Skiing in Andorra

Over the years I was always aware of the good value skiing, duty free shopping and appeal Andorra had for the 18-30’s ski crowd and when given the opportunity to check out two of the ski resorts myself I was surprised to find it also has great options for families and something for those who love their five star luxuries.

The first part of my ski adventure started in Arinsal staying at the four star Hotel Princesa Parc hotel. After a long day of travelling it was a real treat to visit the nearby Caldea Spa Center. The Caldea Spa Center is one of the largest in Southern Europe and included swimming pools, spas, Jacuzzis, saunas treatments, bars, restaurants etc. I personally loved being able to swim to the outside area where you could enjoy the cold mountain air while swimming in the heated pool.

The Princesa Parc has some great facilities for groups and families including swimming pool and a bowling alley which provided hours of enjoyment for our group on the first night. The Gondola is just a short walk (200m) from the hotel and we were then fitted for skis up on top of the mountain. After a day of skiing there were a few lovely nearby bars to enjoy a bit of Après Ski in the evening including the hotels own bar facilities. I personally found the bed at this hotel very comfortable and after a long day on the slopes that to me is important.

The second part of our trip we headed to Soldeu which is set in the heart of the Andorran Pyrenees and part of the Grandvalira ski area. Walking into the lobby of the Sport Hotel Village we were left with no doubt that it was only two weeks till Christmas! The lobby of the hotel was very big and open with beautiful Christmas decorations, inviting bar and big windows looking out to the ski slopes. I could have been quite happy to just order an Irish coffee settle into one of the big comfy sofas and watch the skiing from this great location. However when the ski shop and gondola are right at the hotel and you only have to walk about 10 meters from being fitted out to being on the gondola this is my type of skiing and they make it too easy to enjoy a day out on the slopes. For me I loved this resort and being able to ski right to the door of your hotel is one luxury I will struggle to go without on future ski trips. After a day of skiing it was heaven to relax in the Sport Wellness Mountain Spa. This is not just any old spa either! This is five storey’s of spa and the facilities are definitely five star.

The Sport Hotels Resort & Spa is a complex of three hotels built around a gondola with a small shopping center including a small supermarket and Irish bar! No need to really go any further. For the five star travelers I can highly recommend the Sport Hotel Hermitage also part of the complex. The Hermitage would be my ultimate luxury ski getaway.

For more information, advice and great rates, please contact me.