Andorra is a dwarf state sandwiched in the Pyrenees between Spain and France. But, despite its modest size, this principality beckons foreign tourists like a magnet. And there are several reasons for this.
The first is duty free trade. Because of this, in the “country of duty-free” (as Andorra is also called), you can buy quality goods at twenty-five, or even forty percent cheaper than in neighboring France and Spain. Secondly, relaxation in thermal baths. “Caldea” is a hydropathic institution in Andorra la Vella, known far beyond the borders of the country. Thirdly, the beautiful nature of the Pyrenees and ancient mountain villages clinging to the rocks like swallow's nests.
But the main attractions of the winter principality of Andorra are ski resorts. Thanks to them, the country collects more than one and a half million foreign tourists every year. And in winter, the population of the dwarf princedom increases tenfold! Our article will be devoted to the review of the best ski resorts .
Why winter Andorra is attractive
At first glance, the principality does not promise such dizzying heights as Switzerland and Austria lying in the Alps. The Pyrenees (at least those slopes where skiers ride) barely cross the mark of two and a half thousand meters above sea level. But there are pluses to the Principality of Andorra. Ski resorts (photo - confirmation of this) are well equipped. They have a variety of tracks and many lifts. The après ski is not forgotten. The resorts provide plenty of evening entertainment.
The service in Andorra is the same as in Europe as a whole. But the prices are much lower! Therefore, if for you a trip to Courchevel or Davos is an impossible dream, then why not try to break in the Iberian pistes in Andorra? In addition to skis, snowboards and sledges, this country has something to do. And the modest size of the principality only plays into the hands of those tourists who want to explore Andorra far and wide.
Do not forget about shopping. There are 1.5 stores per indigenous Andorran. And the last plus of the principality is the climate. Snow cover in this southern country is established every winter, unlike alpine resorts, where global warming presents unpleasant surprises to skiers.
How to get to Andorra
To visit the principality, you will need a multivisa of the Schengen zone. Why is it necessary to have multiple entry permits? Because in the dwarf princedom there is no airport. And the station, by the way, too. You will have to get on buses: either from France, or from Spain.
From Russia it is easiest to fly to Barcelona. There are direct buses from the capital of Catalonia to the Principality of Andorra. The country's ski resorts are also accessible from France. You should land in Toulouse, come from Blamyak airport to Matabiau main train station and take the train to La Tour de Carol. But get out not at the last stop, but at the Hospitalet station Pre-Andorr. A bus runs from there to the first ski resort of the principality - Pas de la Casa.
When to go to Andorra
In the "Duty Free Country" the flow of tourists is not scanty. The opportunity to buy high-quality household appliances, optics, electronics, watches, tobacco and alcohol exists in Andorra all year round. But in winter, ski equipment is added to this assortment. Clothing and footwear of the latest brands are sold thirty percent cheaper than in European countries, and last year’s models are doubled.
Andora, whose ski resorts are snowy every winter, opens skiing in December. It is then that a good cover is established on all slopes. And to the epithet "Country Duty Free" is added the "Principality of Ski Resort." And the last skiers go around in early April. But already in Pas de la Casa, the country's highest resort. In some years, they ride until the end of April, but not without the help of snow cannons.
Andora ski resorts: overview and reviews
In fact, the whole principality fits in one narrow mountain gorge, which gradually descends to the Spanish city of Sioux d'Urhel. In Andorra there are two ski areas, united by common ski passes.
The first of them - Grand Valira, is named after the main river of the Principality of Andorra. The ski resorts located in this ski area are Grau Roych, Pas de la Casa, El Tarter and Soldeu. Vallnord combines Arkalis and Pal-Arinsal. Of course, this is a very conditional division.
There are many more resorts separate, not included in the ski area, but no less popular. For example, La Rabassa, where the longest toboggan run in Europe is located, or Sant Julia de Loria. All these mountain resorts have their own specifics. And not only in terms of training skiers. There are resorts that are located very close to the capital of the country (Encamp, Escaldes), which is why you are provided with excellent apres-ski. But there are also quiet places (Canillo). And in Pas de la Casa, you can combine skiing holidays with gambling in the casino.
Grand Valira
In this ski area of the Principality of Andorra, the best ski resorts are located high on the slopes. Encamp and Pas de la Casa offer great après skiing. But at the same time, these resorts have many tracks of different difficulty levels. Lifts - gondolas, saddles, tow ropes, will bring the skiers up in fifteen minutes.
All tracks marked, illuminated in the evening, there are soft chippers. Snow cover is compacted with special equipment. Pas de la Casa has a halfpipe for snowboarders and a slalom track. These two best resorts of Grand Valira have a variety of terrain. There are both steep and gentle slopes. Therefore, skiers of various training can go here.
Wallnord
This ski area in the west includes resorts such as Ordino Arkalis and Pal Arinsal. The latter is the largest. It covers an area of seven hundred and seven hectares, along which sixty-three kilometers of tracks run. Ordino Arkalis is located at a considerable distance from the capital of the Principality of Andorra.
Ski resorts are called the most beautiful and romantic reviews. There are many Romanesque temples, ancient castles in Vallnord. So the lack of vibrant evening life can be compensated for by exciting excursions. Tourists consider Ordino and La Massana the best in this ski area. But the masses in skiing there will be bored.