Best resorts for skiing in Andorra

With over 1,000 ski resorts across Europe, overlooking Andorra is easily done. But this tiny county — just 468 square kilometers to France’s 551,500 square kilometers (that’s 1,179 times the size!) — packs a mighty punch and has some serious ski credentials. 

Andorra is home to the mighty Grandvalira, the world’s second-largest interconnected ski resort (just behind France’s Les 3 Vallées in terms of size!). It also holds Ordino Arcalís, an epic stop on the Freeride World Tour. Throw in the fact Andorra is a ‘tax haven’ (hint: cheaper drinks at après and duty-free shopping), and you’ve got more than a few reasons to check it out. So, let’s get to it, shall we?

Oh, and before you head off, make sure you’ve got the right gear. MONTEC’s latest collection has everything you need for the slopes!

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Top ski areas

Pas de la Casa

Perched on the French border, Pas de la Casa is Andorra’s highest resort and forms the loftiest point in the Grandvalira area. Its slopes reach up to 8,661 feet (2,640 meters) and spread over 62 miles (100 kilometers), offering a varied mix. You’ll find mellow beginner-friendly blues to steeper reds and blacks for more of a challenge. 

‘Pas’ (pronounced ‘Paz’) is ideal for freestyle addicts, with a dedicated snowpark area filled with jumps and rails meticulously shaped throughout the season. Off-piste is plentiful, too, with dedicated freeride zones accessible from the TK Pic Negre 2 lift, Coll Blanc high point, and the TK Montmalus lift. 

Despite its relatively small size, Pas de la Casa’s village is lively and well-developed. It’s loved for its duty-free shopping and a buzzing après scene, especially by the younger British crowd. Bars and clubs often stay open late, making it popular for continuing the fun off the slopes and well into the night. For a taste of the UK, hit The Red Lion or Paddy’s Irish Bar before moving on to late-night dance moves at Bilbord Nightclub. Accommodation is generally affordable, with a selection of budget options available. We’re fans of Hotel Cal Ruiz, known for its great food!

Soldeu

Reaching 8,530 feet (2,600 meters), Soldeu forms the middle of the expansive Grandvalira ski area and features around 62 miles (100 kilometers) of trails. Beginners will find gentle greens and blues. Meanwhile, confident intermediates and experts can explore faster reds or challenging blacks, especially through the freeride zone off the Tosa dels Espiolets high point. 

Soldeu also boasts a world-class freestyle park, often hosting ski and snowboard competitions. You can reach this expansive park from the Tosa Espiolets lift. Looking for more off-piste? Check out the mellow freeride zone around the Isard trail.

The village of Soldeu is small but has a welcoming Alpine vibe, with plenty of modern hotels, bars, and restaurants lined up along the main road. It’s more relaxed than some bigger-name resorts but still offers a friendly après scene. Our favorite spots include Fat Alberts for a post-ride bite and drink or Aspen Bar for live music and beers. Stay at the Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa, a five-star hotel with a striking wooden aesthetic. It’s super cozy and perfect for resting ski-weary legs!

Pal Arinsal

Pal Arinsal in La Massana combines two linked ski areas, which collectively provide around 39 miles (63 kilometers) of slopes and a top elevation of 8,366 feet (2,550 meters). You can expect a family-friendly vibe alongside epic off-piste. You’ll also find gentle, beginner-perfect runs and enough red and black trails to keep intermediates and advanced riders entertained. You’ll discover a well-regarded freestyle park with innovative features, too. 

Pal is wooded, while Arinsal offers a more open layout. Together, they form a diverse playground for you to lap all day. The area also holds the country’s highest vertical drop at 3,314 feet (1,010 meters). Drop in to the best freeriding terrain from the La Capa button lift at the Alt de la Capa high point on the Arinsal side. If you’re after relaxed tree runs, dip right off La Comellada into the trees on the Pal side. 

Off the hill, you can stay in Arinsal town, a smallish village with plenty going on. The five-star Hotel Princesa Parc Excellence has all the trimmings, including an amazing spa and gym and a top-notch restaurant. Want something a little more modest? Hotel Montané has comfy rooms and yummy food. For post-ride drinks, hit Cisco’s Apre Bar or The Derby Irish Pub. Hunters Sports Bar & Grill is always a safe bet for a delicious bite, too.

Ordino Arcalís

Last on our list is Ordino Arcalís. This Freeride World Tour (FWT) stop is tucked away in a scenic corner of Andorra. It boasts a top elevation of 8,612 feet (2,625 meters) and around 22 miles (35 kilometers) of terrain. It also has a fully dedicated freeride area. Okay, Ordino Arcalís might be smaller than nearby resorts. Still, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in variety and off-piste potential. 

Though the resort is low-key, it’s well worth the trip. On pow days, Ordino Arcalís truly shines, inviting skiers to explore its natural bowls and steeper couloirs. You’ll also discover well-groomed beginner and intermediate runs. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the snowpark area and practice your jumps and tricks.

Stay in one of the hotels leading up to Ordino Arcalís and catch the complimentary ski bus every morning. Alternatively, book a room in La Cortinada and experience Hotel Mu Plaza, a cow-themed hotel with lots of black and white cushions and an outdoor hot tub. It’s a great spot with fantastic mountain views. There’s not much in the way of après here, but Ordino is only a few minutes away, with plenty of little bars and restaurants.

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Where is the best backcountry?

For freeride fans, Ordino Arcalís is often hailed as Andorra’s top backcountry spot. Its higher elevation and diverse terrain let advanced skiers and snowboarders venture off-piste to explore powder-filled bowls and steeps. However, Pal Arinsal also has pockets of untracked snow and fun tree-skiing. 

While Andorra is relatively small, the Pyrenean backdrop delivers surprising variety, and local guides can help you find hidden stashes. Just remember to pack proper avalanche gear and stay up to date about current snow conditions and risks.

Which resorts are in the Grandvalira?

Grandvalira joins several interconnected ski areas across Andorra. The main hubs include Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo, and Encamp — all linked by modern lifts and shared lift tickets. This collection of connected resorts makes Grandvalira one of Europe’s largest ski domains, with something for every style and ability.

When deciding where to stay, it’s handy to know that Pas de la Casa is famous for its après and vibrant nightlife. Soldeu draws families and intermediates seeking well-groomed pistes. El Tarter and Canillo have a slightly quieter vibe. 

Wrapping up

Andorra may be a small country, but it packs a big punch when it comes to skiing. After all, there’s tons of variety – from the bustling après-ski in Pas de la Casa to the freeride havens of Ordino Arcalís. Factor in the family-friendly slopes of Soldeu and the easy links across Grandvalira, and you have a Pyrenean playground for every style. 

Love this article, or think we missed something? Hit us up at crew@montecwear.com to get more insider tips for your next Andorra ski trip.

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