During the bleak and chilly winter months, a ski break is one of the best ways to chase away the blues. And, whether you’re a mad keen powderhound or a complete beginner, Grandvalira, a huge ski region in the principality of Andorra, offers some fantastic opportunities. Spanning the famous Pyrenees mountains, between Spain and France, across 140 slopes and over 215kms, Grandvalira serves up a memorable experience. It doesn’t matter where your interests lie: skiing, snowboarding, freestyling, or even if you’re just there for the apres ski – a winter holiday never looked so good!
- Grandvalira: A Ski Paradise
- Soldeu
- Canillo
- Pas de la Casa
- Encamp
- El Tarter
- Grau Roig
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Grandvalira: A Ski Paradise
It’s billed as the largest ski resort in Andorra (and the Pyrenees), but the beauty of Grandvalira is that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Despite its impressive statistics and the “interconnectedness” of its 140 slopes and 70 lifts, you won’t have to navigate the crowds of many other resorts – but you’ll still enjoy all the benefits.
For a relaxed, all-round ski holiday there’s a lot to be said for thinking laterally. Choosing Grandvalira over, say, one of the more high-profile French ski resorts, will introduce you to a gem that may become your new favourite winter destination.
There’s plenty of quality accommodation for every budget, quality skiing and snowboarding for all levels, a good-value ski pass that affords access across all sectors, a wide variety of great restaurants and bars, and lively après ski for those who want it. In short, there’s something for everyone!
No matter whether you’re coming with a young family, teenagers, a group of friends, or a couples’ break, you’ll find a perfect home-from-home in one of Grandvalira’s villages.
Soldeu
Located at 1,800m, with its dramatic setting and host of ski-in ski-out accommodation, Soldeu is one of the most sought after ski bases in Andorra. A modern resort with an excellent range of amenities, it’s popular with visitors looking for a touch of luxury and pleasant, relaxed après ski . Most hotels are rated 4- and 5-star, which means if there are non-skiers in your group, there’s plenty of pampering to be had in the onsite spas. There’s a lot to enjoy on the slopes immediately around the resort for beginners and intermediates, and of course superb access to the rest of the Grandvalira area for those looking to challenge themselves.
Canillo
With a unique “Andorran” personality, Canillo is one of the oldest and most authentic of all the Grandvalira villages. Set at an altitude of 1,531m, its peaceful surroundings and friendly atmosphere make it popular with those looking for a quiet, relaxing break; although there are certainly après ski opportunities, including at the popular Camping Pla bar. Canillo is a great place for beginners or less-confident skiers, but it also offers fantastic connections to the sectors where there are more advanced slopes.
Pas de la Casa
If you’re looking to stay somewhere vibrant and lively with a fantastic après ski scene, Pas de la Casa is for you. Situated on the border of France and Spain, at an elevation of 2,100m, the wide, sunny slopes of Pas de la Casa are excellent for beginners. As a base, it’s perfect for anyone on a budget and those looking for a party after a day on the slopes. It’s actually known as “Ibiza on snow”, and as such, it’s less popular with families than the other Grandvalira villages. There are numerous shops and restaurants, good-value self-catering accommodation options, and some high-voltage bars and discos open into the early hours. But one of the best things about the resort is that as the highest in Grandvalira, it has a superb snow record.
Encamp
Encamp is the village closest to Spain, which gives it a distinct Spanish personality. Set at 1,313m, it has a characteristic medieval town centre and there’s a cute train that shuttles people to and from the gondola to head out to the slopes. Speaking of which, there are some excellent steep slopes close to the village that offer a challenge for intermediate skiers. The resort itself is laidback and relatively quiet, so it is popular with families and those looking for some peace.
El Tarter
Set at an elevation of 1,710m in the picturesque Vall d’Incles, the charming village of El Tarter is known for its traditional Roman character and sense of history. Its laidback ambience, handful of amenities (including a couple of restaurants and bars), and availability of ski-in ski-out accommodation make it a popular base in Grandvalira. It’s good for families or those on a budget, with plenty of self-catering accommodation options. In terms of skiing, a gondola or chairlift takes you directly into the action.
Grau Roig
Situated quite close to Pas de la Casa, it’s ideal for anyone looking to retreat back to a quieter base. While there’s not a huge choice of accommodation to be had in Grau Roig, the slopes around the resort are some of the most spectacular in the region, with stunning far-reaching mountain views. They cater to all levels, but children and beginners are particularly well provided for close to the resort, with three children’ s circuits. At the other end of the scale this is one of the main “adventure” based sectors, with opportunities for freeriding and speed skiing.
