Planning the annual family ski break? Yes? Read on! No? Read on and you just might be tempted! If you’ve got a house full of teenagers and a long, cold winter stretching out ahead of you, a ski holiday is pretty much the only thing this time of year’s got going for it.
Soldeu has so much to offer and many seek it out as the perfect place to go skiing or snowboarding as it combines so much of what they want in a winter sports resort, namely snow, fun and, despite the cold, plenty of sunshine. It is still Spain after all. So you can improve your technique during the day, before consuming paella, tapas and sangria in the evening.
Gone are the days when I was young and carefree, when I I followed my heart, travelled the world and had a go at anything that involved getting the pulse racing and the legs shaking. It wasn’t that long ago, however, that I visited one of the most epic destinations for mountain bike riding in Europe: Andorra. Consisting of three steep sided valleys, the area offers huge diversity and an awesome combination of steep rough tracks, flowing high slopes, bike parks, and ‘techy’ fun trails. Full of jumps and berms, all of the trails are made all the more accessible
Introduction Tucked into the landscape of the majestic Pyrenees between Spain and France, the small but perfectly formed principality of Andorra is renowned for the unapologetic drama of its natural beauty. The superb ski resorts, breathtaking high-altitude scenery and labyrinthine network of hiking trails translate into a destination that wears its lovely heart well and truly on its sleeve. What to Do Andorra is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with skiing and hiking the main attractions for visitors that flock here throughout the year. In terms of skiing, the tiny nation has something to offer both beginners and those looking
Although Santa Coloma’s main appeal to tourists during the winter season is its proximity to Andorra La Vella’s prime ski spots, it has other hidden allures too. Although hiking season may be at its peak during the warmer summer months, Santa Coloma’s trails are open year-round and, as long as you are willing to tread on some mud, now is a great time to explore Andorrean flora and fauna. The Enclar Valley Trail The Enclar Valley Trail is the best option for beginners and intermediates, and it departs from Santa Coloma itself. Beginning in a picnic area surrounded by cherry
Tucked away in a high pass in the Pyrenees, the tiny resort town of Pas de la Casa is one of skiing’s best-kept secrets. This Andorran retreat, the name of which translates literally to “The Pass of the House”, boasts 62 miles of piste and access to other resorts within the Grandvalira ski domain. Located just west of the French border, Pas de la Casa has the best snow record in the country, ensuring plenty of powder on its long and sweeping slopes. Apart from its excellent skiing, Pas de la Casa attracts many with its nightlife and shopping (helped
If you’re looking for something a little different to the usual two weeks in Marbella next summer (although there’s nothing wrong with that!), and an excuse to get the entire family off technology and into the great outdoors, Andorra is an excellent option. Although better known for its skiing, in summer, as the snow melts off all but the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, the wild and beautiful terrain around La Massana reveals a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal to nature hiking in the beautiful Coma Pedrosa Natural Park. Coma Pedrosa Natural Park, La Massana Named after
While Andorra is primarily known as a winter holiday destination, for those who enjoy hiking and cycling, the warmer weather opens up a wealth of opportunities to explore the Pyrenees without their blanket of snow. Around the delightful town of Santa Coloma, which is just a short distance from the capital, Andorra La Vella, summer reveals some wonderful hiking trails, suitable for all abilities. If you’re planning a short summer break to Andorra to give your hiking boots a workout in the Pyrenees, Santa Coloma is a great place to use as a base. The Enclar Trail The Enclar Trail
Looking to inject some romance into the dark, dreary days of winter? Well, if you have to be cold, you may as well be cold in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Europe. What could be more romantic than treating your special someone to a weekend break (or longer) in the French Alps, complete with skiing, snuggling around an open fire, long strolls in the snow, and plenty of pampering? Nothing. And if you choose the lovely village of Soldeu, you’ll barely have to lift a finger to impress your love. Ski Secret Depending on how serious you
Destination stag weekends are becoming popular with UK grooms-to-be, not only for the opportunity to let their hair down on a mini-break abroad, but also because it’s often a lot more affordable than you might think. While it’s undoubtedly more common for young bucks to jet off to the Costa del Sol, if you’re a fan of winter sports, why not consider a weekend in the snow? One place that ticks all the boxes for a fun, affordable stag weekend is Pas de la Casa. Party Central at Pas For a stag group, probably the most important aspect of your
As one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, Pas de la Casa is also one of its most lively and popular. It’s earned its reputation as a vibrant, great value destination with a long season and excellent high-altitude ski opportunities, and a major part of its charm also lies in its very distinctive French ambience. Aside from its undeniable French style and outstanding ski opportunities across the linked high altitude Grandvalira ski area, it’s the après ski entertainment that makes Pas a little town that packs a big party punch! Party at Pas! Once the sun goes down, La
With a spectacular surrounding landscape of rugged mountains, deep valleys and glistening lakes, La Massana, in Andorra, offers a smorgasbord of dramatic vistas – along with the superb skiing for which most people come. The wide, generous pistes and laidback, cosy ambience of this popular ski region sit within an embrace of stunning natural beauty that’s within easy reach if you care to explore beyond the tips of your skis. From the Highest Mountain… La Massana parish is home to the highest mountain peak in Andorra – the imposing Coma Pedrosa. Soaring 1500 metres above the valley floor, the mountain
Nestled into the valley floor close to the southern border of Andorra and Spain, the unassuming resort town of Santa Coloma is not only a gateway to the extensive Vallenord ski area, it’s also home to an important part of Andorra’s religious and cultural history. The Renowned Church of Santa Coloma Against a dramatic backdrop of rugged peaks and sunny Andorran skies, the small but beautifully preserved 9th century Romanesque Church of Santa Coloma is one of the oldest in the country. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the church has become an important cultural symbol and a
