Soldeu - Andorra Grand Valira Ski Area

Resort Information 

Village Height: 1800m (5,940 ft)
Highest Lift: 2560m (8,448 ft)
Approx Transfer Time: Toulouse 3 hrs, Gerona 3 hours

Resort Description

Soldeu is set in the Andorran Pyrenees, and is probably Andorra's best known resort. It is recommended for beginners and improving intermediates. The well developed Grand Valira ski area is suited to competent skiers too. There is an excellent standard of accommodation, a friendly atmosphere and varied skiing, with a comprehensive lift system, including a new high speed gondola from El Tarter. Along with the neighbouring villages of El Tarter and Canillo, it offers lively apres ski with reasonably priced food and drinks. A gondola leaves the village centre giving access to Espiolets, the sector's heart. It is in this Pla d'Espiolets where a large part of the facilities are concentrated (for example, restaurants, cafés, ski school). Here the runs are predominantly blues and reds for intermediate to advanced levels; wide, open and sunny higher up, and narrower between the forests on the way back to the village. There is an outdoor 150 space car park that tends to fill up quickly with local and early risers' vehicles. However Els Basers 300 space indoor car park is a good choice as it is located in the gondola station with easy access to the lift. The prices are not extortionate, with a 9 hour stay at Grand Valira costing roughly €6. At the gondola station you will find Grand Valira ticket offices, an information point, shops and ski and snowboard hire, but above all it is important to remember the Soldeu sector Medical Centre. At the top of the gondola, you will arrive at the Pla d'Espiolets (2250m). Here you will find a Ski and Snowboard School centre, where you can take lessons; an information point, for any queries regarding the resort; a Snow Garden and nursery, to leave the kids in safe hands; and the Audi Circuit where lessons are given on driving technique for snow. This last facility is by invitation only from the German car manufacturer, but can also be entertaining to watch for while. The sector offers a choice of three eateries: the charm Restaurant Gall de Bosc (2250m), with 'menu of the day' and à la carte meals; the Espiolets Self-service Restaurant (2250m), offering a selection of hot and cold meals; and the Fun Food Gall de Bosc (2100m), quite a show when the staff dance on the terrace tables, delighting customers with their fun routines and rhythm. Two stylish cafés round up the choice: Espress'oh! Gall de Bosc (2250m) and Espress'oh! Espiolets (2250m). Apres Ski The après ski on offer in the Soldeu sector has two main attractions: the "Calbó Thermal Leisure Centre" and the afternoon and nightlife in Soldeu's pubs and clubs. For those who prefer shopping, Soldeu also has various sports shops such as Pic Negre and Esports Calbó, where you can find all sorts of ski and snowboard equipment for all budgets. Soldeu is also famous for its nightlife, during the winter season becoming a playground for Grand Valira's party animals! Here you can join in the fun, cosmopolitan atmosphere, where skiing and snowboarding are a way of life. Although known for its mainly British and Irish clientele, you will also find resort workers and other holiday makers who don't want to miss out on one of the best nights out in Andorra. Well known pubs and clubs are The Villager, The Aspen, Fat Albert's, The Pussycat, Avalanche, Iceberg and Slalom. Activites Superb sports centre with ice skating, indoor swimming pool and squash (located in Canillo, 10 mins bus ride away). Occasional torch-lit descents. Visits to Caldea Thermal Baths at extra cost (approx 33 Euros).

Skiing

Beginners

Beginners have a piste for their first steps on snow at Pla d'Espiolets, next to the Ski and Snowboard School centre. This is a flat area, out of the way of other mountain users, ideal for concentrating on staying upright!

Intermediates

Soldeu has predominantly red and blue runs, and is a great resort for intermediates. For a quiet run, try the area below the Tossa d'Espiolets from where you can take 4 uncrowded blue runs that allow you to make nice wide turns. Another good suggestion is the Gall de Bosc blue, a descent from 2560m at Tossa de la Llosada right down to the village of Soldeu at 1800m, allowing you to cross the entire sector from top to bottom. This is the longest of Grand Valira's runs from which it is also possible to reach El Tarter (1710m) by way of a slight detour.

Advanced

The ski pass allows skiing from Soldeu to Pas de las Casa. There is the opportunity to ski off-piste in Grau Roig, and then ski down to El Tarter or jump the bumps to Soldeu village. The lower area of Soldeu is formed of narrow, winding, fun and fast red and black runs through the forest.

Snowboarding

Grand Valira is the biggest rideable area in Andorra, with 193km of well linked terrain. Grand Valira has a good snowboard scene with both local and international events throughout the season. The area has many runs for freeriders, as well as a snowboard park.