Where to Stay
Whichever village you choose to stay in the huge Grandvalira resort area, you’ll find superb accommodation suited to every budget.
Tarter Chalets Apartments: Situated in a prime location in El Tarter, this 4-star apartment is beautifully appointed in traditional style with a host of contemporary comforts to make your stay memorable. Ambient parquet floors, a toasty fireplace, warm timber accents, and comfortable modern furnishings make this a very welcoming place to stay, while the well-equipped kitchen gives you the option to self-cater with ease.
Hotel Euroski Mountain Resort & Spa: If you’ve chosen to stay in Soldeu, this quality hotel is a wonderful base for your ski holiday. Not far from the slopes, it offers a free regular shuttle to and from El Tarter. The warm, cosy rooms are well appointed with all the mod-cons you’d expect, including a mini-bar and premium toiletries and amenities. There’s an excellent onsite restaurant, a bar, and a guest lounge, as well as an indulgent spa featuring a hot tub, sauna, gym and indoor pool.
Font D’Argent Canillo: Set in picturesque Canillo, this hotel puts you in a great location just a few metres from the cable car. The spacious, modern rooms provide plenty of room to relax after a day on the slopes, and the onsite amenities will make you feel well looked after. The onsite restaurant serves up delicious fresh cuisine, including a fantastic breakfast, and there’s excellent spa facilities to take advantage of, including a hot tub, Turkish and Finnish saunas, and beauty and massage services.
How to Get There
If you’ve decided on a ski break in Grandvalira, Andorra, the easiest way is to fly into Barcelona Airport, which will take just over two hours from various UK airports. A number of carriers offer flights at convenient times, including easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair. You’ll be able to choose from over 600 options a week, so there’ll be one to suit your needs.
Once you land, the most straightforward way to get you to the Grandvalira region is by pre-booking an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct. Whether you’re staying in Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa, or anywhere else in the resort area, while it’s not a short journey, we’ll get you there smoothly and comfortably without any delays.
Overview
UK to BCN Flight Time: 2 hours, 11 mins
BCN to Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa (and other villages): 210 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfers: 3 hours 10 mins approx. (depending on village)
Types of Transfer
Getting from Barcelona Airport to Grandvalira is simple if you pre-book one of Shuttle Direct’s handy airport transfers services. Because everyone’s travel needs and budget are different, we give you multiple options. You decide!
Shuttle Bus: The most cost-effective way of getting from Barcelona Airport to Grandvalira is on a shared shuttle bus service. When your flight lands, you’ll go to a designated spot at the airport to meet your driver and shuttle, then you’ll travel to a central point at the resort along with other passengers. While you don’t get the convenience of a door-to-door drop off, you’ll never have to compromise on comfort and reliability.
Taxi: For those looking for the convenience of a door-to-door Grandvalira transfer, booking a local taxi through Shuttle Direct is an excellent option. As soon as your flight lands, a driver and taxi will be ready to whisk you to your accommodation without delay. You won’t have to wait around or stand in the taxi queue with everyone else.
Private Transfer: If you don’t mind spending a little more, one of our luxury transfers from Barcelona to Grandvalira will help you get your ski break started in style. Your professional driver will meet your flight when it lands and be waiting in the terminal to escort you to a high-end vehicle that will take you right to the doorstep of your accommodation.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re holidaying with multiple friends or a large family, Barcelona Airport transfers to Grandvalira are easier if you can all travel together. Our large capacity minibus service will ensure that you can all travel together in one vehicle, and there’s plenty of room for luggage and ski gear. This door-to-door service makes the logistics much simpler for groups.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Only you can decide which of our services suits you best, but rest assured, getting from Barcelona Airport to Grandvalira never has to be hard. Work out your priority in terms of cost and convenience and you’ll be set!
Cost: If you’re after the most affordable airport transfers from Barcelona to Grandvalira and you don’t mind sharing your ride with other passengers, our very popular shuttle bus transfer will be your best option. While it isn’t a door-to-door service, you’ll be taken to a central drop-off as close as possible to your chosen accommodation.
Convenience: But if you want the utmost in door-to-door convenience and you’re happy to spend a little more on your Grandvalira transfers, a private luxury service, minibus (for larger families or groups), or a pre-booked local taxi is the answer.
About Shuttle Direct
Fast, reliable airport transfers are a pleasant reality when you travel with Shuttle Direct. We are one of the market leaders in the industry, offering affordable rides to and from a huge range of destinations all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a budget-beating shared shuttle bus or a high-end luxury private transfer, we’ve got exactly what you need. Book with us today then relax into holiday mode!
