Winter activities in Andorra
THE SNOW HAS ALREADY COME TO ANDORRA!
We know that you've been waiting for it for a year and now it's here! The Andorran peaks, two days ago resplendent in autumn colours, are now dusted in white, which marks the start of the best season for fans of snow!
Although we know that alpine skiing is one of the most popular winter activities practised or requested, we have to say that there are lots of other offers available in our country which are perfect for your whole family to enjoy the snow to the full: snowshoe adventures, skimo trips, driving a snowmobile or flying over the principality's valleys in a helicopter! But that’s not all, as we’ve also been thinking about the kids, who can now slide down the slopes on a tubby, ride down in a sled and learn about the country's flora and fauna.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO FIND OUT WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO AT OUR RESORTS?
Although there are over 300 km of slopes in Andorra, our resorts offer more than just skiing, with a wide range of fun activities to enjoy alone, as a couple or with the whole family. Below are the details of the activities and facilities open at our resorts:
Grandvalira offers activities in almost all of its sectors. In the Grau Roig sector you can go on snowshoe excursions, build igloos, and if you fancy an adrenaline rush why not have a go at driving a snowmobile! If you need to warm up, the restaurants Brasserie Piolets, the Pessons Refuge or 3 Estanys will be open. Likewise, in the Canillo sector, you can discover the Mon(t) Màgic Family Park with a whole range of activities for the whole family! You can whizz down the zip line, try out snow tubing, fly down the slope on a sled, or have a ride on the park’s star attraction, the Màgic Gliss slide. At the park you can also enjoy the Màgic Quest: a virtual reality game that gets more and more exciting the further you go! In this sector you can get a bite to eat and warm up at the Roc de les Bruixes restaurant.
In the Tarter sector you can go snowshoeing or on a “skimo” (ski mountaineering) route and dog sledding at the El Tarter activity center, and the doors will be open at the cafeterias in Obac and FunFood in Riba Escorxada. As for restaurants, the Trattoria restaurant will be offering its service: you’ll be able to taste some delicious Italian dishes as well as some other specialities.
Grandvalira also offers activities at its centre set up especially for families in Soldeu. Here you can go sledding, slide down the Snake Gliss, fly down the slopes doing snow tubing or enjoy a snowshoe excursion as a family. With a wider variety of cuisine on offer, in this sector you will be able to enjoy various gastronomic experiences: savour exclusive meals in the terrace In the Snow Veuve Clicquot, you can enjoy exquisite dishes with a more consolidated and delicious offer at the Meat and Wine Bar by Jean Leon restaurant, and you’ll be able to try some very special and magical dinners on their menu, under the moonlight.
If you like walking and going on outings in the snow, you can also enjoy guided ski mountaineering excursions with the Grandvalira Mountain Guides (GMG) Programme.
Finally, Grandvalira also offers places to spend the night at the resort. With your Epic experience, you’ll not only experience the adventure of sleeping at the resort, you’ll also get to savour our traditional mountain cuisine made with 100% local products along with some exceptional activities!
The first thing that comes to mind with the mention of Ordino Arcalís is freeride. Its location and north-facing slopes make it the perfect place for this form of skiing. It has more than 20 zones and 130 off-piste ski routes, making it a world centre for the sport, hosting major international events such as the Freeride Word Tour, among others.
But that’s not all! With more than 30 km of slopes, visitors can also enjoy other snow sports like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiles. The last two can be done during the day, but also as night falls when the resort has one of its evening dining experiences.
Grab a bite to eat at the café in Planells d’Ordino Arcalís, at the Borda de Coma restaurant or at the Portelles refuge. The latter two also combine their culinary experience with mountain excursions when there is a full moon.
In the La Massana resort, Pal Arinsal is also opening its Pal sector where you’ll be able to practice skimo or ski mountaineering! As for restaurants, the Coll de la Botella restaurant will also remain open: this is one of the best loved restaurants in the resort, where you can enjoy traditional soups and stews, perfect for warming back up!
Naturland Meanwhile, the Altitude 2000 section is open, and so are all of its activities, including snowshoeing excursions, cross-country skiing, skimo routes and snowmobile or Moonbike driving sessions! But that’s not all: the resort is also offering an area to go sledding! On the weekend, you can also make the most of the Tobotronc, one of the park’s star attractions. If you get peckish, why not try a delicious, warm dish at the Borda de Conangle restaurant?
Finally, please note that the park is to be accessed directly at Altitude 2000, as Altitude 1600 will be closed to the public.
OUR GUIDES ALSO DO SNOW ACTIVITIES!
Andorra offers a host of options to do your favourite snow activities, as they are not just available at the resorts: the country has numerous specialist activity companies whose experience and professionalism means they can offer you a fully customised service and a made-to-measure plan!
DISCOVER ENCHANTING SPOTS ON YOUR OWN TWO FEET
- Put on your snowshoes and start walking!
If you like walking in the mountains, this activity is for you. Guided by professionals, you’ll walk through the untouched scenery while enjoying the most exclusive views of the valleys of Andorra. You can do this activity with Boscúria, 100% natura, MTB Aventures and Peu de gat, among many others!
- Nordic walking, an activity for getting in shape and breathing fresh air!
Walk through the first snows while exercising your body! With La Moixera Ed. Ambiental, My World of Experiences or Xplorand, you’ll not just enjoy a walk through nature but also get into shape!
- Try skimo or ski mountaineering, the choice is yours!
