Andorra is one of the top destinations for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts. Nestled in the Pyrenees, this small country boasts some of the best ski slopes in Europe, as well as a wide variety of services for skiers. If you are planning your winter vacation in Andorra, here’s everything you need to know about its ski resorts, available ski passes, and some tips on finding the best accommodation.
Ski Resorts in Andorra
Andorra has three major alpine ski resorts that attract thousands of visitors every year:
Grandvalira
Grandvalira is the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees and one of the most renowned in Europe, offering over 210 kilometers of slopes. Grandvalira offers slopes for all levels, from beginners to expert skiers. It consists of 7 sectors: Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, El Peretol, Grau Roig, and Pas de la Casa. Besides alpine skiing, Grandvalira offers activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiles, and zip-lining for the more adventurous.
Pal Arinsal
Located in the La Massana area, Pal Arinsal offers 63 kilometers of slopes, ideal for those looking for a family-friendly atmosphere. Its two sectors, Pal and Arinsal, are connected by a cable car and offer a wide variety of activities, such as snowshoeing and sledding. Arinsal also has one of the best snowparks, perfect for freestyle enthusiasts.
Ordino Arcalís
Known for having some of the best snow in the Pyrenees due to its orientation, Ordino Arcalís offers a more natural and less crowded environment. It’s the perfect place for those seeking a more alpine and authentic skiing experience. It also offers a variety of freeride routes and features spectacular views from the famous Tristaina Solar Viewpoint, accessible by snowshoe or ski touring.
Types of Ski Passes in Andorra
When planning your trip, it’s essential to know the types of ski passes available in Andorra to make the most of your skiing experience:
Day pass:
Ideal if you only plan to ski for a day. You can purchase it directly at the ticket offices or book online to avoid queues.
Multi-day pass:
Perfect for those spending several days in Andorra. You can purchase the Grandvalira pass, which gives you access to all three ski resorts in Andorra. Alternatively, you can buy the Nord Pass, which grants access to Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís.
Season ski pass:
If you’re a ski enthusiast and plan to visit Andorra more than once during the season, a season pass is the most economical option in the long run. It allows unlimited skiing throughout the season. There are two options: the Grandvalira season pass for skiing at all three resorts, and the Nord Pass, which covers Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís. You can buy it here.
Plus+ ski pass:
Perhaps the least known but still a great option. With the Forfait Plus+, you can ski at Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal, and Ordino Arcalís. It’s a pay-per-use pass linked to a credit card, and you automatically receive a 15% discount each time you ski. You can buy it here.
Tips for finding the best accommodation in Andorra in winter
Now that you’ve decided on the resort and ski pass, it’s time to find accommodation in Andorra for the ski season. Here are some tips to ensure a comfortable stay close to the slopes:
Book in advance:
Andorra is a very popular winter destination, so we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. This will allow you to find better deals and options close to the ski slopes.
Accommodations near the resorts:
If you want to make the most of your skiing time, it’s best to stay in towns close to the ski resorts. Canillo, Soldeu, and El Tarter are some of the best options near Grandvalira. In Pal Arinsal, consider staying in La Massana or Arinsal.
Look for hotels with additional services:
Many hotels in Andorra offer services such as free transportation to the ski slopes, ski equipment rental, or even a spa to relax after a day on the slopes. These extras can make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Chalets or group accommodations:
If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a chalet or house can be an excellent option. You’ll not only have more space but also the ability to cook your own meals, saving on restaurant costs. We recommend booking Mountain Hostel El Tarter exclusively for your group, with a capacity for over 20 people.
The best hiking routes in Andorra, from Mountain Hostel Tarter, the cutting-edge mountain refuge in Andorra
Hiking in Andorra: wild and spectacular mountain landscapes in Andorra.
In summer, Andorra is a paradise for hiking and trekking.
Being a small country, covering 468 km2, Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees, offers a great variety of hiking routes for all tastes, from family outings with children, medium-mountain hikes for enthusiasts and mountain lovers with no difficulty, to routes for the most demanding trailrunning training.
