The Hidden Gem of European Skiing

Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is one of Europe's oldest and smallest states. If you are looking for a winter getaway that combines beautiful scenery, rich culture, and excellent skiing opportunities, Andorra is the perfect destination.

It has a fascinating history goes back to the 9th century, when it was created by the legendary king Charlemagne, who granted it to the Bishop of Urgell for his help against the invading Moors.

Since then, Andorra has been ruled by two co-princes: the Bishop of Urgell and the French head of state, who inherited the title from the Count of Foix, a Catalan nobleman who married the Lord of Caboet, the protector of the Bishop. This unique arrangement has allowed Andorra to maintain its independence and identity throughout the centuries despite being surrounded by powerful neighbours.

In 1993, Andorra adopted a new constitution that transformed it into a parliamentary democracy, with a head of government elected by the people and a legislative council composed of 28 members. The co-princes still have a symbolic role, but the real power lies now in the hands of the Andorran people.

A winter wonderland

Andorra has four ski resorts with various slopes, facilities, and activities for skiers of all levels and preferences.

Grandvalira is the largest ski area in Andorra, with more than 200 km of ski trails on 127 slopes. It is also the most diverse, with snowparks, freeride zones, cross-country skiing, and heli-skiing options. Grandvalira is ideal for families, groups, and expert skiers who want to enjoy a wide range of experiences.

Photo by Grandvalira Ski Resort

Ordino Arcalí is Andorra's highest and snowiest ski resort, with 34 slopes of all difficulty levels. It is known for its pure skiing pleasure, with stunning views, natural terrain, and quality snow. Ordino Arcalís is perfect for skiers who love nature, adventure, and authenticity.

Photo by Ordino Arcalí

Pal Arinsal is a friendly and cosy ski resort with 52 slopes for fans of all types of skiing. It has a snowpark, a freestyle area, and a ski school for beginners and children. Pal Arinsal is great for skiers wanting fun, learning, and socialising.

Photo by Pal Arinsal

Naturland is an eco-park that offers more than just skiing. It has 15 km cross-country skiing slopes, a 5.3 km toboggan run, and a snowmobile circuit. It also has an animal park, a zip line, and a botanical garden. Naturland is a must-visit for skiers who are looking for something different, exciting, and educational.

Photo by Naturland Ski Restort

Where to rent skis

You can rent skis and other equipment at any of the ski resorts or the many ski shops in Andorra. Some of the most popular ski rental companies are:

Esports Pic Negre: You will find this chain of ski shops in Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalís, and Pal Arinsal. It offers a wide selection of skis, boots, helmets, and accessories for all levels and styles. You can book online and get discounts and free delivery.

Esports Sant Moritz: This is a ski shop in Arinsal, near the Pal Arinsal ski resort. It has a large stock of skis, boots, helmets, and accessories for rent. You can book online and get discounts and free delivery.

What to do when not skiing

Visit Andorra la Vella: A small but charming city that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether interested in history, culture, nature, or shopping, you will find something to enjoy in this mountainous destination. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Andorra la Vella:

Visit the Church of Sant Esteve, a Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. It has a beautiful apse with frescoes and a bell tower overlooking the city. You can also admire the Gothic altarpiece and the Baroque organ inside the church.

Snap a picture of Noblesse du Temps, a bronze sculpture by the famous artist Salvador Dali. It represents a melting clock and a human figure, symbolizing the passage of time and the nobility of the human spirit. It is in the Piazza della Rotonda, near the Casa de la Vall.

See other intriguing statues and sculptures around the city, such as the Seven Poets, inspired by the stylites of the Byzantine Empire and paying tribute to the seven parishes of Andorra; the Dancing Couple, a modern and dynamic piece that celebrates love and life; and the Monument to the Men of the Mountain, a tribute to the people who lived and worked in the harsh conditions of the Pyrenees.

Admire Casa de la Vall, the former seat of the Andorran parliament and one of the oldest buildings in the country. It was built in 1580 as a manor house and later became the headquarters of the Consell General, the legislative body of Andorra. You can visit the house's interior and see the historical rooms, such as the Council Chamber, the Court of Justice, and the Green Room.

Cross the Bridge of la Margineda, the largest medieval bridge in Andorra. It spans the Valira River and connects the towns of Andorra la Vella and Santa Coloma. It was built in the 14th century and has a length of 33 meters and a height of 9.2 meters. It is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture and engineering.

Soak up the views from the Town Square, the city's main plaza and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists. Cafes, restaurants, and shops surround it, and it hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and valley from the square.

Go shopping at Avinguda Meritxell, the city's main commercial street and one of the most popular attractions in Andorra. Here, you can find many shops, from international brands to local boutiques, offering everything from fashion to electronics to souvenirs. You can also take advantage of Andorra's low taxes and duty-free prices.

Photo by Dawid Kalisinski Photography / iStock

How to get here

Air Nostrum operates a route between Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell Airport and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The service commenced during the winter season, and every week there are two regularly scheduled departures in each direction.

The closest airports in France or Spain are:

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS): This is the nearest airport in France, about 196 km from Andorra. It has flights from many European and international destinations. The bus to Andorra takes about 3 hours and costs about 40 euros. By car, it takes about 2 hours.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): This is the nearest airport in Spain, about 202 km from Andorra. It has flights from many European and international destinations. The bus takes about 3 hours and costs about 35 euros. By car, it takes about 2.5 hours and costs about 25 euros for tolls and gas.