April Ski holidays in Grandvalira

If you’ve been thinking about enjoying a weekend of skiing with family or friends, or if you have a few days off and want to spend them skiing, Grandvalira is a great option. Located in northern Andorra, it features 64 ski lifts and gondolas that will take you up to an altitude of 2,640 metres. The Grandvalira resort is divided into six different ski areas, which we’ll describe in more detail below.

We could describe the Grandvalira ski resort as a skier’s paradise, but that would be an understatement.

It is the largest ski resort in Andorra and in the entire Pyrenees. The various ski areas combine for a total of 210 kilometres of skiable trails, so whenever you visit this part of the Principality, you’ll discover new spots, faster shortcuts, steeper slopes, and more.

Plus, at Grandvalira, you’ll find all the services you need to ensure your winter holiday is as comfortable as possible, whether you want to ski or prefer other snow-based activities. Are you ready to discover the best deals on accommodation and skiing in Grandvalira?

Why go skiing in Grandvalira?

In addition to being one of the largest ski resorts in Europe, Grandvalira is conveniently located for skiing. Its location in the north of the Principality of Andorra makes it very easy to reach hotels and apartments near the slopes.

Sixty-six percent of the ski area is fully covered by artificial snow. This means you don’t have to worry about whether it’s snowing or not—you can simply focus on enjoying your ski holiday in Grandvalira.

The Grandvalira resort is a vast mountainous area divided into six different ski areas, all interconnected by ski runs. In fact, you can travel from one ski area to another on skis or a snowboard.

What’s New at Grandvalira

The Grandvalira ski resort continues to invest and expand. As you may have read in some of our news articles or in the media , the Ordino Arcalís resort is now part of the Dominio de la Nieve. What? That’s right! Now, with your Grandvalira ski pass, you can also ski in Ordino—though there’s still no direct connection between the resorts.

With this addition, the resort now has 30 km of skiable terrain more!

In addition, Grandvalira has expanded the Peretol area to provide a new entrance to the resort—in other words, a whole new ski area! A new chairlift has been installed, and a new trail has been built leading to the lift’s boarding area.

The new chairlift will connect to the Funicamp, located just a few metres from the chairlift of the same name. In this lower area, almost next to the river, a new T-bar lift will also be installed, and a new run will be built, specifically between Pla de la Palanca and Fangots de Moretó. Thanks to this new ski area, Grandvalira will expand by another 8 km.

As a result, the Grandvalira ski resort will expand from 210 km of skiable terrain to 248 km— great!

What services does Grandvalira offer at the base of the slopes?

On the slopes of this Andorran resort, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a full day of skiing. If you’re just starting out in skiing or snowboarding, you’ll find more than 400 instructors spread across the schools in the resort’s different ski areas.

There are more than 60 dining options located near the slopes. All of them offer special menus for skiers and are an excellent choice for taking a break between runs while enjoying a hot drink. On our website, we offer you the chance to reserve some of these menus before your holiday to Grandvalira—and best of all, you’ll get a special price just for being one of our customers!

Additionally, if you’re travelling with infants or young children, you can take advantage of Grandvalira’s daycare centers. That way, they’ll be well taken care of while you enjoy your day of skiing. And finally, if you don’t have your own gear, don’t hesitate to reserve your ski equipment through Esquiades.com. It’ll be cheaper, and you can conveniently pick it up at any of the shops located near the resort’s entrances.

How can you make the most of your holiday in Grandvalira?

But there’s another type of adventurer: those who set aside a full week to ski in Grandvalira. These people are truly passionate about nature and know that the best way to improve their technique on the slopes is to spend many hours practicing.

