Route maps in Andorra. Ski resort Arinsal - Pal (ARINSAL - PAL), Andorra

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One of the brightest and most memorable vacations for many people is skiing. AT European countries there are many places where you can actively and profitably relax, and some of the most bright places for ski holidays are the resorts of Andorra.

The first step is to find out for yourself what you want to take away from the trip. A considerable part of vacationers come to Andorra for the sake of shopping with big discounts, the season of which falls on spring, summer or autumn. But for people who are going to spend time with skis or snowboards, the period from October to April.

The weather in this resort is the best suited for leisurely ski trips and bright extreme descents along steep slopes.

Andorra is located on the Pyrenean slopes and has no access to the sea, which is why it is quite warm here in summer, and in winter the temperature does not drop below zero degrees. Nevertheless, precipitation in winter is frequent here, but, fortunately for vacationers, they mostly fall at night. Wet snow packs perfectly and does not interfere with skiing on any sports equipment.

Ski areas in Andorra

Undoubtedly, most of the tourists come to this country for an unforgettable experience. active rest. Therefore, this area is strongly developed here.

grandvalira

the biggest and famous area resorts is Grandvalira. The length of the entire route is about 10 kilometers, and the elevation changes are from 800 meters.

Trails and slopes in Grandvalira

It is no coincidence that Grandvalira got a place in the top twenty - there are excellent tracks here, nice service, in some villages there is an option for night skiing, and even untrained skiers are welcome here - there are several ski schools in this area.

Grandvalira Ski Resort Outdoor Restaurant

The region includes six villages: Pas de la Casa, Grau Roche, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and.

  • Pas de la Casa is the largest and busiest regions in the entire region. The village is located at an altitude of two thousand meters, but high cable car can lift up to a height of 2650 meters.
  • A little higher is the village grau roche, which is the highest in the entire region - 2120 meters above sea level. In contrast to the calm Paz, here, in a wooded area, there are dangerous tracks that will appeal to both beginners and real thrill-seekers.
  • Some of the best trails can be found in the village Soldeu. Democratic prices, good ski schools and easy ski tracks will delight the beginner, but the professional will not be bored either.
  • Three kilometers from Soldeu there is a cozy settlement El Tarter. At an average height, you will find the most necessary things when traveling with children, so that neither parents nor the child will be bored.

Ski pass prices constitute 44 euros per day during high season and 39 euro in the low season.

The scheme of tracks in the resort of Grandvalira (click to enlarge the picture):

After a day's walks, you can relax in local spas, restaurants, bars or clubs. For lovers of energy conservation, a fitness club, an ice rink and a swimming pool are open in the evenings.

Vallnord

Five kilometers from Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, the wonderful Vallnord ski area opens. It will not be boring for a beginner, a professional, or the whole family. The variety of outdoor activities is large enough to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

In addition to skiing, you can test yourself in snowboarding, orienteering or snowbiking. In addition, there are also good restaurants and fun nightlife.

The region consists of two resorts: Arinsal-Pal and Arcalis-Ordino.

  • Arinsal-Pal known for one of the largest international ski stadiums in Europe, so professionals can try their hand at many winter sports here. Families will also enjoy this village as the ski runs are divided into different levels of difficulty.
  • For fans of off-piste descent can not be found best place in Andorra than Ordino Arcalis. A large number of sediment creates unique natural paths. But do not be disappointed ahead of time - there are also ordinary trails for amateurs.

Scheme of trails in the resort of Vallnord (click to enlarge the picture):

Ski pass price is 39 euros per day during high season and 35 euro to low.

Hotels near ski lifts in Andorra la Vella

Of course, before planning a trip, you need to find suitable accommodation, and below are four interesting options.

Hotel Pitiusa

This hotel is located in the quiet center of Andorra. Vallnord is just a 30-minute drive away and there is a supermarket and shopping center Avenida Meritxell. Free Wi-Fi is available from anywhere in the hotel.

Each room has:

  • satellite television
  • telephone
  • air conditioning
  • heater
  • bathroom with toilet
  • mirror

On the ground floor there is a cafe, breakfasts are included in the total bill.

Prices:

  • Price per night in the Interior room from 58 euros.
  • A double room costs 64 euros per day.
  • Triple will cost about 82 euros per night.
  • The family option costs 94 euros per day.

Hotel Camp del Serrat

The traditional spirit of the country smells at the Camp del Serrat hotel. It is important to know that Engolasters Lake is only a ten-minute walk away, and you can also see Madriu nearby - an object world heritage UNESCO. The Grandvalira area will open in just twenty minutes drive. In addition, there are farms and equestrian clubs nearby.

