The low-down on skiing in Andorra

• The highest resort altitude is Pas de la Casa at 2100m
• Andorra has a great snow record due to the high altitudes and investment in snow cannons
• The main resorts in Andorra are Arinsal, Pas de la Casa, Soldeu and El Tarter
• Typically, the season in Andorra runs from December to April
• Flights to Lleida airport in Spain are available from Birmingham, Gatwick, and Manchester
• The key ski areas are Grandvalira (210km of pistes) and Vallnord (63km of pistes)
• Andorra is known for good value for money ski holidays and virtually tax-free status
• The English speaking ski schools and tuition are excellent and award-winning

Arinsal lies at the end of a valley in the southern part of Andorra. The linking of Arinsal to nearby resort Pal has created a respectable ski area of 63km with mainly tree-lined red and blue runs best suited to beginners and intermediates. Snow reliability is good as most of the slopes are above 1900m and with plenty of snow cannons, snow is almost guaranteed on 28km of the slopes in the Arinsal and Pal sector.

It’s a typical Andorran ski resort, mixing new hotels and apartments with quaint water fountains; the locals collect their drinking water at the fountain as it’s the purest water in Andorra and is bottled here for the supermarkets, and of course for those on ski holidays in Arinsal to enjoy. To get there its a two hour 45-minute transfer from Lleida airport.

Pas de la Casa is the highest resort in the Pyrénées at 2100m. The resort is at the northern end of Andorra, bordering with France which gives the resort a distinctly French atmosphere. Pas is part of the extensive Grandvalira ski area, which links it to nearby Soldeu and El Tarter. Snow cannons ensure snow on more than 65% of the 210km ski area. This, together with the high altitude, gives the resort a long season and it rarely closes before the end of April.

Ski holidays in Pas de la Casa offer something for all abilities, although intermediates and beginners are probably best catered for. It’s a lively town, a three hour 15-minute transfer from Lleida airport, and the extensive ski area makes it popular for groups of skiers and snowboarders of mixed abilities. Snowboarding is particularly popular as there is a board park and half pipe just above the town.

The neighbouring resorts of Soldeu and El Tarter sit at the heart of the vast interlinked Grandvalira ski area. In Soldeu, the main gondola station is in the middle of the high street giving quick access to over 60 green and blue ski runs, perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Intermediate and advanced skiers will enjoy the 210km of varied slopes, including 38 red pistes and 22 black pistes.

Nearby El Tarter is smaller than its neighbour Soldeu and is an attractive resort with a peaceful and friendly atmosphere that compels visitors to return year after year. Families will love the wide range of facilities for children here with special kids’ areas and fun pistes designed just for them. The resort has the best snowpark in Andorra. Plus, it’s just one chairlift away to Soldeu and both resorts are a three-hour drive from Lleida airport.

In truth all the main resorts in Andorra, including Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, and Arinsal, have plenty of busy bars and night spots. El Tarter has a few restaurants and bars including one at Neilson Hotel del Clos with a large sun terrace, but for a livelier après scene head up the road to Soldeu.

Pas de la Casa maintains the most out-there reputation. Because of this, it may not be suitable for families. The predominately young clientele on ski holidays in Pas de la Casa ensure it’s always lively. Favourite bars include the Underground Bar & Club which has live music and happy hour specials during the week with DJs playing until the early hours. Paddy’s Irish Bar is generally regarded as one of the top place to go.

The cuisine in Andorra is heavily influenced by the country’s location; in the Pyrénées and sandwiched between Spain and France. Pa Amb Tomaquet is traditionally served alongside most meals, it is essentially bread with tomato but don’t let the simplicity fool you. The perfect amount of garlic, olive oil and salt make it delicious. You’re also likely to sample the country's national dish, Escudella at least once whilst you’re there: a hearty stew typically served during winter that consists of broth with pasta, meat, vegetables and pulses.

Buying drinks in Andorra is incredibly good value so you can make the most of the après scene every day if you want to. The après is buzzing, especially in Pas de la Casa, but if your looking for a mix of partying and relaxing then Soldeu and El Tarter offer a good balance.

If you’re a mixed group of skiers and non-skiers, or you don’t want to spend every day on the mountain then Andorra has some great off-the-mountain activities on offer. First and foremost, Andorra is well known for its virtually tax-free status so you’ll find brilliant value within shops and resorts. If you want more variety, then take a trip to the capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella, for over 2,000 virtually tax-free shops.

If you’re looking for something more active, then why not give snowshoeing a try? It’s easy to learn and is much lower impact than skiing. Snowshoeing is available in both El Tarter and Pas de la Casa. Alternatively, try mushing (or dog sledding) in El Tarter. You’ll be pulled on a sled along snowy paths through the forests of Grandvalira. For the more adventurous, there’s paragliding in El Tarter and snowmobiling in Soldeu.

Andorra is a great destination for family ski holidays, although Pas de la Casa may not suit families with young children. The resorts have plenty of gentle green and blue runs to help build the confidence of the little ones and the English speaking ski schools are some of the best in Europe. Even better, some of the hotels, such as Hotel Princesca Parc & Diana Parc in Arinsal offer free children’s clubs for kids aged between three and 11 years old. The hotel even has a games zone with a bowling alley.

Our top resort for families is El Tarter which has a range of slopes including ones designed with kids in mind. Neilson Hotel del Clos in El Tarter offers Neilson-run kids’ clubs for four months to 12 year olds. This includes ski-school drop-off and pick-up so that you can enjoy your day knowing that your little ones are happy and settled.