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Resort |
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Andorra has for years had a reputation as the ideal low-cost ski destination. Increasing ski areas and a very high standard of lifts and facilities, together with improved inter-links mean it compares very well with Alpine destinations. Situated in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is well known for quality skiing and duty free shopping. The principality of Andorra is located equidistant from Toulouse and Barcelona airports. It has the largest skiable area in the Pyrenees. Andorra can offer 5 ski stations, 105 ski lifts and a skiable area of almost 300 kilometres. There are 1083 snow canons, which guarantee skiing during the whole season. It is an ideal destination for all levels of skier and has an excellent ski record.
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Skiing and boarding |
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Skiing in Andorra really does offer something for everyone. Varied, high altitude skiing, excellent ski schools and a choice of three very different ski resorts. There has been a lot of investment put into developing powerful lift systems and piste grooming fleets. This makes the ski areas attractive to beginners and intermediates with some great skiing for advanced skiers. Andorra has a reliable snow record and its location close to booth the Mediterranean and the Atlantic oceans and the high altitude of its resorts means that it gets substantial snowfalls.
Arinsal attracts more first time skiers and boarders whilst Soldeu links with the Grandvalira ski area. Skiing in Soldeu offers an impressive 120 miles of pistes and benefits from excellent beginner and early intermediate terrain. Soldeu has become the home of snowboarding in the Pyrenees. Pas de la Casa is Andorra's liveliest resort and also links with the Grandvalira ski area. more>>
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Apres ski |
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In Soldeu: There is a lively après ski scene, which is mainly English speaking. Aspen and Piccadilly are popular bars in the centre of the town. The Capital Club in the Hotel Piolets and the Pussycat Club behind the Aspen have dancing until the early hours. In Canillo, The place to see and be seen is the unassuming Pub Camping Pia. This bar has great music and good drinks that is open until 0430am. The Roc Bar offers live entertainment in winter on Wednesdays to Fridays with bands and DJs. They also have a very special Elvis night every Wednesday. more>>
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Resort overview |
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Andorra has for years had a reputation as the ideal low-cost ski destination. Increasing ski areas and a very high standard of lifts and facilities, together with improved inter-links mean it compares very well with Alpine destinations.
The first ski area in Andorra was Pas de la Casa. The first lift was opened in 1957. Arinsal was opened in 1973 and is the liveliest in Andorra with a great selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Soldeu/El Tarter opened in 1964 and is now one of the busiest ski areas due to its 90 kms of pistes giving it the largest ski area in the country.
The official language of Andorra is Catalan, but many Andorrans also speak Spanish and/or French. The capital, Andorra la Vella, is 226 km from Barcelona, Spain, and 180 km from Toulouse, France. An estimated 13 million people visit this tiny country each year.
Pas de la Casa is situated on the border into France and many French and British tourists make the trip into the town to shop for tax-free goods. The snow record is excellent and the town is the perfect winter package holiday for people on a budget. The skiing, which covers the linked areas of Grau Roig and Soldeu, is the largest in the Pyrenees. The restaurants serve a variety of cuisine and are on the whole reasonably priced. So if you want good skiing and a lively nightlife this is the place for you.
Andorra has a lot to offer off the slopes. Andorra La Vella (the capital of Andorra) is a shopping hub buzzing with locals and tourists alike picking up a bargain or two. Popular international clothing chains and brand names feature on the main shopping street, this really is shopping heaven. For years, beneath jagged mountain peaks and between narrow passes Andorra has thrived as a smuggling and shopping Mecca. The entire country is a duty-free store. Thousands of Europeans come here to purchase much less expensive cigarettes, cigars, whiskeys, jewellery and virtually every luxury that is faced with high taxes in their homelands. Andorra, faced with a new unified European Community, has been forced to begin to find alternative economic activities to smuggling.
Caldea is Europe's largest thermal spa and a must do on your list. The Pamplemousse spa, outdoor whirlpools and magnificent steam room cannot be missed. This massive complex can easily fill up an afternoon and is perfect for soothing the aches and pains of that first day of skiing.
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the latest snow and weather conditions |
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| Last Snow | 2nd December | | Forecast | Overcast skies |
| Lower Snow Depth | 60 cm | | Upper Snow Depth | 115 cm |
| Conditions | Powder | | Runs Open | 95 % |
| Last Report Update | 4th December 08:30 |