Soldeu

Soldeu has a lot in common with other resorts in Andorra – low prices, great ski school, grim-looking village, lively bar-based nightlife. However, its local slopes are some of the best in the region. And thanks to the new link with Pas de la Casa/Grau Roig, the ski area has more than doubled in size to 115 miles.

El Tarter

El Tarter has grown over recent years to the point where it now seems no smaller than Soldeu, but it is quieter and there is no shortage of places to stay.

The main local slopes are on open mountainsides above the woods, though there are runs in the woods back to all of the resort lift bases.

The gondola rises over north-facing slopes to Espiolets, a broad shelf that is virtually a mini-resort. The ski school is based here, and there are extensive beginner areas. A gentle run to the east takes you to an area of long, easy runs. Soldeu’s three six-packs serve it. Beyond that, there is an extensive area of more varied slopes. Quad and another six-pack that overlaps with the Pas de la Casa area run there.

Going west from Espiolets takes you to the open bowl of Riba Escorxada and the arrival point of the lift up from El Tarter. From here, the third six-pack serves sunny slopes on Tosa dels Espiolets, while a slow quad leads off southwards towards surface lifts serving the high point of Tossal de la Llosada and the little-used link with the slopes above Canillo.

The slopes above El Forn were developed for last season.

The Riba Escorxada beginners’ area is being improved – a new quad is being added. There will also be a couple of new runs. The Espiolets beginner area is being further improved and a new surface lift installed. A new black run is planned for the Canillo slopes. The El Tarter terrain park is also being improved. New trail signing and information boards are also planned.

Soldeu enjoys reliable snow.

Most slopes are north-facing, with artificial snow on the descents to Soldeu. The snowmaking is expanded each year but should run to the village be incomplete, it doesn’t affect the area. It’s a limited area for experts. There are short off-piste trails down the bowl beneath Llosada, and sometimes you can play in powder among the trees above El Tarter. The most direct of the wooded runs down to El Tarter and Soldeu are suitable for good intermediates, while those of moderate ability will enjoy the relatively long pistes from Llosada. Timid skiers have gentle cruises throughout the area. Riba Escorxada is a fine section for mixed ability groups, and the new link to Canillo/El Forn and newly created runs there allow for more cruising mileage. A new building here includes a ski school and restaurant.

This is a good resort for beginners. It is relatively snowsure, and there are numerous easy pistes to move on to. The Espiolets beginner area and the playground have recently been new rope tows have been added. A bar, cafeteria, and beginner are soon to be located inside a new building there.

There are a well-equipped fun-park and half-pipe for snowboarders, which is easier to get to due to a new six-seater chair.

The ski school has an excellent reputation for standards of English, quality of tuition and friendliness. Children aged three to ten can attend a non-ski beginner. Children’s ski school starts from six years old, but lunchtime supervision is not available.

VALLNORD: Pal, Arinsal, Arcalis

Vallnord consists of three former smaller areas: Pal, Arinsal (connected by a gondola) and Ordino-Arcalis
The Pal-Arinsal sector is the ideal resort for family skiing with pretty, tree-lined slopes and ski schools.

The ski area of Vallnord covers Arinsal, Pal, and Ordino-Arcalís in Andorra. The same lift pass covers them all and that affords guests the possibility of a great variety of skiing and snowboarding.
The most popular holiday resort of Arinsal has a connection with Pal by a 50 person cable car.

Ordino-Arcalis is a bus journey away. It takes approximately 40 minutes and offers arguably the best skiing in Andorra. It’s often the last resort to close at the end of the season due to its popularity with locals.

There are 43 lifts providing access to 58 miles of marked runs, plus several Freeride areas for off-piste riding.

Vallnord is an ideal area for skiers & snowboarders of every ability and has three schools all operated by Vallnord who offer an excellent standard of tuition.

Many activities can be enjoyed at Pal-Arinsal Mountain Park as well as skiing and snowboarding. Skibíking, snowbiking, orienteering, snowshoeing and helicopter flights are just some of these.

There are also many activities for children, such as children’s snow bikes and jumps. And last but not least, the themed mountain restaurants should not be missed.

Vallnord Snowparks

Vallnord Snowparks is Vallnord’s freestyle ski project. The Arinsal sector has one of the most famous areas in Southern Europe for this kind of skiing. On the other hand, there is now also a beginner freestyle area in the Pal sector.

The Snowparks is made up of three areas to accommodate the different user levels, and includes modules and jumps adapted to the needs of each type of user.

The expert area has become the Snowpark’s most highly regarded zone, and internationally renowned riders can often be seen there, training for their competitions