Grandvalira Ski Holidays

How to get to Grandvalira, Andorra

Andorra is the sixth smallest country in Europe and lies between France and Spain, in the heart of the Pyrenees. For this reason, getting to Andorra can be quite an adventure. The country has no railways and the best option would probably be to travel by helicopter. However, not everyone is willing, or able, to spend that kind of money to reach the country.

The reality is that the vast majority of visitors who go skiing in Grandvalira, Andorra, get there by land, by bus or private transport. Both options are good for enjoying your stay, however, our recommendation is that you use a private vehicle to get around the country with ease. 

By plane

If you need to travel by plane, the nearest airports are the following: Lleida-Alguaire 150km, Carcassonne International Airport 176km, Toulouse Blagnac International Airport 195km and Barcelona El Prat 200km.

By Car

From Spain, the most commonly used routes are the C-145 from Lleida or the C-16, a toll road through the Cadi Tunnel, Puigcerdà and La Seu D'Urgell. The first point of access to Grandvalira on these routes is Encamp. If you prefer to go via Pas de la Casa, turn off at Puigcerdà in the direction of Latour-de-Carol, Porté Puymorens, which is less well known and more twisty, but allows you to shorten the journey and enjoy a short route through the French part of Cerdanya.

From France, cross the border at Pas de la Casa, which is the first point of access to the resort for all French skiers.

By bus

There are different companies that offer routes from different cities to Andorra la Vella. The bus routes with the highest number of visitors are: 

• Toulouse-Andorra: The most used company is Andybus.
• Barcelona-Andorra: If you don't have a car, we encourage you to try our Ski-Bus routes. All-inclusive weekends where the bus will not only take you to your accommodation in Andorra from Barcelona, but will also take you to the slopes and return you to your hotel for the whole weekend. If you are only interested in transport to Andorra, companies such as Directbus, Andybus and ALSA offer routes to Andorra.
• Lleida-Barcelona: The most commonly used company is Montmantell.

Once you have arrived in Andorra la Vella, there is a network of buses that run between parishes called Clipol, which is highly recommended if you need access to one of the Grandvalira entrance areas. If, on the other hand, you have your own car, you will have to follow the CG2 road to reach any of the entry points detailed below. The distance between Andorra la Vella and Grandvalira depends on the resort's access point, however, it only takes 10 minutes to reach the first sector with access, Encamp.

How to get to the slopes and where to park in Grandvalira

Access to the Grandvalira ski slopes can be made through 6 different points, from less to more distance from the centre of Andorra la Vella:

Access to Encamp

Located at 1300m, this is the closest sector and access from the centre of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes. It is 8km from the capital of the country. It is not at the foot of the slopes, but you can access the slopes directly via the Funicamp, which connects the village of Encamp with the Grandvalira slopes. It is the first access for the Spanish public, and the last for French tourists.

The car park can be found in the same building as the Funicamp, which will take you to the slopes in just 18 minutes. The free car park tends to fill up early, so we recommend getting up early if you want to make sure you have a place :). Funicamp rides are included with the Grandvalira ski pass. 

Free parking✔️ Paid parking✔️ ℹ️ Funicular access

Access to Canillo

Located at 1500m, it is 13km from Andorra la Vella along the same Carretera General 2, crossing Encamp. Access to the slopes is via a cable car that you will find a few metres from the car parks. The free car park has few spaces, we recommend getting up early as for Encamp and Soldeu so as not to run out of space.

Free parking✔️ Paid parking✔️ ℹ️ Access by cable car

Access to El Tarter

Located at 1719m, it is 16.7km from Andorra la Vella along Carretera General 2, through Encamp and Canillo. The free car park is extensive and is located at the foot of the slopes opposite the cable car that will take you to the Grandvalira slopes. You can also access the resort by chairlift, but to find it you will have to walk uphill until you find the NordicEsports rental shop.