But don’t worry—the fun doesn’t end on the slopes. We’re going to explain how you can make the most of your week in Grandvalira so you can return home feeling refreshed:

• Snowmobiles: This is one of the most exciting winter activities in Grandvalira. Choose a route that catches your eye and discover nature from a whole new perspective.
• Mushing: Mushing involves dog-drawn sleds and is an activity that’s especially popular with children.
• Snowshoeing: If you enjoy walking and taking a leisurely stroll at your own pace through hard-to-reach places, snowshoeing might be the best option.
• Spa: Set aside an afternoon to relax at your hotel’s spa or at Caldea, Europe’s largest spa centre.
• Zipline: In Canillo, you’ll find a zipline about 550 metres long where you can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. It’s quite an adventure!

Did you know that Grandvalira has one permanent timed run? It also has one permanent boardercross course—and let’s not forget the three freestyle areas. The most famous is the Tarter Snowpark, located in the Tarter ski area. You’ll also find the Sunrise Park by Henrik Harlaut in the Grau Roig ski area and the Sunset Park by Henrik Harlaut in the Peretol ski area.

Please note: we don’t want to sound alarmist. But, just so you know… the resort has six medical centers. As you know, Esquiades.com recommends ski insurance whenever you book your ski holiday.

Tips for Beginners in Grandvalira

Have you ever skied before? If you’re a beginner, it’s normal that, once you’ve booked your ski weekend in Grandvalira, all your fears might come flooding back and you might even consider canceling the holiday. But we recommend that you give it a try, because we’re sure you’ll love skiing and be left wanting more.

Here are some tips for beginner skiers that you can put into practice on the slopes of Grandvalira and that can be very helpful in tackling that fear of new adventures head-on.

• Check the ski trail conditions before getting in the car to see if there will be snow and if the weather will allow you to ski.
• Tighten your boots securely so they hold your feet firmly in place, helping to prevent foot or ankle injuries.
• Use your poles to keep your balance and to get your skis off when you fall.
• If you fall, don’t panic—just take off your skis using your poles, place them perpendicular to the slope, and put them back on.
• Make sure your posture is relaxed, with your legs bent and your body leaning slightly forward.
• Hire an instructor who can give you a beginner’s ski lesson. This way, you’ll feel much more confident on your first runs.

How to prepare for a holiday to Grandvalira?

Now that you have your Grandvalira ski holiday and know all the fun that awaits you—as well as the safety precautions you should take—you’re standing in front of your suitcase and don’t know what to pack. Does everything have to be winter clothing? And if I go out for a drink one day, do I have to wear my ski gear?

Stop racking your brain—we’ve put together a complete list of everything you need to pack:

• Thermal clothing
• Softshell or fleece
• Snow gear
• Undertrousers
• Hat
• Ski socks
• Snow boots
• Gloves
• Sunglasses or snow goggles
• Skis and poles or snowboard (available for rent there)
• Helmet (available for rent there)
• Ski boots (available for rent on-site)
• Bindings (available for rent on-site)
• Sunscreen
• Moisturizer
• Camera
• Snacks
• First aid kit
• Snow chains
• Antifreeze
• GPS
• Swimsuit for the spa
• Dressy clothes for special occasions
• A good book for your free time

How does Grandvalira’s ski equipment rental system work?

In Andorra, there are more than 20 ski and snowboard rental shops scattered throughout the Principality. There are rental shops throughout the Grandvalira area, and they’re all conveniently located right at the base of whichever ski area you choose, so you can walk in to pick up your gear and walk out with your boots on, ready for adventure.

Here are the shops you’ll find in Grandvalira depending on which area you choose to ski:

• Encamp: 2 rental shops next to Funicamp
• Canillo: 2 rental shops next to the gondola
• El Tarter: 3 rental shops at the base of the resort
• Incles: 1 rental shop next to the Canaro
• Soldeu: 4 rental shops scattered throughout the town
• Grau Roig: 1 rental at the base of the resort
• Pas de la Casa: 4 rental properties next to the central slope

We recommend that you reserve your equipment in advance to be on the safe side and not waste a single minute of your precious ski days. All shops meet the quality standards established by the Principality of Andorra and guarantee their customers high-quality equipment, excellent facilities, lockers, and a repair shop for skis and snowboards.