Go ski mountaineering in total safety and discover the unknown corners of the valleys of Andorra! Esports Altitud, Andorra 3000, Guies de Muntanya adictes, Natura i Aventura and Xavi Bonatti are some of the companies that offer this activity. Don’t miss it!
- Cross-country skiing
However, if cross-country skiing is your thing, be sure to explore the routes we’ve prepared for you: with companies like Esports Elit you’ll enjoy your favourite activity in total comfort.
GET YOUR ADRENALINE GOING
- Fly over the valleys of Andorra in a helicopter
Discover Andorra from a bird’s eye view with our helicopter flights. Let Heliand take your breath away and don’t miss the chance to fly over our valleys! You’ll be amazed!
- For the more adventurous among us... try heliskiing!
Enjoy an adrenaline rush?? If so, be sure to try heliskiing! With Epic Andorra you’ll experience unique sensations descending the mountain away from the slopes! Are you up for the challenge?
- Freeride Experience: when skiing breaks the boundaries of the slopes!
Enjoy the most daring off-slope descents with our specialist professionals Ensagents Aventures and get your adrenaline going! You’ll enjoy spectacular descents in total safety and confidence!
- Paintball: a way for everyone to play
Have you ever tried playing paintballing? Whether you're a fan or you've never tried it, you can’t miss such a fun activity! You can do this activity with our professionals from Paintball Tokat Aventura.
ON A CATERPILLAR VEHICLE OR SNOWMOBILE? THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
- Travelling by unimog and caterpillar vehicle
Once the slopes close, it’s the perfect time to get on to the amphibious vehicle of Gicafer Nature Experience and take a special, unique trip down the slopes by the light of the moon! You’ll experience unique sensations while discovering enchanting places, such as the Port del Rat cave, which is now lit up.
- Get your adrenaline going by driving a snowmobile!
Would you like to drive a snowmobile? With our experienced guides, you’ll be able to enjoy the activity in total peace. That said, remember you have to have a driver's license and be over 18 years old. You can do this activity with RocRoi.
AND FOR THE KIDS...
- Mushing: an activity for dog lovers
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a dog-drawn sled? With 4x4 Andorra- Mushing Pirineus, you’ll not just enjoy a sled ride but also you’ll be in contact with the animals. A perfect activity to do with kids.
- Build your own igloo with us!
Building an igloo is not easy, but with the help of our professionals you’ll become a real expert! Magic Experience, Isard Wildland and MTB Aventures are just some of the companies that will help you enjoy this activity, perfect for putting your family's ingenuity and flexibility to the test!
- Snow tubing
In this fun activity, you’ll need a giant plastic doughnut and a be looking to have a good time! You’ll slip down the slope on a giant doughnut! Ask for more information about this activity from RocRoi and slide down the slopes together!
- Sleds
What could be better than spending a family afternoon together riding in a sled? In Andorra, there's lots of space to do this fun activity!
AND IF YOU WANT MORE... THE ACTIVITIES CONTINUE AWAY FROM THE SNOW!
Travel back in time with our museums and monuments
In Andorra there are a total of 19 museums spread throughout the parishes that will bring you closer to the first-person history of Andorra. You’ll learn all about how iron was made at the Farga Rossell forge, how electricity is produced at the MW Museum of Electricity, see the best works of art at the Carmen Thyssen Museum Andorra and the Escaldes-Engordany Art Centre, immerse yourself in the life of a powerful noble family in Andorra in the past by visiting the Casa d’Areny Plandolit manor house, and even enjoy the magnificent contrast between tradition, education and the most avant-garde technology with the video mapping of the Santa Coloma church and the Columba Space museum!
And what about swapping your skis for ice skates?
If you like skating, this is for you! At the centre of the Canillo parish, there is the Palau de Gel. As suggested by its name, which means ice palace in Catalan, it’s a palace where you can do nearly every kind of sport on ice: skating, karting, playing a game of ballon balai (broomball), or why not score a few points at ice hockey! Visit the website to discover these and many more options!
Caldea, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe!
With regards to Caldea, we’re offering a completely rejuvenating bath at the Adults-Only Spa, Inúu, where you can enjoy not just a comfortable, private space, but also all the benefits and properties of the thermal waters on your body! In addition, remember your ticket includes access to a range of wellness workshops that will further enrich your Inúu experience, and you can also ask for any of their star treatments. You’ll feel as good as new! Lastly, don’t forget you can also book a dinner reservation at the exquisite Siam Shiki Restaurant to top off your Inúu experience!
Walk through our streets and discover all the options on offer for you!
Finally, you can’t miss our shopping paradise, The Shopping Mile: an avenue where you’ll find all the main shops of the parishes of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes Engordany, where you’ll enjoy a unique, easy and entertaining shopping experience. You’ll find a whole range of products from the most famous brands, with incredible and exclusive prices and discounts! Don’t miss it!
Enjoy a traditional meal to warm back up!
Lastly, make your experience a 10 out of 10 by supplementing your day of activities in the snow with a delicious hot meal at one of our restaurants serving typical Andorran cuisine. In Andorra, you’ll find a huge range of bordes (traditional mountain huts) and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy delicious native gastronomy, which will help you warm back up while pleasing your palate!
PLACE YOURSELF IN GOOD HANDS
More information and other details
As you can see, Andorra has lots of activities to enjoy other than skiing. Whether at our resorts or with our specialist professionals, there's a whole range of options to enjoy the perfect stay in the Principality with your family, friends or partner!
So that you don’t miss a single detail and to give you all the information at your fingertips, below we’ve provided a list where you can find all the activities and all the companies that organise them, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs or preferences.
In Andorra, you set the pace!