GrandValira

Grandvalira is a ski resort located in the Pyrenees in the Principality of Andorra. It occupies a large area that runs from the centre of the country and extends eastwards to the French border.

In 1956 the businessman and ski champion Francesc Viladomat installed the first ski lift at the top of Coll Blanc in Pas de la Casa. It was powered by a lorry engine and could transport 450 skiers every hour.

From that moment on, the resort grew at an average of one new lift per year. In addition to the optimal snow conditions in Grandvalira-Pas de la Casa, the wide slopes and a variety of slope levels allow you to enjoy snow sports to the full. By the way, if you’ve never skied before and don’t know what a ski resort is, you’ll find information on the link so you don’t get lost in the terminology.

Grandvalira, the biggest ski area in the Pyrenees

Grandvalira is one of the most important economic and tourist engines of the Principality. Its modern ski lifts, services and residential complexes attract skiers from all over Europe.

Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and is made up of several interconnected resorts offering a wide variety of slopes and services. The main resorts that make up Grandvalira are:

Pas de la Casa I 100 km of pistes

Pas de la Casa is one of Grandvalira’s most emblematic resorts, located on the border with France. It has 100 km of skiable slopes, divided into a variety of levels from beginners to advanced. The resort is famous for its Directa piste, which offers a thrilling descent with spectacular views. Pas de la Casa is connected to Grau Roig by ski lifts, allowing skiers to easily explore both areas. This sector is especially popular with young people due to its lively nightlife and large number of shops and restaurants.

The resort of Pas de la Casa is the highest in Andorra, with its most relevant peak being the Pic d’Envalira, which reaches 2,740 metres. This elevation guarantees good snow conditions throughout the season. In addition, Pas de la Casa is known for its modern facilities and the quality of its snow, making it a favourite destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Its huge urban infrastructures offer a wide range of accommodation at the foot of the slopes, restaurants and leisure activities, but its enormous activity and frequentation may not be desired by skiers looking for peace and quiet.

Grau Roig I 42 km of pistes

Grau Roig stands out for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, as it is the only Grandvalira resort without urban infrastructure. With 42 km of skiable slopes, it is an ideal destination for those looking for a more authentic skiing experience connected with nature. The Antenes piste is one of the most famous, offering a challenge for advanced skiers with breathtaking panoramic views. Grau Roig is interconnected with Pas de la Casa and Encamp, providing access to a wide range of slopes and services.

In addition, Grau Roig is home to the adventure activity centre, where you can practise sports such as mushing, snowshoeing and igloo building. This sector is known for its excellent snow quality and its orientation, which ensures good conditions throughout the ski season. The tranquillity and pristine scenery make Grau Roig a gem for those looking to escape the crowds.

Soldeu I 75 km of pistes

Soldeu is one of Grandvalira’s most complete and popular sectors, offering 75 km of high quality slopes. The Avet piste is the most famous, used in international competitions such as the Alpine Ski World Cup. Soldeu is connected to El Tarter and Canillo by an efficient network of ski lifts, allowing easy access to a vast ski area. The resort is renowned for its excellent ski school and its focus on high quality service, attracting families and skiers of all levels.

The Soldeu sector boasts the Tosa peak, which rises to 2,560 metres, providing a breathtaking view and challenging descents. Modern infrastructure and numerous luxury accommodation options, together with a vibrant apres-ski offer, make Soldeu a first-class destination. In addition, direct piste access from many hotels facilitates a comfortable and convenient skiing experience.

El Tarter I 60 km of slopes

El Tarter is known for its snowpark, the largest in southern Europe, which attracts freestylers from all over the world. With 60 km of pistes, it offers a variety of terrain to suit beginners and advanced skiers alike. The Aliga piste is particularly outstanding, having hosted several international competitions. El Tarter is connected to Soldeu and Canillo, allowing for excellent integration within the Grandvalira domain.

In addition to its impressive snowpark, El Tarter boasts the freeride area Pic d’Encampadana, which offers exciting off-piste challenges. The resort is also popular for its events and competitions, as well as its vibrant nightlife and dining options. With its combination of modern facilities and varied terrain, El Tarter is a preferred destination for those looking for a complete skiing and snowboarding experience.

Canillo I 27 km of slopes

Canillo offers a more relaxed, family-friendly skiing experience, with 27 km of slopes suitable for beginners and families. The Forn piste is ideal for intermediate skiers looking to improve their skills in a quiet environment. Canillo is connected to Soldeu and El Tarter, providing access to a wider range of slopes and services. This sector is known for its friendly atmosphere and its focus on family activities, including the Mont Magic adventure park.

The most relevant peak in Canillo is the Tossal de la Llosada, which rises to 2,560 metres and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. The resort also has several picnic areas and recreational areas, making it ideal for families with young children. The offer of off-piste activities, such as ice skating and the alpine toboggan run, complements the skiing experience and ensures fun for all members of the family.

Encamp I 63 km of slopes

Encamp serves as the gateway to Grandvalira thanks to the Funicamp, a gondola lift that transports skiers from the village of Encamp to the heart of the ski area in just 15 minutes. With 63 km of slopes, Encamp offers a wide variety of terrain for all levels. The Devesa piste is particularly well known for its length and spectacular views. Encamp is connected to Grau Roig, allowing easy access to an extensive ski area.

