Why you should choose Andorra for your Christmas ski holiday

Sandwiched between France and Spain, Andorra is a tiny independent principality set high in the Pyrénées mountains. Thanks to its soaring altitude and hundreds of kilometres of epic slopes, it’s been a popular skiing region for years and currently offers some of the best value for money when it comes to snow sports holidays.

It takes just an hour to drive from one end of the country to the other, soAndorra’s sizealso makes everything veryaccessible, plus it’s only a short hop to nearby cities like Barcelona, Girona and Toulouse.

There are dozens of reasons to head to amazing Andorra in December, from the festive atmosphere and great shopping scene to the perfectly groomed slopes and affordable après.

If you like to let your hair down at Christmas, you’ll be in for a treat with Andorra’s wide choice of après ski options. The region boasts numerous bars and restaurants offering up lively parties or laidback vibes (for those that would rather lounge by a roaring fire with a glass of wine). For the best variety, you’ll want to head to Soldeu and El Tarter for fantastic Happy Hours, traditional bars and an excellent choice of eateries and watering holes.

If you’re reluctant to give up your holiday traditions, you’ll be glad to know that most resorts in Andorra make a real effort to look and feel festive. From decorations and Santa hats to special menus at restaurants (including Christmas dinners with all the trimmings!), you’re bound to feel right at home.

If your favourite thing about December is the bright lights and festive scents of a bustling Christmas market, Andorra won’t disappoint.

La Massana, Ordino and Encamp (all a short drive from major resorts like Pas de le Casa, Soldeu and Arinsal) host fun festive fairs, while the nearby nation's capital, Andorra la Vella unveils its brilliant Christmas Village complete with street performances, workshops and traditional market stalls.

For something even bigger, it’s less than three hours by car to Barcelona where you’ll find plenty of festive spirit at the Santa Llúcia fair in Avinguda de la Catedral that’s been held nearly every December since 1786.

If you’re hoping to take your kids Christmas skiing in Andorra, you’ll find the tiny country’s resorts are well-equipped for both little ones and teens. If they’re keen to test out their ski skills, there’s around 40 blue runs in Grandvalira – Andorra’s main ski area – plus a number of great ski schools for beginners.

Off the slopes, you can expect plenty of child-friendly activities from Christmas fairs and Santa’s grottos to exciting kids’ clubs like the one found at our Neilson Hotel del Clos in El Tarter.

Due to its altitude, the snow in Andorra is usually in good condition, even at the beginning of the ski season. This is particularly true if you opt for Pas de la Casa, the principality’s highest resort that sits at an impressive 2,100m.

And when the snow is a little thin on the ground, the country’s ski resorts tend to use huge snow cannons to boost the powder. In fact, Andorra’s Grandvilara region currently has over 1,000 snow cannons that help keep at least 60% of its 100 runs covered in snow throughout the season.

December marks the beginning of the Andorra ski season, so you can expect far quieter pistes than if you visited in February or March. This means shorter queuing times on the ski lifts, plus fewer people to avoid as you soar down the slopes.

It’s no secret that Andorra is one of the best places for a skiing holiday in Europe if you’re on a budget. A combination of low-cost flights and accommodation as well as great valuerestaurants and its near tax-free status means everything from your coffee to your kit hire isincredibly affordable, whether you’re travelling in a big family group or with friends.

If you like to leave your Christmas present buying to the last minute, you’ll have no trouble finding everything imaginable in Andorra le Vella. Head to the capital’s shopping district – there’s over 2,000 shops to choose from – for all your favourite clothing brands in addition to luxury accessories, jewellery and unique souvenirs.

For those who prefer gifting their loved one’s memorable experiences, why not book a dog sledding ride through the snowy forest? You could also view the mountains from above on a magical helicopter trip.

Convinced that Andorra at Christmas could be the right fit for you? Get in touch with us today to see how we could organise your perfect winter escape in the dizzying heights of the Pyrénées.