One of the most popular resorts in Andorra, Soldeu-El-Tarter, is located in the centre of Canillo. It’s cheap, with fairly reliable snow and plenty of sun. Soldeu has one of the most highly rated ski schools in Europe, and with most of the pistes catering to beginners and early intermediates; it's a great place to learn. Advanced off-piste runs are accessible by snowcat.

The villages of Soldeu and El-Tarter have a fantastic atmosphere and some good hotels. There are 1,200 beds in 16 hotels, and 300 beds in 75 apartments. Alternatively, lodging is available in luxury condos in nearby Procasa Refuge, or in traditional stone chalets at several other locations. The nightlife is lively and mainly bar-based, with a scattering of discos. There is a kindergarten in both locations.

Soldeu-El-Tarter ski resort has 86kms of trails running through glades and off slope skiing through the woods. There are 52 runs in all with a longest run of 8.2kms (Gall de Bosc). Two gondolas, 13 chairlifts, seven surface lifts, five carpets, and five tows have a capacity for 45,000 people per hour. Snowmaking machines guarantee 32kms of runs.

Nearby Pas de la Casa ski resort, to the east, has far more skiing terrain for high-level skiers, with over 60 per cent of slopes given over to advanced and expert skiers. To the west is the capital city, La Vella, which has some great duty-free bargains. It also has the distinction of being Europe’s highest capital city, at 1,029m above sea level.

The ski season begins in December and ends in April, with cheap skiing weeks offered before the Christmas holidays, after the New Year celebrations, and during the last month of the season. The most convenient way to get here is to fly to Toulouse, or Barcelona, and hire a car, or take a return bus.