Is Andorra good for skiing?
For most skiers, yes. Andorra has the biggest ski area in the Pyrenees, high resorts with a lot of snowmaking, ski schools used to English-speaking guests and lift passes that usually cost less than in the Alps. It is at its best for beginners, intermediates and families. Expert skiers will enjoy the freeride at Ordino Arcalís, but the steep, long descents of the big Alpine resorts are not what Andorra is about.
The three ski areas
| Ski area | Pistes | Altitude | From Barcelona | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandvalira | 210 km | 1,710 to 2,640 m | 2 h 45 min | The most terrain, all levels |
| Pal Arinsal | 63 km | 1,550 to 2,560 m | 3 h | Families, quieter slopes |
| Ordino Arcalís | 30 km | 1,940 to 2,625 m | 3 h 15 min | Snow, space and freeride |
Grandvalira
The giant: about 210 km of pistes across six linked sectors, from Encamp and Canillo to Soldeu, El Tarter, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa on the French border. Soldeu and El Tarter are the most popular with British skiers; Pas de la Casa is the highest and liveliest; Grau Roig is the quietest. In a single day you can only see part of it, so pick a side.
Pal Arinsal
The second-largest area, about 63 km above La Massana, with a cable car from the village up to Pal. It is calmer than Grandvalira, with a good beginner area at Arinsal, and suits mixed-level families.
Ordino Arcalís
The smallest and highest-feeling of the three, at the end of the Ordino valley: about 30 km of pistes, fewer people and some of the best freeride terrain in the Pyrenees.
When is the ski season in Andorra?
The season usually opens in early December, helped by snowmaking, and closes in early April. The best snow is usually from mid-January to early March. The busiest and most expensive weeks are Christmas and New Year, the Carnival week in February, and Easter; weekdays outside the Spanish and French school holidays are the quietest.
Ski passes and costs
A one-day adult pass at Grandvalira usually costs a little over €60, and Pal Arinsal a little less; prices rise in high season and are often cheaper bought online in advance. Ski rental starts at around €25 to €30 a day. Lunch on the mountain costs about the same as in the Spanish resorts, and less than in the Alps.
Skiing Andorra on a day trip from Barcelona
Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal are about three hours from Barcelona, so a day trip means an early start and an evening return, with around five hours on the snow. By bus you lose time changing to the slopes; by car you need chains and a passport. Our private Grandvalira day ski tour and Pal Arinsal day ski tour pick you up at your Barcelona hotel, handle the border and the rental, and bring you back the same evening. For the road, the bus and the border, see our Barcelona to Andorra guide.
Questions about skiing in Andorra
Is Andorra good for skiing?
Yes, especially for beginners, intermediates and families. Grandvalira is the biggest ski area in the Pyrenees, the resorts are high with good snowmaking, ski schools teach in English, and prices on the mountain are usually lower than in the Alps. Expert skiers may find the steep terrain more limited than in the big Alpine resorts.
When is the ski season in Andorra?
The season usually runs from early December to early April, depending on the snow. Snowmaking lets the resorts open the main pistes early, and the high sectors often stay open into April.
What is the best time to ski in Andorra?
From mid-January to early March the snow is usually at its best. The Christmas and New Year week, Carnival and Easter are the busiest and most expensive; weekdays outside the Spanish and French school holidays are the quietest.
Which is the best ski resort in Andorra?
It depends on what you want. Grandvalira for the most terrain and variety, Pal Arinsal for families and quieter slopes, Ordino Arcalís for snow, space and freeride.
Can you ski in Andorra on a day trip from Barcelona?
Yes. Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal are about three hours from Barcelona, which leaves around five hours on the snow if you leave early. A private transfer makes the day much easier than the bus.