When you think of Europe’s top ski areas, the same Alpine destinations tend to come to mind. The ever popular slopes of Les 3 Vallées, the various resorts of Les Portes du Soleil, the famous après-ski of Austria’s Arlberg. However, there is now a new kid on the block when it comes to ski areas with unparalleled potential, world-class skiing and a range of major winter sport events – the Andorran area of Grandvalira.
Nestled between France and Spain, the European microstate of Andorra offers some of the most spectacular skiing in the Pyrenees. Grandvilara is undoubtedly its crowning jewel, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and the first ski area outside the Alps with over 200km of ski runs.
Encompassing the resorts of Canillo, Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, Encamp, El Tarter and Grau Roig, each with their own distinct personalities, Grandvalira has all you could possibly want when it comes to a ski holiday. But don’t just take it from us – an increasing number of major winter sports events are being held here, cementing its place as a serious skiing destination.
The variety is impressive; events range from the Speed Skiing World Cup Finals and Total Fight Masters of Freestyle events, to Alpine Skiing European and World Cup races.
Most recently, the 2019 World Cup Finals showed the world just how much has been invested in Grandvalira over the years, with huge developments in infrastructure and facilities allowing this event to become the huge success it was.
However, Grandvalira has not stopped there, announcing a number of additional new developments for the coming winter and cementing its status as an area that just keeps getting better, season after season, year after year.
So What’s New This Winter?
Ski Area Growth
Grandvalira is one area where quantity does not come at the expense of quality, and this year we are getting more of both!
There is a planned new slope linking the main Grandvalira ski area to the ever-popular Sunset Park Peretol. This will make the Sunset Park, the only night-time snowpark in the Pyrenees, much more accessible, and allow more skiers to enjoy the highly entertaining freestyle setup that attracts world-class riders.
What’s more, the wide, snow-sure slopes of the Ordino-Arcalis ski area will this winter be included within the Grandvalira lift pass. Providing skiers with an extra 30km of piste to enjoy, this ramps up the available skiing total in the area up to a huge 240km for 2019/20.
Grandvalira lift passes are available at andorraresorts.com
Resort Growth
Not content with just expanding the ski area, Grandvalira is also upping its already extensive game when it comes to resort accommodation. A number of improvements and upgrades in resort reflect the advances on the slopes, as the whole area just goes from strength to strength. So, whether you prefer a cosy slope side apartment or a luxury spa hotel, you are in for a treat here, with modern facilities, impeccable hospitality and fantastically varied accommodation options.
If you’re looking for the most state-of-the-art stay, head to the stunning new Hermitage Mountain Residences in Soldeu, a new concept from Sport Hotels providing exclusive chalet-style private residences.
For those that prefer the friendly service of a hotel, we would recommend Hotels Naudi and Xalet Montana, both also in Soldeu and both of which underwent full renovations last season with incredibly impressive results.
If you’re heading to the area’s most lively resort, Pas de la Casa, last season saw the introduction of the new 4 Star Hotel Grand Pas by Pierre & Vacances Premium, which offers top notch facilities just 50m from the slopes.
Finally, for those looking for the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes, the spa at the Hotel Piolets Park & Spa has been fully refurbished for the 2019/20 season, with brand new facilities. It’s the perfect place to tend to any aching muscles and reflect on a great day spent enjoying this fantastic area.
Find your perfect Grandvalira ski holiday at andorraresorts.com
