Our team have spent many days on the slopes in Andorra, and each of us has our own favourite resorts and reasons why. We thought we’d share our opinions and a few insider tips, which you may find helpful when planning your ski holiday or choosing your own favourite ski resort in Andorra.
Tory – Operations Manager
After skiing across all the areas, the mountain that holds my top spot is Pal/Arinsal. These resorts are perfect for hitting the slopes and leaving all your worries behind. The wide, long runs allow me to focus on perfecting my technique. At the start of this winter, I was lucky enough to enjoy the pistes almost to myself, freshly groomed – and that’s when I truly found my favourite runs.
What is your favourite ski run?
In Arinsal, I completely fell in love with Port Vell. Starting from the top of the Port Negre lift, it sweeps down beautifully. Staying over to the right-hand side, this blue run is cruisy and perfect for pushing your carving a little more. Being mostly in the shade, the conditions stay great throughout the day.
Over in Pal, it has to be Les Roques. This fantastic red piste lets you ski all the way down to El Cubil. I lapped it so many times and just couldn’t get enough – one of those runs that never gets old.
How long have you been skiing?
Ten years! Confident on all runs, but I prefer cruisy blues and reds – especially in bluebird conditions.
Where is your favourite place to stop on the mountain (Eat or Apres)
The Derby Deli at the top of the Arinsal Gondola, right on the snow front, is a firm favourite. Good food and great vibes – whether you stop for lunch or après, you won’t leave disappointed.
In Pal, once again thanks to my love of people-watching, I really enjoyed sitting outside Xiringuito. The menu is simple and it’s the perfect spot to watch skiers making their way back down to the resort.
What ski resort do you enjoy the most?
Very difficult – together they’re fantastic, but maybe Arinsal takes the win, if only by a small margin.
What do you enjoy most about skiing?
The feeling of being able to step away from your thoughts. They’re still there, but instead of family shopping lists or work tasks, they shift to wow, the mountains are beautiful or I really love being out here skiing. Those moments of peace, and the gratitude you feel for being able to take a ski holiday, are truly priceless.
Jasmine – Senior Customer Service
How long have you been skiing?
I’ve been skiing since I was three years old! I was lucky enough to go on family ski trips growing up and have skied in France, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Canada and, of course, Andorra. I then went on to spend two ski seasons living in resort in Andorra, working for Andorra Resorts. The country has so much to offer: great value prices, great weather, fantastic restaurants, lively après ski and, most importantly, incredible slopes. I also love that one lift pass gives you access to all skiable areas in Andorra, making every trip incredibly versatile.
What is your favourite ski run?
My favourite run is probably the Pala Central red slope heading down to Grau Roig from the top of Pas de la Casa. It sits just away from the main, busier blue run, so you often have plenty of space to yourself. It’s wide and open, which makes it perfect for practising your carving and building up some speed.
Where is your favourite place to stop on the mountain (Eat or Apres)
There are so many great spots across the resorts, but my favourite for all-round good vibes has to be Coll Blanc at the top of Pas de la Casa. On a sunny day around 3pm, with the DJ out and drinks flowing, it’s an amazing place to spend time with friends. Just take care on the Directa I slope on the way back down!
A special mention also goes to L’Abarset in El Tarter. They host some incredible events (I saw Fatboy slim there last year!) and, while it is on the pricier side, it’s always a lot of fun. Outdoor après usually runs until 9 or 10pm, with afterparties going on until around 3am.
What ski resort do you enjoy the most?
I absolutely love skiing in El Tarter and Grau Roig, mainly because there are so many off-piste options. If there’s been lots of fresh snowfall and it’s a powder day, these are definitely the sectors to head to to make the most of it. Make sure to always stay safe and ski with a buddy though!
El Tarter also has some brilliant cruisy blue and red runs, which makes it really versatile. That said, everywhere is linked within Grandvalira, so it doesn’t really matter where you start your day to be honest!
What do you enjoy most about skiing?
Aside from the occasional powder day, I really enjoy improving my carving skills and finding a wide red or blue run where I can build up some speed and get that flying feeling. I also love how many gorgeous sunny days Andorra gets – fair-weather skiing is so common there, and I love that!
Erin – Customer Concierge, in resort
What is your favourite ski run?
In Pas de la Casa area, I really enjoy Camí de Pessons in Grau Roig – it’s a little further out but that means it’s not as busy and the snow can be a bit better than some of the home runs. It also has a lovely café overlooking a frozen lake halfway down it, which makes for a great place to stop. It’s a lovely, tree-lined cruisy blue, which is perfect for enjoying the views as the run is fun but not too taxing.
In Soldeu, I really like Gall de Bosc – this is a nice long, cruisy blue, that takes you from the top at El Tarter, curving between Soldeu and El tarter all the way down to both towns. It’s tree-lined, and has some great views! This is a great run for beginners, or even if you’re more advanced and feel like something that’s going to be nice and not too taxing.
How long have you been skiing?
I’ve been skiing since I was about 3 – when I was really little I did a lot of learning on dry slopes in the UK, but we went on a week long ski holiday every year growing up until I was 18. I then went again when I was 21, so being back now at 24 is so much fun!
Where is your favourite place to stop on the mountain (Eat or Apres)
In Pas de la Casa, I love Pas 83, which is right by the main lifts in Pas de la Casa. It is a perfect spot to begin or end your day, or pop to in the middle of skiing. They are very reasonably prices, with really good food and a nice atmosphere.
In Soldeu, I really like Iqos Terrace. It’s a great spot on the slopes, with a great Apres vibe. Its an adults only space and has good food as well as live dj sets, so can be a really fun place to stop and relax.
What ski resort do you enjoy the most?
I think if you can make it for the day trip (if you don’t have a car, you will have to book a bus in advance), Ordino-Arcalis is really worth the travel. The slopes are great, there are some super fun runs where you can fly, and it’s also known for being great for off-piste skiing! It also has some great views – I really recommend this resort! The Grandvalira lift passes cover Arcalis as well, so no worries about buying an extra pass!
What do you enjoy most about skiing?
Adrenaline – when you get in a good rhythm carving, it can be just so freeing and fun! Especially if the slopes are quiet and you can really get some speed going.
Conclusion
Andorra Resorts helps you discover your favourite ski areas in Andorra. Wherever you choose to ski, you’re guaranteed a fantastic experience.
Want to try them all? The Grandvalira lift pass includes a ski day in Pal–Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís. The Nord Pass (from 4 days) gives you a ski day in Grandvalira and Ordino Arcalís, so you can experience every resort Andorra has to offer.