Are you ready to start your adventure in Andorra? Check out the Grandvalira ski deals we have on Esquiades and choose the one that best suits you and your travel companions. Please note that being in touch with nature is the best way to completely unwind from your daily routine and fill your lungs with fresh, pure air.

How do you get to Grandvalira?

There are many ways to get to Grandvalira. You can drive, take a bus, or combine a flight with a coach ride, thanks to the Girona Airport, located two and a half hours from the Principality.

Grandvalira has six access points. All of them are located along Carretera General 2 (CG 2), which connects the capital, Andorra la Vella, with France. The most common way to get there is by car or bus. That’s why we’ll explain below how to get there from Spain by car.

To reach Grandvalira from the south, you can drive through La Seu d’Urgell in Catalonia and continue on the N-145 to the border with Andorra. From there, take Carretera General 1 (CG-1) toward the capital, Andorra la Vella. Once you’ve passed the capital, continue on Carretera General 2 (CG-2) to the first entrance to Grandvalira, Encamp. If you stay on this road, you’ll reach the Canillo ski area.

About 7 kilometres further on, you’ll find the Tarter ski area, and if you continue another 2.5 kilometres on the CG-2—just a 5-minute drive—you’ll reach the Soldeu ski area.

If you continue along the Carretera General and take the turnoff onto the Carretera de Grau Roig, you’ll reach the Grau Roig ski area. Finally, at the end of the CG-2, on the border with France, you’ll find Pas de la Casa.

If you’re coming to Grandvalira from France, you can reach it directly via the Pas de la Casa ski area on the RN20 highway. You can also reach Grandvalira through the Envalira Tunnel. Near the tunnel is the entrance to the Grau Roig ski area. If you continue down the CG-2 highway, you’ll reach the other ski areas.

The ski area has 19 car park lots! Thirteen of them are outdoor and six are covered, so don’t worry about where to park your car.

Where can I park at Grandvalira?

If you’ve decided to drive to this Andorran resort, we’d like to let you know that there are several car park lots where you can park and go skiing without any worries. Here are the car park lots you’ll find, organized by ski area:

ENCAMP SECTOR

Funicamp covered car park lot—paid
Encamp open-air car park lot—paid

CANILLO SECTOR

La Arenyeta covered car park lot—free
Prat del Riu covered car park lot—free

EL TARTER SECTOR

Obac Open-Air Car Park Lot - free
Sant Pere Open-Air Car Park Lot - free

SOLDEU SECTOR

Basers covered car park lot—free
Avet covered car park lot—free

GRAU ROIG SECTOR

Grau Roig Open-Air Car Park Lot – free
Cubil Open-Air Car Park Lot – free

PAS DE LA CASA SECTOR

L’Avelleta Open-Air Car Park Lot – paid
Costa Rodona Open-Air Car Park Lot – free

Likewise, the payment process for free covered car park lots is very simple. First, insert your ticket into the payment machine; then, scan the ticket using the QR code reader; and finally, scan your ski pass using the reader.

Ski with Esquiades.com in Grandvalira

Did you know thon Esquiades.com is the leading seller of ski holiday packages in Grandvalira? Every day, we strive to get the best prices at this resort so you can take advantage of incredible deals and even more holidays to the slopes.

With us, you can easily choose accommodations near your favourite part of the Grandvalira ski area. Please note that the ski pass is already included in the price. If you don’t have your own ski gear, add it to your booking and you can pick it up at our partner shops, located very close to the slopes.

Plus, as we mentioned earlier, if you’d like, you can add meal plans at exceptional prices to enjoy at various restaurants in the Grandvalira ski area . But that’s not all. On our website, you can also purchase tickets for the Caldea Spa Centre and relax after a tiring day of skiing.

And finally, if you want to check the trail conditions or the weather forecast for the coming days, you’ll find that information right here on this page. That way, you can be sure to choose the best time to ski in Grandvalira.

Don’t wait any longer—check out our Grandvaliraski deals to enjoy winter at the best price!