
- Collection is quick – pick up from a ticket office or machine on arrival.
- You can combine your 5 day Lift Pass pass with equipment hire and gain extra savings.
Is a Grandvalira lift pass or a Nord Pass better value?
If you’re staying in Arinsal or La Massana, the Nord Pass will almost always work out cheaper for a like-for-like duration and it still unlocks Arcalis and, from 4 days, a day in Grandvalira too. If you’re based in a Grandvalira resort (Soldeu, Pas de la Casa etc.), you’ll need the Grandvalira pass to ski there, but you’ll get the whole 300km+ network included regardless.
Are children free in Andorra?
Yes – children under 6 ski completely free across both Grandvalira and Pal-Arinsal, on presentation of their passport at the ticket window. Free passes can’t be pre-booked online; they must be collected in resort with proof of age, along with your pre-booked lift passes from Andorra resorts!
Is there a discount for teenagers?
Yes. Both ski areas offer a junior rate for ages 12–17, which is noticeably cheaper than the adult price – a helpful saving for families skiing with teenagers. Another reason why we love Andorra.
Are there senior discounts on Andorra lift passes?
Yes, across both Grandvalira and Pal-Arinsal:
- Ages 65–69: discounted pass from €42.50/day (Grandvalira) or from €28.50/day (Nord Pass)
- Ages 70–74: discounted pass from €25/day (Grandvalira) or from €25/day (Nord Pass)
- Ages 75+: completely free
As with the children’s discount, senior passes require passport ID at the ticket office and can’t be pre-booked online.
Non-Consecutive & Flexible Passes
Can I take a day off skiing without wasting my lift pass?
Yes – this is exactly what a non-consecutive lift pass is for. Instead of a straight run of days, you choose a set number of ski days within a longer window, for example:
- 3 days from 5
- 5 days from 7
- 7 days from 10
This is ideal if you fancy a day at the spa, shopping in Andorra la Vella, or just resting tired legs mid-trip.
What’s the catch with non-consecutive passes?
Be careful: using any lift – even just the gondola to a restaurant – activates your pass for that day. If you’re planning a rest day, don’t scan your pass at all, or it’ll count as one of your ski days.
If I book a non-consecutive lift pass, should I hire equipment for the same pattern?
No – hire your skis or board for the full length of your stay, even on rest days. Otherwise you’ll need to return kit to the shop and get refitted each time you resume skiing, which eats into your holiday.
Booking & Collection
When should I book my Andorra lift pass?
As early as possible. Our early booking offers typically launch in June and the standout deal is being able to book at last season’s prices – but only if you get in before 31st July, when rates rise for the new season. If you know you’re heading to Andorra, it’s well worth locking in your lift pass before that deadline to make the most of the saving.
Where do I collect my lift pass?
You’ll collect your pre-booked pass from a ticket office or self-service machine in resort – Pas de la Casa, for example, has seven collection points, making it smooth and easy. Your booking confirmation will tell you exactly where to go.
Can I get a discount by booking my lift pass with equipment or lessons?
Yes. Booking a lift pass alongside ski or snowboard hire (and lessons, if needed) as a package typically unlocks an additional discount compared to booking each element separately – and it’s one less thing to organise once you’re in resort.
What happens if I lose my lift pass?
Lift passes are not automatically replaceable, so treat yours like cash while you’re on the mountain. Check the specific replacement policy for your pass type before your first day, and always keep it somewhere secure.
What happens if the mountain closes?
If lifts aren’t running, or no buses are put on to the other resorts, you may be entitled to a free day’s lift pass to use the following season. To claim this, you’ll need to keep hold of your original pass – don’t throw it away.
It’s worth noting that if your own lifts are closed but free buses to another resort are running, this generally isn’t classed as a mountain closure — since you still have a way to get out and ski elsewhere on the same pass. The ticket office can tell you whether any buses are available that day and help you get to another resort if so, so it’s worth checking with them before assuming your day is a write-off.
Our advice on any day the mountain seems closed is to head to the ticket office in town. the decision on whether the mountain is open – and whether it counts as a closure – is made by the resort, not by skiers on the ground. If you have any questions, the ticket office is the place to get an official answer.
Ready to Book?
Whichever resort you’re heading to, pre-booking your lift pass means better prices, guaranteed availability and a much smoother first morning on the slopes;