Free parking✔️ Paid parking❌ ℹ️ Access by gondola lift

Access to Soldeu

Located at 1800m, 19km from Andorra la Vella on Carretera General 2, crossing Encamp, Canillo and El Tarter consecutively. The free car park is usually full very early in the morning. We recommend getting up early to find a space. The covered car park is located in the same building as the gondola lift.

Free parking✔️ Paid parking✔️ ℹ️ Access by gondola lift

Access to Grau Roig

Located at 2120m, it is 25km from Andorra la Vella, along the Carretera General 2, crossing Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter and Soldeu. It can also be accessed via the Envalira toll tunnel from Pas de la Casa. The sector stands out for its convenience as the free car park is at the foot of the slopes and it is very easy to find parking due to its size.

Free parking✔️ Paid parking❌ ℹ️ Access by ski lift

Access to Pas de la Casa

2100m is the first access from France and is 30km from Andorra la Vella on Carretera General 2. If you are looking for free parking we recommend parking on the Costa Rodona road, in front of a chairlift that takes you up to the highest point in the sector. You can also find different paid covered car parks or several open-air ticketed areas.

Free parking✔️ Paid parking✔️ ℹ️ Ski lift access 

Skiing with children in Grandvalira

Grandvalira is a family-friendly ski resort. This is demonstrated by the promotions they have in place for the youngest members of the family. Remember that you must always present a compulsory document to certify age.

• Children under the age of 6 get their ski pass free for the whole season.
• The older children can also enjoy this interesting advantage for families: children from 6 to 11 years old (included) can access the ski pass for free on certain dates of the season in all bookings of four days or more (one for each adult ski pass). Specifically, they will not pay: from 4 to 8 December, from 3 to 10 January, from 13 to 21 February, from 27 to 31 March and from 1 to 5 April.

Grandvalira children's ski pass

• Price of the ski pass for children from 6 to 11 years old outside these dates: One day: 35,50 €; Half day: 29,50 € (from 13h at the ticket office); Two days: 65,60 €; Three days: 95,40 €; Four days: 127,20 €; Five days: 151,50 €; Six days: 181,80 €; Seven days or more (per day): 30,30 €; Three days skiing in 5 days: 102,30 €; Five days skiing in 7 days: 159 €; Seven days skiing in 10 days: 222,60 €.
• Discounts on the ski pass for children aged 12 to 17: One day: 46,50 €; Half day: 34,50 €; Two days: 89 €; Three days: 133,50 €; Four days: 178 €; Five days: 209,50 €; Six days: 251,40 €; Seven days or more (per day): 41,90 €; 3 days skiing in 5 days: 139,80 €; 5 days skiing in 7 days: 222,50 €; 7 days skiing in 10 days: 311,50 €.

Services for children in Grandvalira

What services does the Grandvalira ski resort have for children? Here we refer from schools where they can learn to take their first steps to nurseries and snow gardens, easy slopes to start skiing and ski lifts.

• Ski school	1
  Nursery school (1-3 years)	3
  Blue and green slopes	78
  Snow garden or children's playground (3-6 years)	6
  Ski lifts	9

• Grandvalira has a nursery in Grau Roig and three kindergartens in Canillo, El Tarter and Soldeu. In these areas, children will be in good hands thanks to the care of qualified professionals who will protect them from the cold and encourage them to play and have fun while the adults do the same on the slopes.
• In the children's playgrounds we have mentioned, only children over 24 months old are accepted and they can be indoors or outdoors, having their first contact with the snow and playing with it, if they wish to do so. Therefore, babies under 24 months can only stay at Grau Roig, where they will always be covered in indoor spaces. Skiing lessons are not offered at any of these sites.

Where to ski with children in Grandvalira?

