Andorra might not be the first country that enters your head when thinking of luxury ski holidays in Europe. But through heavy investment, a growing international prestige and an ever-expanding market of luxury chalets in Andorra, now might be the best time to consider it.
Luxury ski holidays to Soldeu, one of the best ski resorts in Andorra, are full of attractions. The ski resort is a lively village, whilst also being family-friendly. The ski area is large, with reliable snow conditions, modern infrastructure and a good variety of skiing. And your money takes you a lot further than it will elsewhere in Europe. Join us as we take a deeper dive into the top reasons to visit Andorra for skiing, and what makes luxury ski holidays to Soldeu so worthwhile.
How to get to your Luxury Andorra Ski Holiday
Andorra is a country found between France and Spain, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range. Andorra is a tiny principality of about 180 square miles, that’s less than 1/3 the size of London. While the main language is Catalan, most residents also speak a combination of French, Spanish and English. Andorra skiing holidays are primarily serviced by airports in Spain and France. Both Barcelona and Toulouse airports are an approximate 3 hour drive away.
Skiing in Andorra: Grandvalira Ski Area
Andorra has 3 main ski areas: Pal Arinsal (63km of slopes), Ordino Arcalis (30km, and a popular spot on the Freeride World Tour), and the mighty Grandvalira ski area. Grandvalira is made up of seven of the best Andorra ski resorts, with a ski area covering 210km of slopes. The altitude ranges from 1,710m to 2,640m, providing a fantastic mix of tree-lined runs lower down and wide, open alpine bowls higher up on Andorra ski holidays.
Soldeu is one of the best resorts for early season skiing. Grandvalira ski area opens in early December, sometimes earlier with good snowfall, and often runs through to mid-April. Additionally, two thirds of the slopes have snowmaking capabilities, keeping the pistes topped up when necessary. Furthermore, so much money has been invested into Grandvalira over recent years that it has one of the most up-to-date lift systems across all of Europe. State-of-the-art, fast lifts will whizz you around Grandvalira, maximising time spent on the snow on a luxury ski holiday in Andorra.
Who is Skiing in Grandvalira Best Suited to?
On-piste skiing in Grandvalira is generally best suited to beginners and intermediates. The ski area is very family-friendly, featuring lots of green, blue and red runs. Even the black runs are often considered less challenging than in other resorts. Soldeu ski holidays have lots of options for ski schools, making it one of the best ski resorts for beginners. There are plenty of beginner areas and fun parks for all to enjoy!
However, that is not to say that there isn’t lots to do for advanced skiers on a luxury ski holiday to Soldeu. Grandvalira ski area describes itself as “ski anywhere”. When snow conditions are good, through the middle part of the season, you will find lots of freeride, off-piste skiing areas to enjoy. There are also three snowparks, the largest of which is located in El Tarter, the neighbouring ski resort to Soldeu. Moreover, Soldeu hosts Alpine Skiing World Cup events, meaning there are competition pistes for advanced skiers looking for more of a challenge on luxury ski holidays to Soldeu.
Highlights of Skiing in Grandvalira
The 210km of pistes in Grandvalira feature over 20 green runs, over 50 blue slopes, over 40 red pistes, and nearly 20 black runs. That’s not to mention all the off-piste opportunities, snowparks, and fun parks available. That’s a lot of mountain to cover on your Soldeu ski holidays.
Some particular highlights include the aforementioned competition pistes, including the Avet black run, which runs from the top of the Espiolets mountain directly down into Soldeu. The blue Rossinyol piste, heading towards Canillo ski resort, is not to be missed either. A very quiet piste with breathtaking views. The blue Tubs piste offers night skiing in Grandvalira: a unique, exciting experience while on your luxury Andorra ski holidays. To experience the different delights of the ski area all in one run, the very long, blue Gall de Bosc snakes from the high open bowls through to an enchanting tree-lined trail, and also features some luxury ski in/ski out chalets in Soldeu along the way.