Moreover, Andorra has 3 natural parks: Sorteny Natural Park, Comapedrosa Natural Park, and Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley Natural Park, the latter being UNESCO World Heritage.
In short, Andorra is the paradise for hiking, trekking, and trailrunning. This is evidenced by the annual success of the legendary Andorra Ultratrail mountain race and the numerous mountain races held each year in Andorra, some even within the global mountain racing calendar.
At Mountain Hostel Tarter, we want to bring you the best of Andorra for us: discovering Andorra from the mountains, and enjoying extraordinary landscapes that you won’t be able to erase from your memory after your time in the mountains of Andorra.
Hiking routes near Mountain Hostel Tarter, the perfect base camp for your trekking routes in Andorra.
Mountain Hostel Tarter is the perfect mountain refuge in Andorra, in El Tarter, in the heart of the Principality of Andorra, where you can have the base camp, from which to start or finish the best hiking routes in Andorra.
Summer terrace, with barbecue at Mountain Hostel Tarter
For hikers following the GR, from Spain to France or vice versa and undertaking multi-day treks, Mountain Hostel Tarter is the perfect refuge in Andorra for a night (or more! If you want to rest) from which to connect with the Refuge de Ruhle in France.
Mountain Hostel Tarter is located right halfway between 2 spectacular valleys in Andorra: the Valley of Incles, which connects with France and Grau Roig, and the Valley of Ransol which connects with other valleys like La Vall del Riu, Montaup, and Sorteny.
To the east of Mountain Hostel Tarter, we have the splendid Valley of Incles, where just a 10-minute walk begins amazing hiking routes leading to the lakes of Juclar, Pic d’Escobes, the lake and Pico de Siscaró, Pic de la Cabaneta, the lakes of Fontargent, and the lake of Cabana Sorda… among others.
To the west of Mountain Hostel Tarter, lies the Valley of Ransol from where you can ascend the legendary Pic de la Serrera and Pic del Estanyó and even reach the Vall del Riu or the Valley of Sorteny.
Mountain Hostel Tarter: the cutting-edge mountain refuge in Andorra
Dormitories for 4 people at Mountain Hostel Tarter
Mountain Hostel Tarter is a cutting-edge mountain hostel, located in a borda over 200 years old, a mountain house with typical Andorran and Pyrenean architecture. A fully renovated house, in the style of a mountain refuge, but with all the amenities for a warm and comfortable stay after a tough day in the mountains. A mountain refuge in Andorra perfect for a good hot shower, eating to your liking, resting, and sleeping well after spending the day in the Andorran mountains. Although you can’t leave without trying our swim spa, our outdoor pool with jacuzzi and hot water. It’s the recovery you deserve after a day in the mountains. Here you can see the hostel, our rooms, and services.
From Mountain Hostel Tarter, we recommend our favorite routes. Hiking routes in Andorraby difficulty and time, near Mountain Hostel Tarter or with a start or end at Mountain Hostel Tarter.
Easy hiking routes in Andorra, Valley of Incles and Gall de Bosc Path:
Ideal for going out with children or for those who like to go running or take a walk, without excesses. We recommend 2 paths. The first is the Valley of Incles, with a trail that includes explanatory panels about the flora, fauna, and biodiversity in the Valley of Incles, as well as explanations about typical mountain constructions.
The second is the Gall de Bosc Path that goes from Soldeu to Canillo. A very entertaining path, with a wooden bridge and interesting views of the mountains ofthe Valley of Canillo. With a bit of luck, you might see the Gall de Bosc, an endangered protected species that very few have the privilege of seeing.
The Valley of Incles is just a 10-minute walk from Mountain Hostel Tarter, and the Gall de Bosc Path starts in Tarter, 5 minutes on foot from Mountain Hostel Tarter.
