Andorra, ski resorts: review of the best

Andorra is a dwarfish state sandwiched between the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France. But, despite its modest size, this princedom attracts foreign tourists as a magnet. And there are several reasons for this.

First, it is duty-free trade. Because of this, in the "duty-free country" (as Andorra is also called), you can buy quality goods for twenty-five or even forty percent cheaper than in neighboring France and Spain. Secondly, relaxation in thermal baths. "Caldea" balneary in Andorra la Vella, is known far beyond the country. Thirdly, the beautiful nature of the Pyrenees and ancient mountain villages, clinging to the rocks, like swallows' nests.

But the most important attractions of the winter principality of Andor are ski resorts. It is thanks to them that the country collects more than 1.5 million foreign tourists every year. And in winter, the population of the pygmy principality increases tens of times! The review of the best of the ski resorts and will be devoted to our article.

What attracts winter Andorra

At first glance, the principality does not promise such dizzying heights as the Switzerland and Austria lying in the Alps. Pyrenees (at least, those slopes where skiers are skating) barely step over the mark of two and a half thousand meters above sea level. But there are pluses of the Principality of Andor. Ski resorts (photo - this confirmation) are well equipped. They have a variety of trails and a variety of ski lifts. Not forgotten and "April-ski". The resorts provide plenty of evening entertainment.

Service in Andorra is the same as in Europe as a whole. But the prices are much lower! Therefore, if for you a trip to Courchevel or Davos is an impossible dream, then why not try to run the Pyrenean tracks in Andorra? In addition to skis, snowboards and sledges, this country has something to do. And the modest size of the principality only play into the hands of those tourists who want to explore Andorra along and across.

Do not forget about shopping. For one indigenous Andorran, there are 1.5 stores. And the last plus of the principality is the climate. Snow cover in this southern country is established every winter, unlike the Alpine resorts, where global warming presents skiers with unpleasant surprises.

How to get to Andorra

To visit the principality, you need a multivisa Schengen zone. Why do you need a multiple entry permit? Because in the dwarf principality there is no airport. And the station, by the way, too. Get on buses: either from France, or from Spain.

From Russia it's easiest to fly to Barcelona. From the capital of Catalonia, there are direct buses to the Principality of Andorra. Ski resorts of the country are available and from France. You should land in Toulouse, come from Blamjac airport to Matabai main railway station and take the train to La Tour de Carol. But to leave not at the last stop, but at the station Hospitalet of Pre-Andorra. From there, a bus runs to the first ski resort of the Principality - Pas de la Casa.

When to go to Andorra

In the "Country of duty-free" does not diminish the flow of tourists. The opportunity to buy high-quality household appliances, optics, electronics, watches, tobacco products and alcohol exists in Andorra all year round. But in winter, this range is also supplemented with ski outfit. Clothing and footwear of the newest brands is sold at thirty percent cheaper than in European countries, and last year's model was doubled.

Andora, whose ski resorts are snow-covered every winter, opens skating in December. It is then that a good cover is established on all slopes. And to the epithet "Country Duty Free" is added "Principality Ski resort". And the last skiers finish their walk in early April. But already in Pas de la Casa, the country's highest resort. In some years they skate until the end of April, but not without the help of snow cannons.

Andorra, ski resorts: review and reviews

In fact, the entire principality fits in one narrow mountain gorge, which gradually descends to the Spanish city of Sioux-d'Ourhel. In Andorra there are two skiing areas, united by common ski passes.

The first of these is Grand Valira, named after the main river of the Andorran princedom. Ski resorts located in this ski area are Grau-Reich, Pas de la Casa, El Tarter and Soldeu. "Vallnord" unites Arkalis and Pal-Arinsal. Of course, this is a very conditional division.

There are many more resorts separate, not included in the skiing areas, but not less popular. For example, La Rabassa, where the longest track in Europe is located, or Sant Julia de Loria. All these mountain resorts have their own specifics. And not only in terms of training skiers. There are resorts that are located very close to the capital of the country (Encamp, Escaldes), and therefore an excellent aprè-ski is provided to you. But there are quiet places (Canillo). And in the Pas de la Casa you can combine ski holidays with gambling in the casino.

Grande Valira

In this area of skiing of the Principality of Andor, the best ski resorts are located high on the slopes. Encamp and Pas de la Casa offer an excellent après-ski. But at the same time at these resorts there are many trails of different levels of complexity. Lifts - gondola, saddle, rope, will bring skiers upstairs for fifteen minutes.

All tracks marked, lit in the evening, there are soft bumpers. The snow cover is packed with special equipment. In Pas de la Casa there is a halfpipe for snowboarders and a slalom track. These two best resorts of Grande Valira are characterized by a variety of terrain. Here there are both steep and gentle slopes. Therefore, you can go to skiers of various training.

Vallnord

This area of skiing in the west of the country includes such resorts as Ordino Arkalis and Pal Arinsal. The latter is the largest. It covers an area of seven hundred and seven hectares, along which there are sixty-three kilometers of trails. Ordino Arkalis is located at a significant distance from the capital of the Principality of Andorra.

Ski resorts reviews are called the most beautiful and romantic. In Vallnord there are many Romanesque temples, ancient castles. So the lack of a stormy evening life can be compensated for by the most fascinating excursions. The best in this area of skiing tourists consider Ordino and La Massana. But the masses in the skiing there will be bored.