In addition to its slopes, Encamp is known for its wide range of services and facilities, including equipment hire, shops and restaurants. Its accessibility and proximity to Andorra la Vella (7.5 km) make it a popular choice for both novice skiers who also want to enjoy shopping and experienced skiers who prefer not to sleep at altitude.

Ordino Arcalís I 30 km of pistes

Ordino Arcalís, although not part of the original core of Grandvalira, has recently been integrated and is known for its exceptional snow conditions and off-piste terrain. With 30 km of pistes, it is a favourite destination for skiers and snowboarders looking for off-piste adventure. The Megaverda piste is ideal for beginners, while the descents of Creussans challenge more experienced skiers. Ordino Arcalís is not directly connected by lifts to the other Grandvalira resorts, but its inclusion significantly expands the options available to visitors.

The highest point in Ordino Arcalís is the Pic de l’Hortell, which reaches 2,625 metres, offering stunning views and challenging descents. The resort is also famous for its freeride and snowboarding activities, as well as its international competitions. With a focus on snow quality and terrain maintenance, Ordino Arcalís is a valuable complement to the Grandvalira domain, offering a unique experience for ski and snowboard lovers.

Grandvalira, a resort full of activities

In Grandvalira, the Antenes-Pitu Figueras slope stands out, ideal for hosting the Km Launch World Cup. Its 900-metre length with a 200-metre drop and 280-metre braking zone make it the ideal place to reach dizzying top speeds in just a few seconds. Grandvalira-Grau Roig has slopes for all levels and a children’s snow circuit in the forest.

In addition to alpine sports, Grandvalira has boosted the offer of alternative sports such as ski mountaineering and snowshoeing, with dedicated circuits totalling more than 70 km of signposted routes. These activities allow visitors to explore unspoilt winter landscapes and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

In addition to snow activities, Grandvalira also offers unique experiences such as mushing, snowmobiling and paragliding, providing thrills and breathtaking panoramic views. For the more adventurous, the ski area has specific freeride and snowpark areas, including the famous El Tarter Snowpark, which is the largest in southern Europe and attracts freestylers from all over the world. In summer, the resort transforms its facilities to offer activities such as golf on Europe’s highest course in Soldeu, hiking, mountain biking and the Mont Magic adventure park in Canillo, which has zip lines, slides and play areas for the little ones.

Ordino Arcalis joins Grandvalira

Far from the first news that predicted the disappearance of Grandvalira, Ordino-Arcalis has joined the conglomerate of resorts. Ordino Arcalis also has 385 artificial snow cannons to extend the snow season to the maximum. It has more than 70 pistes, three unlimited Freestyle and Freeride areas, and three ski schools with more than 250 instructors. There is no physical connection between Ordino-Arcalís and Grandvalira, in fact, it is located in another valley and the bus connection is not very convenient at the moment. However, together they make a huge ski area that attracts tourists from all over Andorra, Spain and France to enjoy the snowy mountains of the snow country.

Sustainable development of the Grandvalira ski resort

One of the charms of Grandvalira is its natural environment. We can experience it, enjoy it, photograph it, remember it? But we also have a responsibility to protect and care for it. That’s why Grandvalira works to ensure sustainability and encourage visitors to act consciously and responsibly.

A large part of Grandvalira’s domains extend through Pyrenean forest areas of great richness and biodiversity. The resort’s priority has always been to be respectful of the environment in all adaptations of the terrain and to this end a series of interventions are carried out to minimise the impact.

To protect the surrounding fauna,

OBSTACLES ARE SIGNPOSTED IN GRANDVALIRA AND AREAS ARE DEMARCATED FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF CERTAIN SPECIES, SUCH AS THE BEARDED VULTURE,

the such as the bearded vulture and the capercaillie.

On the other hand, to promote these values among children, educational projects are carried out, such as the “Forn Natura”, where experimentation through the senses is encouraged.

All waste is treated and managed in accordance with the National Waste Plan of the Department of the Environment of the Government of Andorra.

On the other hand, one of the main maxims of Grandvalira is the permanent work to reduce water consumption in the domain. The new sustainable buildings regenerate 36% of the water and the new ecological toilets 80%. A remote management system for the water networks has been implemented and the water treatment plants have been extended. Finally, the GrandValira Social Foundation and its social projects, which have a profound impact on the neediest groups in Andorra, are worthy of mention.

Unforgettable experiences in Grandvalira

Grandvalira-El Tarter is one of the most dynamic sectors of the resort and is designed for extreme sports. Here you will find the Snowpark El Tarter, where the most important freestyle activity in southern Europe is concentrated. You can enjoy ratrack skiing, different off-piste descents. Families will also find in this sector a varied offer for the little ones, a children’s snow circuit and lots of entertainment.

In addition, Grandvalira has opted to host important international events such as the Alpine Ski World Cup Finals 2023, the World Cup Kilometre Throwing (held on the Riberal piste in the Grau Roig sector) or the Total Fight Masters of Freestyle, which brings together the best athletes in the world in disciplines such as snowboarding and skiing.