Vall d’Incles, 10 minutes from Mountain Hostel Tarter
Moderate Hiking Routes in Andorra, for a half-day or a relaxing day in the mountains:
As a medium-level route, from Mountain Hostel Tarter we recommend:
The Five Lakes Route in the Valley of Incles (Andorra): a circular route, starting from Mountain Hostel Tarter towards Entor, you follow the trail that takes you to the Querol Lake, Ibones de las Salamandres, Cabana Sorda Lake, Anrodat Lake, and Isla Lake. For those who want more, (!!!much more!!!) this route can continue to the Fontargent Lakes (France) and return to the Valley of Incles by passing through the Port de l’Alba and the Juclar Lakes and continue the descent to the Valley of Incles to return to Mountain Hostel Tarter.
For the more daring and those not afraid of heights, we suggest the Pic d’Escobes, a very airy peak near the Juclar Lakes, which can be accessed by climbing directly via the Juclar path from the Valley of Incles.
For more aerial views, we recommend starting from the Port d’Envalira towards the Pic Maià and traversing the ridges to the Pas de les Vaques. After that, descend towards the Sicaró Lake and the Valley of Incles, a route of little difficulty but with magnificent views from the ridges of the Andorran mountains.
Long Hiking Routes in Andorra, Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
Our favorite long-distance hiking route in Andorra is the one that traverses the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a Natural Park that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Starting from Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra la Vella, or Escaldes-Engordany, this route reaches the Pessons Glacial Cirque in Grau Roig.
There are no words to describe the majesty of the various landscapes on this route, from high mountains, valley floors, rivers, lakes, and even a glacial cirque. A journey often accompanied by marmots or horses and cows grazing in the meadows.
A perfect route for trailrunners.
Consult us for availability to drop you off at the starting point or pick you up at the finishing point, or to go get your car at the starting point.
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Peaks of Andorra: Serrera, Estanyó, and Comapedrosa
Andorra has 65 peaks over 2,500 m in altitude. Incredible, right?
The highest mountain is the Pic de Comapedrosa which, with an altitude of 2,942 m, is a must for summit collectors.
But our favorite peaks in Andorra, accessible from Mountain Hostel Tarter, are the Pic de la Serrera at 2,912 m and the Pic de l’Estanyó at 2,915 m.
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GR of Andorra: Long-Distance Trails
Up to 5 long-distance trails (GR) traverse the mountains of Andorra.
GR-11: the great Pyrenees route that crosses the Pyrenees from the southern side between the Cantabrian and the Mediterranean. Mountain Hostel Tarter is located at the base of this trail in its 8A to 11A section connecting La Coma de Ransol with the Valley of Incles.
GR-7: the long-distance hiking trail that crosses the Pyrenees from east to south.
GRP: the tour around a country. The GRP of Andorra is a circular hiking route around Andorra with a length of about 120 km, passing through the Valley of Incles, just a few meters from Mountain Hostel Tarter, the ideal place to shower, cook comfortably, rest, and recover for the next stages.
Cross-border GR 1: The 3 Nations Route, is a circular itinerary of almost 24 hours of walking that starts and ends in El Serrat (Ordino) and passes through Andorra, Spain, and France.
Cross-border GR 2: The Lakes Tour is a circular route of almost 14 hours of walking, which develops through Andorra and France itineraries, passing through the Port d’Incles, an ideal moment to descend to the Valley of Incles and spend the night at Mountain Hostel Tarter.
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For stays of 7 nights or more, a 10% discount is applied until November 30.
Transport: If you stay at Mountain Hostel Tarter, consult our availability to assist you to the start of the trail or to pick you up at the end.
Mountain Guide Booking: If you are interested in having a mountain guide in Andorra for yourself or your group, send your inquiry to info@mountainhosteltarter.com. Otherwise, we can also advise you on hiking routes in Andorra, their duration and difficulty, as well as provide you with a map of Andorra’s trails (extra cost).
Alpify: The safety app that allows, in case of emergency, the user to send their exact location to rescue teams. Download Alpify here.
Andorra Trails Guide:official guide from the Government of the Principality of Andorra, where most of the hiking trails in Andorra are listed and analyzed in convenient sheets to carry in your backpack. Download the Andorra Trails Guide here.
Mountain Guide:detailed official guide from the Government of Andorra with all activities in Andorra’s natural environment. Download the Andorra Mountain Guide.
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>
Hiking in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter[/caption>