The Principality of Andorra has two main sources of replenishment of the state treasury: 1) duty-free trade and 2) ski tourism. And if the first thrives year-round, then the second - only from December to May. But the ski resorts of Andorra at that time bring huge income. Indeed, almost 80% of the territory of the dwarf state is lifts, slopes, hotels. All this ski structure is not only not inferior, but to a certain extent even surpasses the famous alpine resorts.
There are only five valleys in the principality, where skiers, snowboarders, and luge enthusiasts ride. Three of them are connected by a single system of tow ropes, saddles and cable lifts. These are Ordino, Soldeu and Pas de la Casa. The other two - Arinal and Pal - are removed from the others, but there is a single ski pass “Five Valleys”. Therefore, no matter what ski resorts of Andorra you choose, experts recommend buying this single ticket. You won’t be able to ride on all the tracks in one day, but you can try your hand at many for a week.
The ski resorts of Andorra are two hundred and eighty kilometers of pistes of varying degrees of difficulty.
It is also one hundred and fifty lifts combined into one system. Their total capacity is 140,000 people per hour. Naturally, all routes are protected by fences, protection from avalanches, marked, marked with distances and pointers. Each station has ski schools for both adults and children, both for beginners and for those who wish to improve their level. Each resort has its own kindergartens, where you can enroll your baby so that with a clear conscience go to conquer the slopes. Restaurants, equipment and ammunition rental points, sports shops will let you not lack anything.
How do Andorran ski resorts give odds to Alpine? You will not have a sense of isolation in a secluded, lost in the snow valley. Half an hour by bus - and you are already in the capital of the dwarf state. Andorra La Vella is surrounded on all sides by peaks of two and a half thousand meters in height. In addition to dizzying shopping, you can relax in the hot springs of the Caldea SPA Center. If you do not have enough adrenaline on regular tracks, you can try your hand at the virgin lands - heliski. A helicopter delivers to the places of skiing. Descent is allowed only in fine weather and accompanied by an experienced rescue instructor.
The slopes of the Pyrenees in this state abound with red and blue tracks, but there are green ones (4) and black ones for aces (5). The best ski resorts in Andorra, according to experts, are located in the capital, Soldeu and Ordino. These slopes are protected from piercing winds, and the climate in the state is very mild. Usually there are about 300 sunny days a year. If you are confident in skiing, you can try to choose Arinal as a vacation spot. The elevation difference in this resort is a thousand meters. Recently, a cable car was held here , bringing tourists to the very peak, from where amazing views of the shining Pyrenees, of which Andorra is rightfully proud, open up. Ski resorts, photos of which adorn the posters of numerous travel agencies, have their own specifics. Canillo, Escaldes, Ordino, La Massana - each is not like the other and offers its guests unique entertainment.