An Andorra family ski holiday is about more than skiing. Discover this unique little country, between France and Spain, where the power to elevate your winter experience comes naturally.
Elevating the fun on an Andorra family ski holiday ©Andorraworld
You might already know Andorra is a small country, but that’s a huge part of its charm and one of the many reasons why families love it here.
Steeped in tradition and awash with wonderful stories, it very much appeals to kids, who love its relaxed warmth, fun spirit and the sense of adventure that elevates even a simple, snowy walk into a voyage of discovery.
If you enjoy ‘did you know?’ moments, Andorra also has an endless supply of surprising facts, to delight you.
For example, ‘did you know?’ Andorra covers 468 km², that 90% of the country is forested and 10% is designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. You might also be surprised to learn that Andorra is the only country in the world where Catalan is the official language, although Andorrans are fluent in French and Spanish as well. The people here are famously long lived too, a good fortune that’s often attributed to Andorra’s clean air and wonderful climate: warm and sunny in summer; snowy and sunny in winter.
But those facts are just a hint of what will spark your curiosity and sense of wonder this winter.
Grandvalira, Andorra ©Andorraworld
The Pyrenees’ largest ski resort is at home in little Andorra
Between unforgettable snow days and non-stop opportunities to play, an Andorra family ski holiday takes you well beyond skiing. Although there’s no denying it’s a magnificently skiable destination.
The Grandvalira Resorts Andorra ski domain is the largest ski area in the entire Pyrenees. It includes three alpine ski resorts – Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal, and Ordino Arcalís – and offers more than 300km of ski slopes.
With more than 215km of slopes, Grandvalira is a beautifully balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert skiing that couldn’t be more perfect for families. There’s also so much to do here, giving you plenty of scope to shape every day of your Andorra family ski holiday differently.
For a start you have no fewer than four wildly imaginative children’s circuits, including the Yokai, inspired by the grouse that live in Andorra’s forests.
When you want adrenalin boosts try the Màgic Gliss- a 555m long slide that lets you reach speeds of up to 40kmph – or the amazing zipline.
Then there are kid-friendly experience like archery or igloo building, as well as the excitement of snowshoeing, snowmobiling or mushing. And the fun doesn’t end with sunset, after-dark activities include nighttime skiing and the incredible SnakeGliss: sledging on interconnected sleds for the ultimate family thrill.
All of this is possibly not something you’d expect from a small country, but as we said, Andorra is full of surprises.
Pal Arinsal, Andorra ©Andorraworld
Introduce your kids to the joy of snow on an Andorra family ski holiday
Pal Arinsal in west Andorra is another resort that endears itself to families with a variety of runs for all levels, as well as slalom tracks, stunning mountain routes and challenging snow parks.
It’s also close to Andorra la Vella, the country’s capital, and a particularly well designed resort for kids.
Its extensive Children’s Garden lets the youngest of skiers take lessons, grow confidence and discover the joy of snow in a safe, fun environment: the right way to build a passion for life.
And because getting on to the slopes with as little fuss as possible is always a priority with young skiers, accessibility is a Pal Arinsal focus too: there’s a free bus service to the resort from la Massana, as well as a cable car from the town centre.
Plus, it’s another activity-packed Andorra resort and families can look forward to trying anything from sledding or tubing to snowshoeing and the Big Zip zipline, along with the fun of the Winter Bike Park.
Ordino Arcalís, Andorra ©Andorraworld
Ordino Arcalís is where to find the best snow
If it’s the best snow in Andorra you want, that belongs to petit ski resort Ordino Arcalís way up in the northwest. Thanks to its north-facing position and high altitude (1,940m to 2,625m) it enjoys low temperatures and excellent snow, all season long.
Unsurprisingly this is one of the best loved resorts for off-piste adventures and freeriding, but it’s also heavenly for children thanks to the excitement-packed Kids Forest Circuit, excellent local ski school and great activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling and guided snowshoe excursions.
Evening snowshoeing, Andorra ©Andorraworld
An Andorra family ski holiday is so much more than skiing
Then, of course, there’s all the snow fun that elevates an Andorra family ski holiday beyond the skiing. It’s almost unbelievable how much there is to do here, even in the depths of winter. Or, should we say, especially in the depths of winter as it’s the season when the Pyrenees deliver high drama, valley-tucked villages look their prettiest and a sense of adventure whispers persuasively everywhere.
Andorra’s spellbinding mix of forests, mountains and big, clear skies make enchanting surroundings for guided snowshoeing experiences during the day, or after-dark: snowshoeing for a moonlit dinner in a charming mountain restaurant is one of those experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.
And keeping the Pal Arinsal Bike Park open in winter is an inspired Andorran idea and one that young shredders, who haven’t tested their wheels in the snow yet, will love. The bike park is open year-round and in winter changes its name to the Winter Bike Park.
Meeting Tamarros, Andorra ©Andorraworld
Take your kids winter hiking on fairy tale trails
Andorra’s network of fairy tale trails are at their most magical in winter and even younger kids won’t mind wrapping up cosy and striding out in search of mythical creatures and mysterious tales.
Lace up your boots and go in search of the tiny Tamarros who protect nature in all seven of Andorra’s villages: fun family walks with a side of conservation.
Discover the magical little Macarulla Trails
Or learn about anything from the legends of local witches to the whereabouts of mushrooms on one of the delightful Macarulla Trails or Little Magical Trails as they’re also known. These family hikes are perfect for kids of all ages: short, easy and circular, with none more than 3km long. There are seven trails altogether, and each one is filled with stories to spark kids’ imaginations and teach them about nature and about Andorra’s history and culture.
Head out on the ‘The Menairons’ Forest’ trail to discover the mythical creatures that live in local woodland. Or walk ‘Quela the Witch’s Potion’ route to learn about ancient legends. There are even trails that explore wildlife habitats. One thing they all have in common is surprises every step of the way, as well games, and incredible artwork created by Andorran craftspeople using sustainable, local materials.
Cross country skiing, Naturland ©Andorraworld
Naturland thrills on an Andorra family ski holiday
Clambering and climbing, sliding, bouncing, zipping and even riding the world’s longest alpine coaster are all part of what makes Naturland in Sant Julià de Lòria such a uniquely Andorran adventure for families.
If you have a hankering to try cross country skiing with your kids, Naturland is the place for that too. Many trails are ideal for families, so it’s a great introduction to the activity for first timers, but will delight more experienced cross country skiers too. And the park is also home to the Tobotronc – the longest alpine slide in the world – as well as the Forestline zipline and Tubing Kids.
Thermal lagoon, Caldea ©Andorraworld
Wellness experiences to revitalise you completely
Speaking of nature, there’s so much of it in this little country that your sense of well being is elevated without you having to do a thing.
However, should you want to boost the feeling, this is also the land of indulgent spa hotels, soothing wellness rituals and thermal baths.
Spend time at Caldea in Escaldes-Engordany where the thermal lagoon washes away all cares, removes every shred of stress and leaves you feeling entirely renewed. Meanwhile, your kids have wellness wrapped up in the Children’s Spa which comes with treats like water cannons and its very own beach.
Alternatively, fold yourself into nature completely and try Forest Bathing. This remarkable activity wasn’t invented here, but it reflects the Andorra Health Destination spirit beautifully and if you’re new to it, fret not, several exceptional local companies guide you through the ritual in a way that works best for you. And not just for you, for your children too, as forest bathing is a wonderful bonding experience for families.
Now find out more about elevated winter experiences at Visit Andorra and @andorraworld
