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

The Canillo sector is the youngest of the six that make up Grandvalira. This sector entered into service with its 8-seater gondola from the village of Canillo during the 2000/01 season, and has been popular with British holiday makers ever since.
The skiable valley of the Canillo sector is known as El Forn, a tranquil, non-congested area that combines a perfect zone for beginners and families with small children, with suitable terrain for skiers of all levels. From the Pic de la Portella (2465 m) you can enjoy some fantastic 360º views over the Andorran valleys.
Those staying in hotels and apartments in the Canillo sector are able to head for the slopes with their ski boots on, but those who arrive by car need not worry, as they should easily find parking in the 350 space indoor car park housed in the gondola station for direct access to Grandvalira. The other option is the communal outdoor car park with 150 spaces that is located only 200m from the lift. Canillo is one of the quietest sectors as far as access to the mountain is concerned. There are no lift queues here and even the slopes are usually quiet.
A whole day of skiing or boarding at Grandvalira (193 km of runs) is no joke, so it's important to have a good meal. If you haven't had time for breakfast, you'll find the solution at the Espress'oh! Cafeteria, either in the gondola building before going up or at the Espress'oh! El Forn at 2000m. Party-animals will get the chance to wake up with a good strong coffee! Once at the top, the El Forn centre offers customers various services such as a Ski and Snowboard School centre, the Planells Snow Garden and a Nursery next to it.

Apres Ski

Eating in the Canillo sector is easy; all you have to do is choose. The first option is the Restaurant Roc de Bruixes (2000m), a charming à la carte restaurant by day, that on Friday, Saturday and Christmas evenings becomes a gourmet restaurant. There is also the Restaurant El Forn (2000m), with self-service hot and cold meals. Both of these have a large terrace with panoramic views over Planells de Forn. The other option is to grab a sandwich and drink on the way down, from the Fun Food Canillo (1500 m) in the gondola station building.
Nightlife in Canillo is fairly low key and family orientated. If you still have the strength, a good option is the Palau de Gel with its many choices. It is advisable to dress warmly as there is a significant difference in temperature between the ice rink and the other facilities. For those who suffer from an excess of adrenalin a great option is to try one of the four "Via Ferrata" climbs in Canillo. Another alternative is the Rocodrome climbing wall located on the stretch of road between Canillo and El Tarter. It is easy to find due to its needle shape visible from the road. A stroll around the old part of the village is always worthwhile, its narrow winding streets giving the impression of walking through early 20th century Canillo.

Skiing

Beginners

The Canillo sector is a quiet, uncrowded area, ideal for relaxed skiing and boarding whilst enjoying the fantastic views. For beginners and families with small children this is a small paradise. The beginner's area is flat and easy, with magic carpets for children and adults alike. Parents are able to watch their children's progress from the El Forn restaurant terrace.

Intermediates

For intermediates and above, the Portella 6-seater chairlift will carry you up to 2465m where there are two possibilities, a blue or a red run. 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 Gaig black is a very steep run recommended for experts only. It follows a natural valley where skill is required so as not to lose control. Also for experts, a secret route, only possible after a heavy snowfall, where some skiers and boarders drop underneath the gondola line back down to Canillo village. This is a dangerous route with a high degree of difficulty, only for extreme riders.

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 wide open runs for freeriders, in addition to a well equipped snowboard park. Throughout the winter season, many international Snowboard and Freestyle competitions are held in Andorra.