We had a fantastic holiday. Great hotel, great staff, great skiing and good weather with a final blue bird powder day to cap it off. Would throughly recommend Neilson, Andorra and Hotel Del Clos
El Tarter is a beautiful ski resort located in Andorra, which is part of the Grandvalira ski area. The ski area consists of 7 sectors, and El Tarter is one of them. There are 138 ski runs to choose from, and the area is known for its tree-lined runs and picturesque views, especially during sunset.
The Grandvalira ski area is still largely undiscovered, making it an excellent destination for intermediate skiers who want to improve their skills. It's also an ideal spot for beginners, as the slopes are wide, fun, and safe, making it perfect for their first turns on the snow.
Furthermore, there is a lift that connects the Peretol area and its advanced level Sunset freestyle park to the main Grandvalira area. Previously, this area was only accessible by car or bus, but now skiers and boarders can reach it by skiing. This is great news for anyone looking to get some serious air!
Being able to ski from 1710m right up to 2590m provides some pretty reliable snow conditions and Andorra often has snow when other resorts around Europe are struggling.
The village is laid-back and friendly with great access to the slopes.
The Lowdown
- Free child lift passes for under 12s with each adult lift pass
- Neilson Hotel Del Clos
- Neilson Chalet Hotel Casale
- Neilson Chalet Motxo
- 210km Grandvalira ski area
- Laid-back nightlife
- Virtually tax-free
- Superb quality hotels
- Ideal for beginners & intermediates
- Sunday flying from London Gatwick
- 3 hour resort transfer (incl. comfort break)
NEILSON MOUNTAIN COLLECTION
Our hotels & chalets in El Tarter
Discover the joy of staying in El Tarter - Andorra’s laid-back, character-filled spot with mountains made for all-age adventures. It’s fast becoming the firm favourite of our Neilson Good Energy crowd.
On the mountain
El Tarter is home to one of the best native English speaking ski schools in Europe - they’ll transform nervous beginners into confident skiers and boarders in no time. There's even an entire area dedicated to beginners to learn in safety.
The speedy and advanced can also choose from a range of classes and clinics, all set in the fantastic, 210km Grandvalira area. Hit the slopes before everyone else with our unique First Trax sessions - a 1 hour guided tour of the closed slopes, before the lifts open.
The wonderful range of green, blue, red and world-class black runs are all expertly maintained, and the safe terrain is perfect for exploring on your own or with a guide.
Resort stats
- Resort altitude: 1800m
- Skiing altitude: 1710m to 2590m
- Ski area size: 210km in the Grandvalira area
- Number of runs: 138
- Range of runs: 9% green, 41% blue, 36% red, 14% black
- Lifts: 4 magic carpets, 6 rope tows, 27 drags, 26 chairlifts, 3 gondolas, 2 cable cars
- Night skiing: No
- Cross country trails: 30km
- Snowmaking: 66% runs covered
- Resort bus: Yes
El Tarter ski offers
Save some money for après with our ski and board offers...
- Look at our ski deals page for the latest savings and offers.
- Free ski guiding & coaching from fully qualified Neilson Mountain Experts when you stay at Neilson Hotel Del Clos, Neilson Chalet Motxo or Neilson Chalet Hotel Casale.
- Free lift pass for the group leader when 12+ people book and each pre-book a lift pass.
- Free lift pass for under 12s with each pre-booked adult lift pass. Free lift passes for kids 0-5 years from the lift pass office with proof of age.
- Ski and board pack bundles—Our ski and board pack bundles offer extra savings. Choose a lift pass and equipment bundle, or add tuition.
- Ski and board carriage—Pre-booking ski and board carriage will save you money and reserve a space on the plane for your kit.
El Tarter off the mountain
El Tarter has a more laid back feel with just a couple of après and night-time bars and restaurants. Head to the Neilson Hotel del Clos bar with its small but very tasty selection of cocktails.
At the foot of the El Tarter slopes is the L'Aberset bar and restaurant - grab a drink while enjoying some music and guest DJ's. There's also a restaurant that is open all day, with a quality menu and a VIP area to cater for those seeking a more premium experience.
If the El Tarter vibe is too chilled, there are thrills and spills just a few minutes’ bus ride away. The snow tubes at Grau Roig are a great way to keep the adrenaline pumping when you’re away from the piste.
For shopping, activities, events and more Andorra’s capital, Andorra la Vella, is just a 30-minute bus ride away.
Couples’ holidays in El Tarter
If you’re looking for a romantic ski holiday, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect place. With glorious mountain views and roaring log fires, couples will love the intimate feel of El Tarter. With a great selection of cosy bars, cafés and restaurants, it doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to swap ski stories over dinner or dance the night away - every option is covered.
There's a great selection of activities for couples to try. Explore as a couple, snowshoeing your way around the mountains, or take in the mountain air with an al fresco lunch. When you simply want to kick off your ski boots, there are plenty of places to relax - just make your way to one of the cosy cafés, luxury spas or fine dining options.
Food & drink in El Tarter
Fantastic food isn’t in short supply, and there's plenty of choice both on and off the mountain. As well as local food, burgers and Italian options on the mountain, there's a concept called 'fast and good food' - conceived to provide good quality fast food for skiers who want to make the most of their time on the mountain. It's not all fast though, with plenty of options to enjoy a leisurely slopeside meal or drinks.
Coffee Shops in the nearby village of Soldeu are the perfect pit stop for a quick snack before you get back on the slopes - and the cakes keep skiers coming back for more!
Families & kids
Your children will be well taken care of both on and off the slopes. Choose from ski and non-ski kindergarten for those under 5, or ski school for kids up to 11 years old.
Don't forget that any guest staying in a Mountain Collection hotel or chalet hotel in El Tarter can book our excellent Neilson-run kids' clubs based at Neilson Hotel del Clos.
We take babies from 4 months old right up to your pre-teens in 3 separate clubs. We even offer an evening club with a sleep créche for younger ones, while the fun and games carries on until 10pm for children over 5.
Don't miss...
If you fancy a different type of adventure, try taking a husky sleigh ride through the rolling Grandvalira mountains. See parts of the resort you'd never normally get to see whilst being pulled along by these enchanting animals.
Or try swapping your skis or board for a tractor inner tube, and throw yourself down the slopes by night. Alternatively, take it easy and head to the 2,000+ virtually tax-free shops in Andorra La Vella (which also boasts the luxury Caldea spa - the largest in Southern Europe).
El Tarter travel info
- Departure airports: London Gatwick
- Departure day: Sunday
- Arrival airport: Toulouse (in France), Barcelona (in Spain)
- Flight duration: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Transfer time: 3 to 4 hour resort transfer (including a comfort break)