What we must try to do above all is to ensure that the little ones have a good time on skis and not to push them to do it for too long or to progress more quickly. Keep in mind that Grandvalira offers different programmes of ski lessons adapted for adults and children, and that rushing adults is not good for them; in fact, it is counterproductive for children. So let them laugh and have a great time with no targets in sight. In Grandvalira there are areas that are especially suitable for children:

• Grau Roig: Here you will find the 'Imaginarium Park' in the Coma III and Piolet area, inspired by the famous toy brand. They will have a great time with a multitude of snow games, snowmobile circuits, jumps, tubing lanes, etc.
• El Tarter: don't miss the 'BababoomCircus', a 500-metre-long corner inspired by circus elements. Children under the age of 12 can enter, accompanied by monitors from the resort. It is an ideal place for kids who have some skiing experience, as they will be able to have fun and progress in the sport.
• Canillo: here there is a large number of easy slopes (green and blue), and there is also the 'MónMàgic' children's ski circuit, where you will discover the fantastic characters of the legends of Andorra. There are three levels (initiation, progression and high level), so they'll learn while they're at it. There is also a ski school here that offers special beginners' courses for children from 3 to 5 years old.
• Pas de la Casa: as there are hotels at the foot of the slopes, it is very convenient to ski here with children. In a very family-friendly environment, it has the 'Enchanted Forest' circuit where the little ones will enter a magical and wild world of mushrooms, trees and fantastic characters.
• Encamp: in this sector the 'Supertunnel' circuit awaits you, 10 metres long, where children will ski accompanied by Imaginarium characters. 

Après ski in Grandvalira

Who said we were just going to ski in Grandvalira? Although it is true that it is the main activity of our snow getaway, when the slopes close there is still a long day ahead of us (if there is still energy left, of course!) After booking your hotel and ski pass package in Grandvalira, there are many options awaiting us to make the most of your visit to Andorra:

Bars and parties in Grandvalira

• If you're looking to continue having a great time having a drink, sharing experiences on the slopes, meeting new friends, or (why not!) flirting, don't miss L'Après Amélie. This is a new space located on a spectacular terrace at Funicamp (Encamp sector) where you can enjoy good food and gourmet cocktails.
• You can also take a break from skiing during the day with a drink at the SnowclubTarter, with 1,170 square metres with a chill-out area, sofas and DJ booth, live music and a great atmosphere every day from 11am to 4pm.

Shopping in Grandvalira

How can you leave Andorra without going shopping? You can go to the capital, Andorra la Vella, in the afternoon and visit its large shopping centres in search of bargains. Some of Andorra's most popular shopping centres are worth a visit:

• CCA-Super U, with a large selection of food products and a duty free section with alcohol, tobacco and cigars.
• Andorra 2000, with more than 4,500m2 where you will find absolutely everything.
• The Híper Andorra E.Leclerc, a two-storey building with a good range of groceries and other everyday items.
• Illa Carlemany, 40.000m2 of fashion, footwear, sports, accessories, jewellery and watches, technology, decoration and home, perfumery and cosmetics and much more.
• Pyrinées Andorra in Pas de la Casa, where you'll find the products of the most exclusive fashion, beauty and food brands.
• Of course, don't miss a stroll through the capital's shopping arteries. "The Shopping Mile or "The Street of Shops" is the great axis shared by Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany and which brings together three areas: Avinguda Meritxell, Fener Boulevard and Vivand.

Relaxation and spas in Grandvalira

And what will you do during après-ski in Grandvalira Andorra? There are many possibilities: from shopping to sightseeing, adventure sports or giving your body the rest it deserves in a prestigious spa such as Caldea in Andorra, it is possible to find skiing offers in Grandvalira that include sessions in its facilities.

• The Caldea spa is so well known that it doesn't need much introduction. It is the largest thermal centre in southern Europe and was opened in 1994 to satisfy the needs of those seeking a wellness and escape experience. You have the option of hiring a ski pass in Andorra with entry to the spa.
• It is suitable for all ages, as it has several areas: Thermoludic, for over 5 years old, ideal for families and groups of friends; Inúu, only for adults, a space to relax and be calm; Likids, a place where the protagonists are the children, who can immerse themselves at a young age in the benefits of wellness under the guidance of qualified monitors; And Origins, a spa inspired by exotic baths from different parts of the world, from an ordinary Aztec bath in a tropical garden setting to a bath with grapefruit in a Japanese garden or a hammam, ideal for escapism and for couples.

