Andorra Ski!
Andorra, a small principality nestled high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, has become a premier skiing destination in Europe. Known for its excellent value and impressive infrastructure, Andorra offers two major ski areas: Grandvalira
, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees with over 200 kilometres of interconnected slopes, and Vallnord
, which combines the Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalís sectors, ideal for families and freeride enthusiasts. These resorts cater to all levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers and snowboarders, with a wide range of blue, red, and black runs, as well as snow parks and off-piste opportunities.
Andorra benefits from a long ski season, typically running from December to April, thanks to its high altitude and advanced snow-making systems. Beyond the slopes, visitors can enjoy a vibrant après-ski scene, with cosy mountain restaurants, bars, and thermal spas like Caldea
, one of Europe’s largest wellness centres. The country’s duty-free status also makes it a hotspot for shopping, offering everything from ski gear to luxury goods at reduced prices. With its blend of affordability, modern facilities, and stunning natural beauty, Andorra is a hidden gem for winter sports lovers seeking a unique alpine experience.
3* Hotel Del Pui
- 2 minutes' walk to the La Massana cable car.
- Modern rooms, furnished with wood floors and furniture.
- Close to the shops in La Massana.
Just a stone's throw from La Massana's cable car sits Hotel Del Pui, a modern retreat in a handy location. Here, rooms are simple and come nicely furnished with wood furniture and floors, plus a stocked minibar. There's not much in the way of facilities, but there’s a place to store your ski gear, and if you need to pick up any holiday essentials, you’re just a couple of minutes’ walk to the resort centre.
La Massana is a practical resort that's just a short hop from Andorra la Vella, the Andorran capital. It's also a top spot for skiers – the cable car lift whisks you away to the popular Pal-Arinsal ski area, where you’ll find plenty of picturesque, tree-lined runs, and a high-altitude nursery area, so you can learn with mountain views.
From the hotel, you can buy tickets to one Andorra’s top attractions, the Caldea spa in the capital. Think spa means small? Think again. It’s huge with three rooms packed with spas, saunas and steam rooms. Perhaps the most unusual experience is a pool full of grapefruit (apparently it releases stress).
La Massana
- Traditional village with a relaxed vibe and skiing in the Pal Arinsal area.
- A more budget friendly resort that still delivers on quality skiing and off-mountain fun.
- Swap skis for shopping sprees - pop to nearby Andorra La Vella to pick up gifts and duty-free.
- A high-altitude nursery area means mountaintop views while you learn.
With mostly gentle, tree-lined terrain, La Massana’s a great pick for your first few ski holidays. You'll ride the gondola from the centre of the village to get to the slopes, which are mainly above 1,500m, so good snow’s usually a given. Beginners step straight off the lift and onto the nursery slopes, and you can click in to explore wide blues and easy reds that zig-zag through woods below the Pic del Cubil peak once you're ready.
La Massana’s an authentic village with a proper lived-in feel. The centre is filled with traditional stone buildings, with newer hotels and apartments dotted around the outskirts. There’s a handful of bar-cum-cafes near the main gondola where you can get a round in and listen to live music, but for a proper night out, hopping on a bus to neighbouring Arinsal is your best bet.
When you’re not slope-swooshing or unwinding back at your hotel, you can whoosh through the trees on a zipline, jump onto an airbag, or keep both feet on the ground with some snowshoe walking instead.