But it’s not all about events and skiing, that’s why Grandvalira has for years made a commitment to restaurants and now offers new gastronomic experiences such as the Vodka Bar and the Clicquot Bubble Experience.

GrandValira mountain resort in summer

The offer of the ski resorts with the best après-ski invites you to think of Grandvalira. During the warmer months, cycling enthusiasts have an appointment here with Grandvalira Mountain Bike Park with different routes, circuits and modalities to suit all tastes.

Grandvalira’s Mon(t) Màgic also has a leisure and play area where young and not-so-young alike can make the most of the summer in the mountains.

One of the most thrilling activities is the 550-metre zip line, making it the longest zip line in the Pyrenees. You can also discover the Màgic Gliss mountain slide and the great novelty, the Màgic Gliss 3D Experience, an authentic virtual reality experience.

To do any of the activities at the Mon(t) Magic you need to buy the Pedestrian Pass.

Here you will also find Grandvalira Golf Soldeu, the highest course in Europe: located at an altitude of 2,000 metres. Surprising.

Finally, if you are travelling with children and you like walking in the mountains, we recommend you to walk the 600 metres of the Tibetan bridge in Canillo, and to go to the Tristaina solar viewpoint. If you don’t have children and you are trained, try the Iron Route.

Hotels in GrandValira

City M28 ***

The City M28 is a hotel strategically located in the commercial centre of Andorra la Vella, 10 minutes from the Grandvalira ski slopes. This establishment offers spectacular views of the Andorran Pyrenees.

The accommodation has 48 multi-purpose rooms equipped with full bathroom with hairdryer and satellite television.

For buffet lovers, there is a restaurant with buffet breakfast, cafeteria, as well as free WIFI throughout the hotel, laundry service and a safe at reception.

Public parking is available nearby and pets are allowed.

Hotel Cervol ***

Hotel Cervol is located in a quiet area of Andorra la Vella, a 10-minute walk from the shopping area and close to sports facilities such as Serradells sports centre and the football and rugby stadiums.

The establishment has a fitness area (gym, sauna and Turkish bath). It is close to the public transport service, allowing you to leave your car in the car park to reach the city centre or the GrandValira station.

It includes a buffet breakfast to give you energy for a full day’s skiing. It also has free Wifi, solarium, laundry, dry cleaning and a cafeteria.

Hotel Antic 3000

The Hotel Antic 3000 is located in the heart of the Ordino valley, right next to the Anem 3000 Apartments in an incredible location less than 15 minutes from the ski slopes.

All rooms have a full bathroom with bathtub, hairdryer, a small bathroom kit, telephone and television.

The establishment has a lift, restaurant and cafeteria open until 11 pm, free Wi-Fi in all rooms and heating.

The hotel also has parking spaces available to guests, subject to availability on arrival.

Pets are also allowed, on request and with a supplement, for those who do not want to leave their beloved pets in a kennel in their home town.

Skiing in GrandValira: the resort’s strengths

1. Thanks to the union of Andorra’s three ski resorts, you can now ski its 303 kilometres of slopes with a single ski pass.
2. Grandvalira’s ski slopes are very diverse. We invite you to take your skis on a journey through its balmy paradises, crossing its different sectors such as Soldeu, El Tarter, Grau Roig or the wide ski motorways of Pas de la Casa.
3. Close to the capital of Andorra: Andorra la Vella, the highest and smallest capital of Europe with countless ski shops in Andorra, as well as shops oriented to cosmetics, electronics and brand boutiques.
4. It has very exclusive, gastronomy-oriented establishments such as La Petite Fôret run by the well-known chef Erik Ríos and owned by the famous artist Philippe Shangti. You’ll also find other fashionable places like Veuve Clicquot In The Snow or L’Abarset which are well worth a visit if you like glamorous places where you’ll probably find a youtuber or even Baroness Carmen Thyssen.
5. For prices, their sectors. The cheapest is Pas de la Casa and the most exclusive is Soldeu. If you visit the latter and you have a fine palate, we recommend you visit the only one that can boast a Michelin star, the Ibaya Restaurant run by the Riojan chef Francis Paniego.
6. Andorra is a small country, just 468m2, which is easy to visit by car and driving along its winding roads. If you like trekking, you can do countless mountain routes, enjoy its 60 high altitude lakes, the Ordino Biosphere Reserve or the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley (declared a World Heritage Site in 2004).
7. If you travel to Grandvalira in summer, we recommend a stop at Naturland, with its 800 hectares dedicated to children’s leisure activities.
8. It has the highest golf course in Europe, at 2,000 metres above sea level.
9. It has a wide and varied range of high quality hotels. If you like spas, a visit to Caldea, with its more than 45,000 m2, is a must.
10. The co-principality of Andorra is no longer considered a tax haven, but has very low taxes. Although it is not part of the European Union, EFTA or the Eurozone, it uses the Euro.
11. Less than 3 hours drive from Barcelona or Toulouse. In winter, there are flights between Madrid and La Seu d’Urgell airport.