Activities in Grandvalira

• Still in the mood for more skiing in Grandvalira? Another option is the Sunset Park Henrik Harlaut, in Grau Roig, which is open from 15h to 22h.
• Leaving the Grandvalira ski resort, we can go to the village of Canillo to visit Andorra's Palau de Gel (Ice Palace): more than 1,800 square metres of ice await us here, where we can go ice skating. In addition, at night the so-called "discogel" starts up, a special skating event with public sessions at night accompanied by music and lights. 
• It is also an ideal place for ice karting, ice hockey, ice football, curling, ballon balai, children's birthday parties and much more. Likewise, at the Andorra Ice Palace we can enjoy a heated swimming pool of 25m x 12.50m which is open all year round (and in summer there is a solarium). There is also an Urban Gym to complement your workout on the ski slopes with weight training, if you still feel like it. And of course, you can recharge your batteries in the restaurant-cafeteria with a daily menu.
• Another alternative for après-ski in Grandvalira is simply to go sightseeing. If you have a car, you can make the most of the opportunity to take a route around the beautiful Romanesque churches. There are more than 40 in the surrounding area, dating from between the 8th and 13th centuries. The absence of war has allowed them to remain in a good state of conservation. Another interesting option is to visit the two most emblematic viewpoints in Andorra: the Tristania viewpoint and Roc del Quer.
• Make a note of these names: the church of Sant Climent de Pal, the church of Sant Romà in Les Bons, the church of Sant Martí de La Cortinada, the church of Santa Coloma in the capital, the church of Sant Sergi de Nagol, the church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters, and the church of Sant Joan de Caselles.

Hotels in Grandvalira, where to stay

The good thing about Grandvalira is that, as it is the largest ski resort in Andorra, there are many options to choose from. After checking the hotel and ski pass offers in Grandvalira, you will see that there are many options to choose where to stay depending on whether you are a family, a couple, a group of friends, whether you want to spend more or less money, whether you want to be in the town centre or close to the slopes, etc.

You already know that there are six different sectors for skiing in Grandvalira, which are adjacent to several urban centres. So the accommodation on offer in Grandvalira is very diverse. If you have a season ski pass in Grandvalira, you may not be interested, but if you are travelling to the resort occasionally, you will probably be interested in the most recommended hotels in the different areas of Grandvalira.

Hotels in Soldeu

• Here you will find a good variety of accommodation and ski deals in Grandvalria in terms of price and stars. Good value for money can be found in the Hotel Soldeu Maistre (3 stars), well rated by customers; or the Hotel Himalaia Soldeu (4 stars), better located. The most demanding guests should opt for the Hotel Hermitage &Spa Soldeu (5 stars), which also has a wellness area.
• This area is good for those who go to the snow with the family and for the more comfortable ones who do not want to waste time travelling by car or bus, as it is only a 5-minute walk from the station.

Hotels in Canillo

• This sector is a favourite with families, so you'll find a very quiet atmosphere. As it is not very big, the hotel offer is more limited, but we can find accommodation with an interesting quality-price ratio, such as Sant Bernat Apartments.
• Another option is the Hotel Bonavida, which also serves half board, or the large 4-star Hotel Font d'Árgent Canillo, which has a spa. The village of Canillo is 7.1 kilometres away and it takes about 12 minutes by car to reach the Grandvalira ski resort.

Hotels in Encamp

• Here you will find the cheapest accommodation for skiing in Grandvalira. What's more, they are just a 10-minute walk from the Funicamp, so they are all advantages. This is the main residential area of the ski resort. Take note of the Hotel Pere d'Urg, with a good location and good value for money.
• If you prefer to stay in a hotel, we recommend the Hotel Paris and the Hotel Univers, both three-star hotels and a favourite among skiers. A little further away is the Hotel Cosmos Andorra, which, however, is only 100 metres from the Caldea thermal centre, so you'll have to choose: do you prefer proximity to the resort or to the spa?