The hotel itself has 16 rooms equipped with the necessary amenities. Wi-Fi is included free of charge. Each room is heated.

AT common room billiard room available for guests, board games, TV set. There is also a restaurant on site with breakfast included.

Prices:

  • Double room will cost 60 euros per night
  • Triple will cost 80 euros per night
  • Quadruple room offered for 100 euros per night

Hotel Pyrenees

This hotel is in historical center the capital of Andorra, so art lovers will not be bored - on main street you can visit the theater, museums, cinemas, admire the Parliament building. It will be useful information that the ski resorts are only seven kilometers away, and up to thermal spring about 15 minutes walk.

The hotel itself has a restaurant with affordable prices, parking, free fast internet. Interestingly, the Pyrenees hotel has an outdoor pool, which is rare for Andorran hotels.

Prices:

  • Double room per night will be from 54 to 68 euros
  • Triple costs 86 euros per day
  • A room with a window to the courtyard will cost 40 euros
  • Economy room costs from 43 to 61 euros per night

Hotel Les 7 Claus

Les 7 Claus features original architecture. It is located in a quiet area, but after a couple of minutes walk opens the shopping center of the city of Escaldes. ski areas not so far - 8 kilometers from the hotel. For those who want to relax body and soul, just 200 meters away is the famous Caldea healing spa.

In addition to the standard set in the rooms, guests are provided with soft duvets and ski storage. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar.

Prices:

  • For 41 euros you can take a double room
  • 63 euros for a triple room per night
  • Quadruple room will cost 72 euros per night

The main pearl of Andorra is the ski resorts, which are located in two ski areas - Vallnord and Grandvalira.

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Although Andorra is a country of more than modest size, it has enough opportunities for recreation and entertainment. There are interesting sights in almost every locality of the country, but its main pearl is ski resorts. All of them are located in two areas for skiing, called Grandvalira and Vallnord. In the review prepared by us, we will talk about the features of the resorts located in these ski areas.

grandvalira

Ski areas are located in this ski area. major resorts Pas de la Casa and Soldeu, as well as four smaller ones (Encamp, Grau Roig, El Tarter and Canillo). total area, which is occupied by the resorts is almost 1800 hectares, which makes it the largest in Andorra and one of the largest in Europe. These resorts have been merged to provide the possibility of buying a single ski pass. The total length of trails of varying difficulty is 190 km, the elevation difference is about a kilometer. 68 lifts deliver skiers to the tops of the slopes.

In the Grandvalira ski area there are slopes of varying difficulty, which are designated by different colors according to the international classification. There are 19 green runs, 39 blue runs, 30 red runs and 24 black runs. As you can see, most of all there are slopes for mass skiing for skiers with an average level of training. You should know that the steepest slopes are observed at the top of Tossal de Lallosada (2600 m), and the lowest at the foot.

Resort Pas de la Casa

In this ski resort, most of the tourists are very spoiled. Located almost on the border with France, the resort is a complex of five dozen pistes, of which most are red (23). All of them are equipped with safe lifts of various types. Skiing here is safe for any category of vacationers.

In addition to excellent slopes and hotels, there are several very popular restaurants here, which are a must-see. We are talking about the steakhouse Gall De Bosc (Soldeu), Roc De Les Bruixes (Canillo), Llac De Pessons (Grau Roig) and, of course, El Raco Del Park. There are also several interesting sights that can diversify the time.

Resort Soldeu - El Tarter

The ski resort of Soldeu rightfully occupies a leading position in the ranking of Andorran resorts. This is due to the highest level of equipment of the tracks. The name of the resort is due to the two villages that actually form it. In Soldeu, skiers of any skill level can have a good time, and in El Tarter, families with children.

The slopes of the resort are mostly designed for beginner and intermediate skiers (green and blue slopes). There is also a special track for kids.

Trail map of the resort of Soldeu - El Tarter

On the territory of this resort you can both rent and purchase a variety of ski equipment. The main stores with such goods are Esports Calbo, Esports Calbo, Pic Negre and Loaded.

In addition to skiing and everything connected with it, in the resort of Soldeu - El Tarter you can buy a lot of goods at very low prices because Andorra is a duty free zone.

How much does a ski pass cost in Grandvalira

A daily ski pass at this resort will cost 42 euros for an adult and 31 euros for a child. A six-day subscription will cost 221 euros / 153 euros, respectively.

