Famous for good skiing and cheap duty-free shopping, Andorra is a small independent country located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Despite the country’s size, it offers some stunning scenery and has a reputation for some of the best skiing in the Pyrenees. The area's ski season runs from December through to March, with some resorts prolonging the season when the weather permits or by the use of snowmaking machines.
Beginners and lower intermediate skiers might want to visit the Pal–Arinsal ski resort, which is located north of La Vella. The resort has something to offer everyone with lively nightlife for youthful visitors and great childcare facilities for families; cheap accommodation can be found throughout Pal–Arinsal.
For reliable snow and an extended season, the Ordino–Arcalis resort is a popular choice. Located in the southern region of the Pyrenees, this resort has a range of hotels and a good selection of après-ski and night time activities. Visitors wanting to lodge a little closer to the slopes can find accommodation in El Serrat.
For young visitors on a budget, the Pas de la Casa–Grau Roig resort on the French/Andorran border offers a range of appropriately-priced package holidays. With pistes covering a total area of 60 miles, this resort offers the biggest area of skiable terrain in the whole of the Pyrenees and is especially popular with snowboarders.
Catering largely for beginners and intermediate skiers is the Soldeu–El-Tarter resort in central Canillo. Offering a ski school with highly rated instructors, this resort is one of the area's most popular. Bars and a handful of discos constitute evening après-ski entertainment.
Andorra can be reached by road via the CG1 from Spain and the CG2 from France, with a number of routes from smaller destinations also available. France's Toulouse-Blagnac and Spain's Barcelona and Girona airports provide the closest air connections, from which buses can be taken as far as La Vella. The closest Spanish rail connection is at Puigcerdà, 25 miles east of the Andorran border. Buses are available from Puigcerdà as well as from a variety of Spanish and French cities.
Since travelling abroad presents individuals with unfamiliar situations and environments, there is a risk of accidents especially when skiing and snowboarding; therefore, winter holidaymakers are strongly advised to obtain appropriate holiday insurance before travelling to Andorra.