Soldeu Resort
Soldeu ski resort is a small village, located centrally amongst the seven resorts that encapsulate Grandvalira. It sits directly at the foot of the slopes, at an altitude of 1,800m, a similar height to the likes of Val d’Isère and Courchevel 1850. The village is made up of mostly stone chalet-like buildings and hotels. Soldeu is very family-friendly, with a down to earth, welcoming vibe. The resort is largely centred around one, busier, main road. You can easily walk from one end of the resort to the other in as little as 10 minutes. As one of the best ski resorts in Andorra, Soldeu is very popular, with lots to experience on and off the mountain.
Restaurants in Soldeu: What’s on the Menu?
Since Andorra is located between the borders of France and Spain, the local cuisine is quite different to your typical ski resort fare. While you will find places for the usual mountain treats, the main dishes on offer are a mix of international and Catalonian cuisine. You might have never thought about having tapas on the slopes before, but it’s an intoxicating pleasure that make luxury ski holidays in Soldeu standout. Below is a list of some of the top restaurants and gourmet experiences not to miss out on.
- Ibaya — Soldeu’s 1-Michelin Star restaurant in resort. Chef Francis Paniego brings modern La Rioja cooking to Soldeu, Andorra, with two tasting menus of creative Spanish dishes. Located in the hotel of the Hermitage Mountain Residences.
- Sol I Neu — Also found in the hotel, Sol I Neu offers guests traditional Spanish cuisine delivered in a contemporary standard.
- Koy Hermitage — Another hotel restaurant featuring some innovative and delicious Japanese cuisine.
- Bruna Restaurante — Haute mountain cuisine in a casual, yet fashionable space. With a lovely fromagerie and run by Michelin-rated Chef Marc Gascons.
- Clicquot Bubble Experience — On request, at certain points throughout the season, dine in a transparent igloo bubble at night beneath the stars. An exclusive experience in Soldeu brought by In The Snow Veuve Clicquot.
- Snow Club Gourmet — An exclusive Grandvalira Mountain Club membership gives you access to VIP lounges, concierge services, discounts and much more, including a membership to Snow Club Gourmet. Snow Club Gourmet runs several events and experiences centred around fine dining in Soldeu and El Tarter throughout each season.
Après Ski in Soldeu & Grandvalira
Soldeu, and El Tarter, which is 5 minutes drive down the road, boast a lively après ski scene. Through successful investments, the villages in the Soldeu-El Tarter sector have become some of the best resorts in Andorra for après ski. There is a variety of establishments to visit, from relaxed drinks on classy terraces to all out partying late into the night.
- L’Arbarset — Whilst also a restaurant serving tapas and gourmet food, located at the bottom of the slopes in El Tarter, L’Arbarset is making a name as the place to be for après ski in Andorra. Featuring internationally-renowned DJs, premium brand drinks, an expansive terrace, the Belvedere Shot Bar, and continuing long into the night as L’Arbarset The Club.
- Petroni Terrace — Tapas, apéritifs and live music on this chic terrace at the top of the gondola in Soldeu.
- In The Snow Veuve Clicquot — A similar terrace experience to the aforementioned Petroni Terrace, with a focus on the luxury Champagne Veuve Clicquot. Located in the El Tarter area.
- IQOS Terrace — Musical entertainment with live acts and DJs every day. The terrace is found at the bottom of the Paniquera slope in Soldeu. IQOS is known as one of Andorra’s liveliest terraces for après ski.
- In-resort bars — In the village, there are several laidback, inviting bars to après on your luxury ski holidays in Soldeu. Fat Albert’s occupies a 300 year old converted barn, The Harp is an Irish Bar, & Aspen has pub vibes. All offer live music, food and are open until late.
