Skiing in Andorra in the Pyrenees
This week we were able to experience skiing in Andorra for the first time! During a press trip for the Park Piolets hotel, we discovered this small piece of land located between France and Spain. For those who do not know, Andorra is not part of the European Union and is very popular with the French for shopping! The taxes are much lower there. But do not think that this is the only advantage of this principality
Where to ski in Andorra?
Indeed, Andorra has a large ski area, Grandvalira, with optimal conditions for skiing. The weather is often mild thanks to its geographical location. Then tempted by skiing in Andorra? You should know that it is the largest ski area in southern Europe. There are 210 km of slopes linking 6 different ski resorts:
- Pas de la Casa (2100 m)
- Grau Roig (2120 m)
- Soldeu (1800 m)
- El Tarter (1710 m)
- Canillo (1500 m)
- Encamp (1300 m)
Beginners and professionals alike will find what they are looking for. Families will also be able to take advantage of numerous facilities for children on and off the slopes.
It is possible to learn ski touring, the meeting place is also 20 minutes from our hotel.
During our short stay in Andorra (less than 48 hours), we did not have the opportunity to discover the city, nor the capital. The latter, Andorra la Vella, is the highest in Europe at an altitude of 1,023 m. On the other hand, the Hotel Park Piolets, where we stayed for 2 nights, has everything you look for when you come to Andorra to ski for a weekend. The services of the Park Piolets hotel
Parking: Large outdoor parking free of charge. Or a paid indoor parking, giving direct access to ski lockers and reception.
- Ski equipment rental: No need to worry, the hotel has its own ski equipment rental shop. For skis and shoes, count between €18.50 and €40 per day (decreasing price depending on the duration). You will also have a locker to store your equipment right next to the shop.
- Ski Slope Shuttles: A free shuttle service takes you to the departure of the gondola in 2 minutes.
- Packages: You will have the option to take your packages or book activities on-site and without waiting.
- Wifi: Internet connection is free and high speed.
The rooms
The rooms of the Park Piolets hotel are up to its 4 stars! The decoration, all in natural wood, is warm, completely in the regional spirit. They all have a balcony, with a beautiful view of the mountains. The calm and the bedding allowed us to rest after a day of skiing.
The hotel offers four types of rooms:
– 2 persons of 26 m2
– 3 persons of 27 m2
– 4 persons of 28 m2
– Suite of 46 m2.
The spa
For those who wish to take a wellness break between two ski slopes, go to the spa. Although it is already very good, the management wants to renovate it this summer to complete the high-end experience that the hotel wants to offer. Currently, you will find a pool, massage jets, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam room, contrast showers and a relaxation area. For your peace and quiet, the spa is closed to children after 7pm.
You can also enjoy massages and other treatments with 100% natural products.
The restaurants
The buffet
For breakfast and dinner, the hotel offers a very high quality buffet with many options. The products are fresh and the setting with the view on the mountains is very pleasant.
The KAO Restaurant
What we enjoyed most during our stay in Andorra was our dinner at the new Asian gourmet restaurant KAO. The KAO family has made its reputation in the city of Barcelona with different establishments. Here, the products are revisited, slightly Europeanized and adapted to the mountain. The food was all delicious, it is a must do if you go to Andorra. You can see the menu here.
Stay in Andorra
We really enjoyed this discovery of skiing in Andorra. It was the first time we went to the Pyrenees in winter. After 48 hours of testing the Park Piolets hotel, we recommend this establishment. The services offered are great for families, or simply for those who want to ski without the complications that usually come with it. Finally, the price of the rooms varies between 138€ and 280€ depending on the period and the number of people. Click here to make a booking.
For your information, the official language of Andorra is Catalan. However, most Andorrans speak English and/or French. Although we are outside the EU, the currency used is the euro.
This little escapade clearly made us want to come back to Andorra next season. In summer, there are also many departures of hikes. As you can see, this place has much more to offer than cigarettes and cheap alcohol!
This article was sponsored by the Park Piolets Hotel. This means that we were paid to write a transparent review of our stay. The contract that binds us does not oblige us to say anything good about it. It is therefore our true feelings.
2 Comments
Alice
18 December 2022 at 14 h 46 minI absolutely loved my trip to Andorra! The ski resorts were top-notch and the scenery was breathtaking. The food was delicious and the capital city, Andorra la Vella, was charming and full of shopping and dining options
Amoureux du Monde
8 February 2023 at 21 h 50 minThanks for your comment 🙂