The Ski Resort
Grandvalira features more than 200 kilometers (124,2 miles) of skiable terrain and is therefore Pyrenees´s biggest ski resort. The oldest ski resorts Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig (founded in 1956) and Soldeu-El Tarter (founded in 1964) merged together in 2003, so that they could give skiers the possibility of skiing an enormous amount of trails with one ski pass. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, most terrain above the timberline and blessed with guaranteed snow cover it´s the perfect spot to come for your winter vacation. By boasting 210 kilometers (130,4 miles) of trails, 118 downhill runs and three terrain parks you´ll always find yourself entertained.
Grandvalira is situated in the western part of Andorra. It consists of six zones (Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa) that are connected throughout the resort and each town offers accessibility to the ski trails.
Pas de la Casa borders to France and is very popular among ski vacationers coming from the direction. You´ll find a massive amount of terrain diversity and offers for all ability levels. Ski novices should stick to the lower mountain and check out the two dedicated learning areas Abelletes and Font Negre. Here you won´t have an audience while practicing your first curves. Pass the mountain ridge and follow the runs for beginners, intermediates and experts to get to Grau Roig.
Skiers at Grau Roig can expect a spectacular panorama at its best. This is the only zone where you start from a parking lot and not from a town to access the ski trails. Trails for all levels are available as well and with three special designed kids areas it´s the perfect zone for families with children. Check out the fresh powder descends and the well-known Antenes run, the only trail on the Iberian peninsula, that is also home to world cup races in speed competitions.
From Grau Roig it´s fairly easy to get to Soldeu, which is pretty much the center of the resort. It welcomes with 35 runs and is ideal for beginners by designating just over half of its trails as green and blue. So there´s never a lack of choice for people that don´t feel that safe on their skis yet. With the runs being wide-open you can practically avoid any contact to other skiers and riders. Experts should definitely come here for the tough trails. Especially the Avet run, that was already home to the ski world cup will even make best skiers think twice.
The neighboring zone, El Tarter, is the place to be for professionals and Freestyler that will appreciate the generous terrain park El Tarter. Hit the longest lines of the Pyrenees and be part of events and competitions that are often on the agenda. The Freestyle Academy is open daily and makes sure Freestylers can improve their skills and tricks in a safe environment. Furthermore, since 2013 the Àliga run is open for FIS competitions and 2016 it will even be host to the Alpine ski world cup. Thrill-seekers with some experience under their belt can hit the run already.
If you don´t feel that brave yet, head to the next zone Canillo. Except for the black run Gaig every trail is decelerated as ´easy´. The town itself can be described as pretty calm and laid back and the run variety with 6 runs is pretty limited so families who have to keep an eye on their kids usually love to spend their days here.
Last but not least, the zone Encamp. The town provides access for vacationers coming from Andorra and Spain. The 6 kilometer (3,7 miles) ride in the gondola takes 15 minutes and you´ll find yourself standing on the runs of Solanelles. First thing you´ll notice is the spectacular view of the surroundings and the next minute you can whisk down four blues and two reds. The Collobri run is one of the highlights in this sector. From Sollanges you have easy access to El Tarter and Grau Roig.
Interesting facts
- The ski resort takes you to an elevation of 2,640 m.
- Average snow depth during the season is 88 cm at summit elevation and 39 cm at base elevation. Snow coverage is usually best during March, offering an average snow depth of 128 cm at summit elevation and 63 cm at the base.
- Grandvalira features 5 sunny days on average per season. March is the sunniest month with an average of 2 sunny days.
Snow Safety & Snowmaking
On Mountain Dining
Must-Ski Runs
Most Difficult Runs
Longest Runs
Nightskiing
Videos
Activities
Après-Ski and Nightlife
Dining and Restaurants
Infrastructure & Rental
There are several shops for ski rental and ski schools in Grandvalira.
Getting here
Coming from France, take N-22 until you get to Pas de la Casa Andorra. From here you already have access to the ski resort or just continue following CG-2.
Coming from Spain, take C-145 from Lleida or C-16 from Cadí tunel or Puigcerdà towards the ski resort. From La Seu d´Urgell you have to continue for further 30 kilometers (18,6 miles) to Encamp, the first town that gives you access to the ski resort.
By train
There is no direct train connection available. Coming from Spain you can take the express train (AVE) to Lleida, Viatges Montmantell or Alsina-Graells. From there, busses are traveling to Andorra. Coming from France, you can buy a ticket to L´Hospitalet-près-l´Andorre and La Tour de Carol, where busses are running as well.
By plane
The closest airports are Toulouse Blagnac International Airport in France that is about 195 kilometers (121 miles) away or you can fly to the Spanish Lleida-Alguaire International Airport, that is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) away.