Grandvalira

About the ski resort Grandvalira

GRANDVALIRA is pround to be the biggest ski area in the Pyrenees, with a total of 193km of slopes. You can access the extensive ski area using one of the six main entrances: Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa. Each of these gateways are villages in their own right with their own characteristics which means between then they can cater for all tastes and budgets. The most popular places to be are El Tarter, Soldeu and Pas de la Casa which are all located at the botton of the ski slopes.

Pas de la Casa enjoys many accolades, it is the highest village in Andorra at 2.100 m, it was the place where skiing started in Andorra and it is renowned for its vibrant night life which is always a hit with the younger clients. In Pas de la Casa you will find a lively village with all facilities and it is a true ‘ski from the door’ resort where you are never more than a few minutes from the slopes. With many new state-of-the-art lifts whisking the morning hordes up from the village at 2100m towards the Coll Blanc ridge which at an impressive 2528m divides Pas from picture postcard pretty Grau Roig, it is easy to see why this resort proves to be a favourite with Spanish, French and British skiers and snow boarders. This place is a true winter wonderland with many good long red and black runs falling away down both sides of the Coll Blanc ridge. There are a good variety of nice blue and green runs which are perfect for the less advanced and being as high as 2500m they will ensure they finish the day feeling as if they have achieved something ! This place is a true winter wonderland!

Soldeu and its smaller neighbour El Tarter are a popular choice for families and couples that are looking for a quality winter sports holiday. Both resorts provide a good range of tradition stone built hotels and apartments and there is a good selection of bars and restaurants in Soldeu for those that want to break away from the hotel bar. Being near the middle of the massive Grandvalira sector there are many options open to the intermediate and experienced skier. The gondola takes everyone up to the natural plateau at Soldeu which at 2250m affords amazing mountain views and is where beginners are put through their paces at the award winning ski school. From here it is easy to ski west towards Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig via Llac del Cubil and east towards Canillo via El Tarter.
El Tarter is home to an extensive snow park and regular hosts competitions which provide much interest and entertainment. Both areas have a wide selection of eateries on the slopes and both have a fine dining restaurant for those that want a relaxed good quality lunch.

Another option is to stay in the village of Canillo which enjoys access to the ski area by gondola. Canillo is a quiet and freindly village which has good sports facilities including an ice rink and good sized pool. In the Canillo area you can enjoyed an excellent lunch at one of the best gastronomic restaurants of Grandvalira and ski in world-class mountain scenery.
Another option is the village of Encamp from where you can reach the highest point of the ski area by an impressive cable car, and enjoy breathtaking views. Encamp is close to the capital, Andorra la Vella which is just 6km away and a tax free shoppers heaven.