The lush expression of "the city and resorts of Andorra" is hardly suitable for this small country, lost high in the Pyrenees somewhere on the border of Spain and France .The territory of the principality is only 468 sq. M .km, which, according to American sources, is only two times as large as Washington, which in the District of Columbia .Nevertheless, this dwarfish state gathers a rich harvest of skiers every winter with enviable constancy - the snow-covered slopes of the Pyrenees combined with the excellent "rolling" of the slopes and their immaculate maintenance in perfect condition as a magnet attracts adherents of winter sports .

For every taste

Despite its small size compared to its neighbors in Europe, the small Andorra managed to derive maximum benefit from this geographical location .In the immediate vicinity of the capital (where you can easily come by bus from Barcelona or Toulouse), the guests are waiting for the Escaldes ski resort, and those who are willing to combine riding from snow slopes with healing bathing in thermal springs, complex Caldea .If you want to feel like a "separation" from civilization - welcome to two extensive (by Andorran standards, of course) skiing region - Vallnord and Grandvalira .The first consists of five village-resorts, connected by a common system of lifts, the second - from six, also reasonably connected by gondolas and yokes .

What to choose

More than the modest size of the principality could not but affect the portrait of its ski resorts .In terms of uniformity, of course - because mountain landscapes, and way of life, and the characteristics of hotels here are almost identical .In addition, from one resort to another practically within reach - they are connected not only by the "ski" message in the form of connected routes, but also by public transport .So if Ordino or Encamp get bored with you, you can throw off for the time of skiing and go to "unwind" to a neighboring skiing area, and also visit the capital - for example, to shop at shops or go sightseeing .

Andorra la Vella and Escaldes are suitable for those who want to combine a stay in the "real capital" with a ski holiday: they practically constitute a single agglomeration, and from one end of the city to the other no more than 15 minutes on the road.

Just 5 km from Escaldes is the lower station of the cableway of the skiing area Grandvalira - more specifically, the resorts of Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig. This is the largest ski resort in Andorra, the local contingent - tourists of all ages.

Soldeu and El Tarter - the most modern resort of the country; he can boast of a remarkable night life and an abundance of youth. It makes sense to go there and beginners alpine skiing - the resort has an excellent school.

Canillo and Encamp - cozy small towns, quite authentic and chamber, but perfectly connected with the "untwisted" skiing areas.

The rolling region of Vallnord is quite diverse in the location and nature of the resorts. Ordino and Arkalis, for example, are furthest from the center of the principality, you can feel the blessed detachment from the world and enjoy beautiful rocky landscapes here.

Pal and Arinsal, on the other hand, are only a dozen kilometers from Andorra la Vella, it will be comfortable here for middle-level skiers (in Pale) and pros (in Arinsal). In addition, there are noisy two most "otvyaznye" discos in the country.

In La Massana, it is convenient to stay for those who are looking for an inexpensive accommodation (there are no slopes in the resort, you will have to go to Pal Arinsal, so the prices for housing are lower here) and do not mind enjoying the capital "Apres" - to Andorra la Vella 7 km.