Andorra is a dwarf state sandwiched in the Pyrenees between Spain and France. But, despite its modest size, this principality attracts foreign tourists like a magnet. And there are several reasons for this.
First, it's duty-free. Because of this, in the “country of duty free” (as Andorra is also called), you can buy quality goods for twenty-five or even forty percent cheaper than in neighboring France and Spain. Secondly, relaxation in thermal baths. "Caldea" hydropathic in Andorra la Vella, known far beyond the borders of the country. Thirdly, the beautiful nature of the Pyrenees and the ancient mountain villages clinging to the rocks like swallows' nests.
But the most important sights of the winter Principality of Andor are ski resorts. It is thanks to them that the country gathers more than one and a half million foreign tourists every year. And in winter, the population of the dwarf principality increases tenfold! Our article will be devoted to an overview of the best ski resorts.
What makes winter Andorra attractive
Onat 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 ski) barely step over the mark of two and a half thousand meters above sea level. But the Principality of Andora also has its advantages. Ski resorts (photo - confirmation of this) are well equipped. They have a variety of trails and many lifts. Don't forget après-ski. The resorts offer plenty of evening entertainment.
Service in Andorra is the same as in Europe as a whole. But the prices are much lower! Therefore, if a trip to Courchevel or Davos is an impossible dream for you, then why not try to run the Pyrenean slopes in Andorra? In addition to skiing, snowboarding and sledding, there is plenty to do in this country. And the modest size of the principality only plays into the hands of those tourists who want to explore Andorra far and wide.
Don't forget about shopping. There are 1.5 stores per native Andorran. And the last plus of the principality is the climate. The snow cover in this southern country sets in every winter, unlike the Alpine resorts, where global warming brings unpleasant surprises to skiers.
How to get to Andorra
To visit the Principality, you will need a multivisa of the Schengen area. Why do you need a multiple entry permit? Because there is no airport in the dwarf principality. And the station, by the way, too. You will have to get there by bus: either from France or from Spain.
From Russia it is easiest to fly toBarcelona. From the capital of Catalonia there are direct buses to the Principality of Andora. The country's ski resorts are also accessible from France. You should land in Toulouse, come from Blamyac airport to the main train station Matabyu and take the train to La Tour de Carol. But get off not at the last stop, but at the station Hospitalet Pre-Andorre. From there, a bus runs to the principality's first ski resort, Pas de la Casa.
When to go to Andorra
The flow of tourists to the "Country of Duty Free" is not depleted. The opportunity to buy high-quality household appliances, optics, electronics, watches, tobacco products and alcohol exists in Andorra all year round. But in winter, ski equipment is also added to this assortment. Clothing and shoes of the latest brands are sold thirty percent cheaper than in European countries, and last year's models are sold twice.
Andora, whose ski resorts are covered with snow every winter, opens skiing in December. It is then that a good cover is established on all slopes. And to the epithet "Duty Free Country" is added "Principality Ski Resort". And the last skiers finish their walk in early April. But already in Pas de la Casa, the highest resort in the country. In some years, they ski until the end of April, but not without the help of snow cannons.
Andora, ski resorts: review and reviews
In fact, the entire principality fits in one narrow mountain gorge, which gradually descends to the Spanish city of Sioux d'Urgel. Andorra has two ski areas, united by common ski passes.
The first of them is Grand Valira, named after the main river of the Principality of Andor. The ski resorts located in this ski area are Grau Roig, Pas de la Casa, El Tarter and Soldeu. Vallnord unites Arcalis and Pal-Arinsal. Of course, this is a very conditional division.
There are many more separate resorts that are 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), and therefore you are provided with excellent après-ski. But there are also quiet places (Canillo). And in Pas de la Casa, you can combine a ski holiday with gambling in a casino.
Grand Valira
In this ski area of the Principality of Andora, the best ski resorts are located high on the slopes. Encamp and Pas de la Casa offer excellent après ski. But at the same time, these resorts have many trails of different difficulty levels. Lifts - gondola, saddle, tow, will take skiers to the top in fifteen minutes.
All trails are marked, illuminated in the evening, there are soft bumpers. The 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 are distinguished by a variety of relief. There are both steep and gentle slopes. Therefore, skiers of variouspreparation.
Vallnord
This ski area in the west of the country includes such resorts as Ordino Arcalis and Pal Arinsal. The last one is the largest. It covers an area of seven hundred and seven hectares, along which sixty-three kilometers of trails run. Ordino Arcalis is located at a considerable distance from the capital of the Principality of Andor.
Ski resorts are called the most beautiful and romantic. There are many Romanesque churches and ancient castles in Vallnord. So the lack of vibrant evening life can be compensated for by exciting excursions. Tourists consider Ordino and La Massana to be the best in this ski area. But the skiing masses will be bored there.