Vallnord

Like the previous one, the Vallnord ski area combines the Ordino-Arcalis and Pal-Arinsa ski sectors. In total, there are about 90 km of slopes, most of which belong to the red and blue categories of difficulty. The Ordino-Arcalis sector has 26 pistes with a height difference of about 600 meters, and in Pal-Arinsa - 63 with a difference of about a kilometer.

Ordino Arcalis

This resort is located three dozen kilometers from the capital of the principality, the city of Andorra la Vella. The slopes here are relatively gentle, maximum height is 2600 meters, the minimum is 1940 meters. On the slopes of this resort there are excellent opportunities for downhill skiing on blue and red slopes. There are also the most difficult tracks, black ones, which are popular with professionals.

The resort has a good selection of hotels, ranging from 4 * to luxury cottages.

Pal-Arinsal

Like the previous resort, Pal-Arinsal consists of two centers, the name of which forms this combination. This resort is located ten kilometers from the capital of Andorra. The height of the resort above sea level is 1950 m. The total number of slopes is four dozen, lists of all categories of difficulty are presented.

Also in the resort of Arinsal there is the most difficult descent in the country - the height difference at the starting and ending points is a whole kilometer.

How much does a ski pass cost in Villanord

One day of skiing at Villanord ski resort costs 38 euros for an adult and 28 euros for a child. A six-day subscription will cost 176 and 133 euros, respectively.

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Andorra

  • Andorra la Vella

In a picturesque gorge at an altitude of 1050 m above sea level, surrounded by mountains and coniferous forests, is the capital of the Principality of Andorra. The city will surprise you with the diversity of its culture - modern buildings and ancient temples are located on the banks of a mountain river. For lovers of shopping, this is a real expanse: exquisite fashion boutiques, commercial centers, small private artisan shops. Most of the shops are located on Meritxell Avenue.

  • encamp

Trail map

The city, located at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level and 7-10 minutes by bus from the center of Andorra, arose as a result of the confluence of five small mountain villages. After the opening of the Funicamp telecabin in 1999, it has become one of the main ski centers.

  • Soldeu and El Tarter

Trail map

Soldeu and El Tarter - two mountain village. This is perhaps one of the most picturesque skiing areas, located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, in the central part of Andorra. The dynamically developing resort offers skiers 193 km of slopes of any level of skiing. An 8.2 km long descent along a pine-lined trail to Soldeu is very attractive.

  • Pas de la casa

Trail map

One of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Andorra - Pas de la Casa - Grau Roig stretches to the border with France. According to experienced skiers, the local snow has amazing feature: at +10 C it remains dry and very slippery. Most mountain resort The Pyrenees are striking in their diversity mining ski slopes and unchanged throughout the season with snow cover thanks to a huge number of snow cannons. All slopes are equipped with a modern lift system.

  • La Massana

Trail map

This town in the west of the country is located between the rivers North Valira and Arinsal, at the intersection of the roads to Arinsal, Ordino, Arcalis and Andora la Vella. On the territory of La Massana is highest point Andorra-Coma-Pedrosa Very quickly and conveniently can be reached from the capital, using the new tunnel that connected Andorra la Vella and La Massana. In the very center of the town there is a new telecabin lift, which in just 5 minutes will take skiers to one of the skiing sectors of Vallnord - Pal. In addition, in 10-15 minutes, skiers can get on ski buses from hotels located in La Massana to the ski lifts of Arinsal, Yerts and Arcalis.

  • Pal Arinsal

Trail map

The ski resort includes two centers - Pal and Arinsal, combined into a single complex, which is called Pal-Arinsal. You can get from one center to another using a modern high-tech cable car - the Seturia telecabin. Resort Pal - Arinsal is located in the western part of Andorra, just 10 kilometers from the capital of Andorra La Vella. The main advantages of the ski resort are: developed tourist infrastructure, stability of the snow cover, perfect preparation of the slopes (Pal resort is the world leader in the number of snow guns per kilometer of descent).

Ski resorts Andorra is a map of picturesque slopes that have gained their fame due to a large selection of slopes and low cost for all types of entertainment. This region can easily compete with other ski resorts in Europe, becoming great place for family or youth recreation.

Ski resorts of Andorra on the map

The rest of the time, sunny and clear weather is observed on the territory of the principality with a minimum amount of precipitation and winds.

In the valley, right at the stations with lifts, there are many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can eat croissants and drink coffee. Also from the infrastructure it is worth noting the opportunity to go not only on skis, but also on skates, snowshoes and snowmobiles.

