Well, it is finally here!
The 2022 - 2023 season will introduce a national Ski pass allowing the avid seeker of snowtime activities to access all ski fields, all with the use of one ski pass. Finally putting the Principality's interest first, the greatest benefactor is the Andorran Ski Industry, and Residents alike.
For the first time skiiers can enjoy 330 klms of ski runs, different snow parks, and restaurants throughout the season with one homegenic forfeit, making Andorra the largest Ski Resort in the south of Europe.
But what now? Where to ski?
This new breakthrough will allow residents and tourists alike move freely throughout the country to where the conditions are best for their personal requirements. Here is a quick breakdown on what to expect from each separate staion.
Granvalira; Formed via the merging of Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Greu Roig and Pas de la Casa, Granvalira creates Andorra's largest skiing domain. The 5 individual stations are now fully accessible via a system of cable cars and chairlifts making this the complete ski resort for beginners and experienced skiiers, as over the 200+klms of ski runs, you will find something for everyone. Reaching the height of 2 640m, Granvalira is the highest of the Andorran ski fields. Granvalira also offers various types of restauration on the mountain as well, from Hot Dogs to fine dining, and as for the Apres Ski locations look no further than the Arbaset in El Tarter which has rapidly become one of the most iconic Apres Ski locations in all of Europe. It is important to note that the Granvalira ski fields can also be accessed from Encamp, via the Cable Car Funicamp, the fastest cable car in Europe.
Pal/Arinsal; Traditionally recognised as the family friendly mountains, it is not unusual to find these fields filled with local Andorrans and their families over the weekend due to the family friendly offer within this resort. Reaching heights of 2560m Pal/Arinsal is easily accessed by the large Cable Car that departs from the centre of La Massana, a Cable Car which is gives access to what is now one of the leading Bike Adventure Parks in Europe throughout the summer months. Pal Arinsal is dotted with restaurants, offerig a wide array of lunches suitable for all budgets, with the highlight being the new Pla de la Cot Restaurant. As the sun goes down on the ski fields, many tourists and locals alike head towards the bustling little mountain village of Arinsal which is renowned for it's nocturnal Apres Ski activities.
Arcalis; Located in Ordino, Arcalis actually forms a part of the Granvalira Ski Fields as from 2020, however, at this point there is no direct access from the Ordino Station across to the other domain. Arcalis is a hidden gem, and one of the least populated ski fields in Andorra, probably due to the access. The only way of reaching Arcalis is via car, or public transport. While this creates some logisitical problems for some tourists, it is a Shangri-La for other avid skiiers who look for less populated ski fields, with less lines, less frequestend restaurants, but all of the high quality snow and installations skiiers in Andorra have come to expect. The new "All Andorra" ski pass will see benefits for Arcalis as it will be given far greater exposure than in the past, and tourists will be lured to the Ordino mountains as they will not be required to purchase an individual mountian forfeit.