Hotels in Pas de la Casa

• If you feel like going out after skiing, the best thing to do is to stay in this area, as there are plenty of bars and pubs to extend the day. There's plenty of young (and not so young) people, so it's ideal for groups of friends, and it's only 5 minutes from the Grandvalira access. There are many hotels and the location, as you can see, is very good. We recommend the Hotel Catalunya, the Hotel Cal Ruiz, and for those looking for more comfort, the Hotel Font d'Argent.

Hotels in El Tarter

• We could practically say the same as we have said about the ski sector of Pas de la Casa: it is an ideal place to go with friends and for those who do not want to go to bed early after skiing. There will be no shortage of options to enjoy the nightlife. It is a 10-minute walk from the Grandvalira slopes, so it has it all! A few metres from the resort you'll see two three-storey buildings with 50 luxury flats, for the wealthiest of budgets.
• Another option is the Pierre & Vacances Andorra El Tarter flats, very popular with skiers looking for accommodation right on the slopes and with all the comforts.

Hotels in Grau Roig

• There are few hotels in this sector, whose main advantage is that it is only two or three minutes' walk from the Grandvalira ski station. It is ideal for those who want to get away from parties, noise and roads, as you will be surrounded by the nature of the Pyrenees. One accommodation we recommend in this area is the Andorra Boutique Hotel & Spa, ideal for a dream experience, combining sport and relaxation.

Hotels in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes Engordany

• Although sleeping in the capital is not the most comfortable way to go to the ski resort in Andorra every morning, especially if we compare it with staying in hotels at the foot of the slopes, it is a good option for those who want to spend the rest of the day walking around the city, shopping, having a drink, or sightseeing in the surrounding area. What's more, the great thing about it is that the wide variety of accommodation means it's easy on the wallet.
• Our favourite is the Hotel Panorama, just 50 metres from the popular shopping area of Andorra la Vella, this hotel is the best known hotel in Andorra for being one of the best hotels in Andorra with a heated swimming pool. You can find ski offers with ski passes in Grandvalira throughout the ski season in Andorra. Other good value for money options are Hotel Best Center and Hotel Jaume I.

Where to eat in Grandvalira

In the Grandvalira ski resort you will find dining options to suit all tastes and budgets: from quick snacks (such as hamburgers and sandwiches), to quality à la carte menus or self-service to fill your stomach. Many offer the possibility of hosting banquets, evening events, etc. These are the hotel and catering services that you will find in each sector, next to the slopes and in a unique setting:

Pas de la Casa

• Coll Blanc KSB: this is an à la carte restaurant with Mediterranean and market cuisine, with views of the Carlit massif and from where you can see the Pica d'Estats or even the Pico Aneto, on clear days.
• Costa Rodona Self-Service: a self-service restaurant with hot and cold dishes.

Soldeu

• Wine&Meat Bar by Jean Leon: à la carte, bistronomic restaurant with top-of-the-range products and casual service. Good meats, good cured meats and good wines.
• La Cabana d'Espiolets: salads, crudités, fresh pasta, spoon dishes, grilled meats, woks and much more.
• Pasta Box: Fast & Good Food concept with Italian products.

El Tarter

• Restaurant Arrocería Pi de Migdia: offers à la carte cuisine with a wide variety of rice dishes, with mushrooms and foie gras, lobster rice with mortar and pestle, fresh fish or Josper charcoal-grilled meats. A good place to get your strength back.
• La Trattoria: Italian cuisine with elaborate pizzas, fresh pasta, risottos and great wines.
• Pi de Migdia: salads, crudités, fresh pasta, spoon dishes, grilled meats, pizza and more.
• Burger &Drink: great burgers and cocktails, often with live music.
• Frankfurt Gourmet: for a short break and more skiing.

Encamp

• El Racó de Solanelles: an à la carte restaurant with elaborate dishes, high quality and a modern wine cellar. Beautiful panoramic views.
• Sef-serviceSolanelles: hot and cold dishes in buffet style.
• AndBurger Zero. Ideal for tasting exquisite hamburgers.