In another sector - Ordino Arcalis there are 26 kilometers of ski slopes located at an altitude of 1940-2625 meters:

  • 2 black;
  • 8 red;
  • 8 blue;
  • 6 green;
  • 1 slalom.

In general, it is great for fans of a wide variety of trails, from very steep and narrow to areas created by for kids.

In order not to get lost or injure yourself on the slope, there are signs and markings everywhere, as well as protective fences.

Ordino Arcalis is considered one of the most romantic regions of Andorra. Beyond incredible beautiful nature, there is a variety of attractions: ancient castles, old mansions and Romanesque temple buildings. This splendor is surrounded by snowy peaks, creating a wonderful picture of relaxation.

To the main benefits region include a wonderful microclimate, excellent service in hotels, as well as outside them, developed infrastructure and a budget option.

Tourism business in Ordino-Arcalis in very dawn, so tourists are protected from natural disasters. Many hotels are located directly near the ski lifts and have an official category from one to five stars.

Helpful information

  • Almost all Andorran resorts have Russian speaking instructors, so those who go with children may not worry about a decent education.
  • There are quite a few activities in the ski resorts, but in this part of Europe it is very popular shopping.
  • The advantage of shopping is that Andorra is a Duty-Free zone with prices lower than in neighboring France.

  • Andorran resorts are incredible popular tourists, so to get here at the end of December, tours should be booked already at the beginning.
  • In Andorra you can rent any equipment, except for glasses and a suit and gloves - they will have to be bought.

The largest area for skiing in the Pyrenees is the ski resort of Grandvalira in Andorra. For all visitors, 200 km of slopes are offered here. of varying complexity, 3 equipped snow parks, easy trails for children, many restaurants and cafes throughout the territory.

Also this great resort for those who are just learning to ski, there is an excellent ski school.

Experienced instructors will help you "get back on your feet" and conquer the snowy slopes. You can sign up for any convenient schedule, both for individual and group classes. Special mention deserves the Snow Hotel, which is located at an altitude of more than 2000 m and is completely made of ice.

Also, tourists will have the opportunity to swim in the Jacuzzi under open sky and taste the local culinary delights. Thanks to all this diversity, satisfied tourists often leave positive reviews about Grandvalira.

How to get there?

Since Andorra does not have its own airport, the nearest airport to the resort is the airport in Lleida (150 km). Having ordered tours in Grandvalira, you can also fly to Barcelona or Madrid, and from there get to the resort by bus. The nearest railway station is in French city Hospitalet (3 km from the border with Andorra), where there are also regular buses to the ski resort. Buses run every half an hour, the ticket price is 1-3 euros.

Trails, slopes and lifts

Today, this resort is considered one of the most popular in Southern Europe: 200 km of slopes with a height difference of up to 900 m, 64 high-speed and comfortable ski lifts, three freestyle snowparks, ski equipment rentals, ski schools and much more. You can also monitor the condition of the ski slopes and the weather on the slope at home, since the Grandvalira webcam allows this.

In total, there are 110 tracks, of which:

  • 18 - green;
  • 38 - blue;
  • 32 - red;
  • 22 - black.

There are also 4 separate off-piste routes, a boarder cross track and sports stadiums for competition. Here is something like this at the Grandvalira resort.

Ski pass (price in euros)

For children under 6 years old, holidays in Grandvalira are free. The season runs from early December to March.

Apres-ski

Especially for tourists, the resort has numerous restaurants, cafes, snack bars, shops and discos. The main attraction is considered to be Ice Palace. There are swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds for tennis and squash, saunas, solarium and indoor skating rink.
For lovers of outdoor activities, there is an opportunity to build your own ski route, ride a snowshoe or walk in snowshoes. And extreme people can climb to a height of 2520 meters and conquer the top of the resort. You can also visit the local car museum or the historical complex of ancient churches and fortresses built in the 12th-13th century. To find interesting place help for relaxation tourist map Grandvalira.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of the resort it is worth noting:

  • a great place for skiing for everyone - from beginners to professionals;
  • special tracks for children;
  • free rest for children under 6 years;
  • ski school and experienced instructors.

Whatever you read, however, it is better to see everything with your own eyes. We invite you to watch a video review of the resort:

As for the disadvantages, the resort is far enough from the airports, so you have to spend a lot of time to get here. In principle, everything else here is at the highest level, so you can spend wonderful holidays at the resort. the winter vacation and bring back memories of your vacation in Grandvalira: photos with children on the slopes, souvenirs and a lot of pleasant memories.