Non-Skiing Activities in Soldeu & Grandvalira
With its small size and relaxed atmosphere, there are not lots of things to do within the village besides visit restaurants and bars, outside of the incredible facilities within your luxury ski chalets in Soldeu, of course. On the mountain, though, you will find an abundance of non-skiing activities in Soldeu for the whole family. The snake gliss is a fun-filled activity suitable for all ages. A train of sleds that runs from the mountain into the resort at the end of the ski day. The Land Rover driving circuit at the top of the Espiolets gives a chance for motor enthusiasts to test their snow and ice driving skills.
Within Soldeu and El Tarter, you will also find the usual non-skiing activities that offer a different experience. These include the likes of paragliding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sled dogs. For more non-skiing activities in Grandvalira, travel down to Mont Magic Family Park in Canillo ski resort. Ideal for a family ski holiday in Andorra, this includes a toboggan run and zipline, both over half a kilometre long.
Andorra is very well-known for its duty-free shopping. While Soldeu is more limited to ski shops and supermarkets, the resort is only half an hour drive from Andorra la Vella. Andorra la Vella is the capital of the country. Here you will find a wide variety of luxury shops for duty-free purchases.
Events
Soldeu is certainly a resort of growing international prestige. As a result, there are a number of renowned events to enjoy on your luxury ski holidays in Soldeu. The resort has been a frequent host of FIS Alpine Ski World Cup competitions. They even had the honour of hosting the Woman’s World Cup Finals in 2023, and previously in 2019. Luxury ski chalets in Soldeu offer you the chance to see the world’s top athletes, on slopes that run right into the resort.
Further to making a name for itself within the world of competitive skiing, Andorra is also branching out to the festival scene. Grandvalira is now host to the Snowrow festival in the spring. The festival is located in the nearby resorts of Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa. Snowrow festival offers events, music, games, activities, performances and parties for guests of all ages. A fantastic end to the season that the whole family will love!
Soldeu Luxury Ski Chalets & Residences
Soldeu is home to an increasing number of luxurious options for your Andorra skiing holidays. All offer fantastic 5* facilities, services and are suitable for a mix of friends, families and corporate groups.
Hermitage Mountain Lodge
Hermitage Mountain Lodge provides the ultimate experience for luxury ski holidays in Soldeu. The lodge is a luxury ski in ski out chalet found on the blue Gall de Bosc piste. It features majestic interiors of exposed stone and natural wood and hosts spacious living areas, a hot tub, and a sauna. Sleeping 8-12 guests, you will also enjoy the luxurious five-star 5,000m² spa and additional facilities of the Sport Hotel Hermitage. An in-resort driver service (for Soldeu & El Tarter), will make for an easy journey to these wonderful facilities, which include swimming pools, treatment rooms, a gym, and the Michelin Star restaurant in Soldeu.
Hermitage Mountain Residence
A stay in the Hermitage Mountain Residence is a must for even better access to the luxurious facilities of the Sport Hotel Hermitage. Consisting of 9 luxury apartments altogether, sleeping anywhere between 2 and 8 guests apiece, these offer a fantastic option for a variety of group sizes. These modern luxury apartments have a sharp design, utilising smooth alpine woods and plush furnishings. Occupying the upper levels of the building, they offer a mix of beautiful mountain views and pleasant resort scenery. Need more inspiration for why to pick a residence for your next ski holiday? Then check out our blog on the subject!
La Prada Penthouse
La Prada Penthouse is the top floor suite of the Hermitage Mountain Residence. The penthouse is perfect for a romantic luxury getaway to Soldeu, sleeping 2 guests. This intimate retreat offers a private balcony with gorgeous views overlooking the piste, a cosy fireplace, and a sumptuous 120m² of space. Offered on a Bed & Breakfast basis, a stay in the penthouse gives you the chance to dine in one of the 8 restaurants within the hotel, or another bespoke gourmet experience within Soldeu.
With a bit more knowledge on one of the best ski resorts in Andorra, you may be interested in planning some future luxury ski holidays to Soldeu? If so, speak to one of our Ski Specialists, on hand to offer their expert guidance and advice. You can either call us on +44 1202 203650, or alternatively, send us an email.