Grau Roig

• Cubil: the sector's self-service restaurant, very complete and varied.
• Refugi del Llac de Pessons: a meat restaurant ideal for tasting traditional food, such as escudella or trinxat, and grilled meat.
• Vodka Bar: a unique and privileged restaurant, with high-end cuisine. Ideal for wine, champagne and vodka lovers. Designed for gourmet skiers.
• 3 Estanys Restaurant: Italian cuisine à la carte with good salads, pastas, handmade pizzas and cold meat platters. In the evening there are special menus such as: escudella menu, fondue menu or chuletón menu. Finger-licking good.
• Brasería Piolet Restaurant: mountain cuisine à la carte, with a wide range of grilled meats prepared with holm oak charcoal... and all in front of the customer. There are also vegetarian menus and dinners can be complemented with activities such as mushing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing.
• Burger Brothers: top quality gourmet hamburgers.

Canillo

• El Roc de Les Bruixes: mountain cuisine in an à la carte restaurant. Don't miss the Trinxat de los Pirineos (Pyrenean Trinxat) or their low-temperature cooked meats.
• La Cuina del Forn: a self-service restaurant with salads, crudités, fresh pasta, spoon dishes and grilled meats.

Forfaits in Grandvalira ski resort

Where better than at the Grandvalira ski resort in Andorra? A whole paradise awaits you there, with 210 skiable kilometres, 128 slopes of all levels of difficulty and a spectacular 930-metre vertical drop. There are also different types of Grandvalira ski passes to suit all budgets, with different options for those who only want to travel for a weekend or those who plan to make many trips throughout the ski season in Andorra.

Grandvalira ski pass prices

What is the Grandvalira ski pass price? Ski enthusiasts will be pleased to know that there is a Grandvalira season ski pass in Andorra for unlimited enjoyment throughout the snow season (also known as FanaticsGrandvalira). Why go skiing for one day when you can ski for the whole season, which in 2021-2022 runs from 3 December to 18 April?

• The Grandvalira season ski pass costs between 685 euros and 935 euros for adults (depending on whether you book during the summer, until the beginning of December, or later); seniors aged 65 to 69 pay between 295 euros and 385 euros. The ski pass for residents in Andorra is cheaper: the whole season costs from only 355 euros and there are also discounts for those registered in Alt Urgell or Cerdanya.
• There are also special season ski passes in Grandvalira for freestylers and pedestrians who want to take a ride on the snow and access the ski lifts. Best of all: it also gives you unlimited access to other resorts such as Ordino Arcalís or Gavarnie Gèdre, in France!
• If you are passionate about skiing, but unfortunately you won't have so many free days to enjoy the slopes, it is also possible to opt for the Grandvalira daily ski pass, which is cheaper than buying them individually: for example, the Grandvalira 2-day ski pass costs 105 euros for adults (i.e. 52.50 euros each day). The Grandvalira 4-day pass costs 210 euros. It is important to remember that the ski days for this type of pass must be consecutive.
• It is also possible to buy the Andorra Grandvalira ski pass for half a day only (from 9am to 12 noon, or from 1pm, for afternoon skiing) and there are special discounts for Senior passes (from 65 to 74 years old), for 33.20 euros per day, and free passes for Senior Gold (born in 1946 or earlier) and for babies (born in 2016 or later). Everyone can enjoy skiing in Grandvalira!

The best way to save time and money on your getaway to Grandvalira ski resort in Andorra is with a package that includes hotel and ski pass. Specialised snow travel operators get better discounts for buying in "bulk" and it allows the customer to have just one supplier to talk to to solve any problems that may have arisen.

At Estiber we offer hotel + Grandvalira ski pass from 128 euros per person for a weekend, with 2 nights' accommodation and 2 days' skiing at the Hotel Xalet Verdú; as well as Andorra ski pass hotel packages for special dates, such as New Year's Eve, from 316 euros per person, with 2 nights at the Hotel Cosmos and 2 days' ski pass in Grandvalira.

For those who always want more, we have whole weeks with interesting discounts on ski plus ski pass offers in Andorra: from only 256 euros per person with 5 nights at the Cosmos Hotel and 4 days of skiing.