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Sitting to the East of the well known Andorra ski resorts of Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis, Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees, made up of the lift-linked villages of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Encamp.
Its 210km slopes offer a vast amount of variety when it comes to ski holidays, with plenty of terrain to suit all ability levels. But it's particularly good for families, and mixed ability groups. Not only are the acres and acres of intermediate and beginner-friendly pistes, but there are plenty of off-slope activities to keep little 'uns busy too
We've teamed up with Interski to create this guide to the greatest ski area in the Pyrenees.
Where is the Grandvalira ski area?
Grandvalira is in Andorra, an independent country that sits high up in the Pyrenean mountain range between France and Spain. The country is small, with just 468 square km of territory, but it has a population of 80,000, making it the largest of the European "microstates" (the others being Lichtenstein, San Marino, Monaco and the Vatican City).
The country's history is interesting. It's been independent for 1,000 years, but since 1278 the title of head of state has been shared by the rulers of southern France and the Bishops of Urgell. These titles have passed down into the democratic era, so technically the current "co-princes" of Andorra are French President Emmanuel Macron and the Catholic Bishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicília.
Andorra isn't a member of the European Union, which is why its developed a reputation as a duty-free haven and a cheap place to eat and drink. But confusingly, it uses the Euro as its currency. As well as its ever popular ski resorts, Andorra is home to some beautiful old cities, including Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, and Ordino.
Unique and varied ski terrain
One of the best things about Grandvalira is the sheer variety of skiing on offer. From the high alpine terrain around Pas de la Casa, where the village sits at 2,100m, to the tree runs down in the Canillo sector, this vast ski area really does have a bit of everything.
The lifts are, for the most part, fast, modern and efficient, making it easy to get from one end of the resort to the other. And best of all for families, there are dedicated kids areas dotted everywhere—marked by animal symbols or "kids forest" symbols on the piste map. There are also plentiful mountain restaurants, serving hot chocolate for when the wee ones need to warm up.
Andorra's southern latitude means it tends to get more sun than comparable resorts in the Alps—another plus for skiing with the kids.
Outstanding family facilities in Grandvalira
The ski area of Grandvalira is great for children, but it's the off-slope activities that really seal the deal. Interski, who specialise in family ski holidays, have properties with dedicated childcare facilities, so the kids can be left to play under the watchful eye of trained professionals while mum and dad sneak in a few cheeky runs.
They also offer family-specific rooms, and hotels with swimming pools—ideal for a post-ski splash around. If the kids fancy trying something other than skiing, the village of Canillo has an ice rink, as well as the Mon(t) Magic which features an toboggan slide called the Magic Gliss, zipline, trampolines, and a friendly forest monster.
Ski Grandvalira with Interski
Wherever you head in Grandvalira, you'll find fun stuff to do with the kids, but head to Canillo with Interski and you'll basically hit the parenting jackpot. As well as the activities listed above, the village is home to one of Interski's most popular family-friendly hotels, the four-star Font d'Argent.
The hotel boasts an indoor pool, a full range of childcare options, and rooms with themed beds for the kids. Perhaps best of all, it's just 75m walk from the main cable car—so mum and dad won't even break a sweat carrying the family's skis to the slopes each morning.
Looking further afield, the warm and welcoming Hotel Magic Pas in Pas de la Casa, Aparthotel Shusski in Encamp, which offers a range of modern and spacious apartments, and the fantastically situated Piolets Soldeu Centre are all great accommodation options for your holiday in Grandvalira.
Book your ski trip to Grandvalira with Interski now!
