Andorra: A Duty-Free Ski Paradise
A ski holiday in Andorra is still an insider tip. Most Germans know the country only as a summer holiday destination. Yet Andorra has long been popular with the British, French and Dutch as a ski holiday paradise. In Germany, word has yet to spread that Andorra has first-class ski resorts. They offer a great alternative to Europe’s better-known ski regions. And there’s snow from November through May.
Andorra’s ski paradise has plenty to offer. This so-called microstate in the Pyrenees has a ski area that is anything but tiny. Grandvalira is even considered the largest ski area in Europe outside the Alps. Although Andorra has only 2 ski areas, it can certainly hold its own against France’s ski slopes.
Andorra: A Duty-Free Ski Paradise
Date: 30/10/2011
What’s more, you can enjoy some great shopping during your ski holiday in duty-free Andorra. This source of revenue helps improve the ski areas, ice rinks and thermal baths. That’s why the two ski areas are among the most modern in the world.
Grand Valira’s first ski lift at Coll Blanc was built in the winter of 1956. The ski areas of Encamp, El Tarter, Grau Roig, Pas de le Casa and Soldeu were combined in 2005 to form the Grand Valira ski area. Almost 200 km of pistes offer perfect skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels. Several halfpipes, 2 freestyle areas and 2 FIS downhill runs await snowboarders. Grand Valira has 6 ski villages. Vallnord was also formed from 3 ski areas, but it is much smaller than Grand Valira. A cable car connects the two ski areas.
Andorra also has a great après-ski scene. Young skiers in particular love the Gall de Bosc terrace. There are plenty of cafés, clubs, pubs and restaurants where you can celebrate after a day on the slopes. Night owls can enjoy themselves in Andorra, too.
