SOLDEU / GRANDVALIRA
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
The tiny country of Andorra is wedged between France and Spain in the imposing and splendid Pyrenees Mountains. Soldeu, ANDORRA is the most popular ski and snowboard resort in Andorra with breathtaking scenery, reliable snowfalls, a wide variety of challenging terrain and a bustling action packed village.
Soldeu Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
Soldeu is part of the Pyrenees Grandvalira Ski Area; the largest skiing and snowboarding area in Andorra. The Grandvalira Area lift links Soldeu to the neighbouring resorts of El Tarter, Canillo, Encamp, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa. All areas are supported by an efficient lift system.
The skiing and snowboarding terrain at Soldeu consists of open powder bowls, tight chutes and cliff drops, exciting tree skiing and snowboarding, long linking groomed trails and gentle beginner areas.
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding at Soldeu
Soldeu has excellent advanced off piste skiing and snowboarding options in natural powder bowls, steep chutes and cliff faces. The off piste terrain is very easy to access with almost no hiking required on any areas of the resort.
One of the most challenging areas is the Pic D’Encampadana Area where snow riders are free to make their own tracks all the way down to the the Tarter Cable Car.
The Grandvalira Ski and Snowboard School have Freeride Adventure programs running over 4 hours for groups of no more than 6 advanced snow riders. Instructors lead groups off piste from the peak of the Pedrus Summit down the east side before catching a snowcat back up and venturing down the north side. The vertical drop is 750 meters and 4 kilometres in length.
There is a lot of tree skiing and snowboarding available on the lower mountain slopes; the trees along the Aliga trail leading down to the neighbouring village of El Tarter a particular highlight.
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding at Soldeu
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can access the entire area on long linking well groomed trails.
For some fast groomed early morning runs turn right at the top of the Soldeu Cable Car and head down the Gall de Bosc trail to access the Tosa Espiolets Chairlift. Once at the top of the chairlift head down the wide Fura trail for speedy GS turns.
The Pla de les Pedres Grau Roig Chairlift gives access to a variety of long exciting and steep groomed trails in the C. De Les Solanelles Area.
For a thrilling long tree lined run take the Guineu trail from the top of the Llosada Chairlift which eventually joins with the Esquirol trail leading down into the neighbouring village of El Tarter.
In 2009 additional snowmaking equipment was installed throughout the entire resort guarantying excellent snow coverage over 90 kilometres of groomed trails.
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding at Soldeu
From the Soldeu Village catch the Soldeu Cable Car directly up to the Espiolet Area for gentle and wide beginner only slopes.
Once confidence grows head left to the Solana Chairlift to access long wide open trails like the OS trail which winds its way down through the trees all the way back down to the village base area.
Soldeu has a highly rated Ski and Snowboard School with professional and friendly bilingual instructors taking group, day long and private lessons for all age groups and ability levels.
Soldeu Terrain Park and Halfpipe
The Soldeu Terrain Park and halfpipe are located on the upper slopes of the El Tarter area under the Tosa Espiolets Chairlift. The expertly maintained park has jumps, rails and kickers of various sizes and a well cut halfpipe.
Other Activities at Soldeu
Other activities at Soldeu/Grandvalira include snowmobiling, ice skating, dog sledding, paragliding, scenic helicopter rides and cross country skiing,
Off the slopes visit the tax free shops at Andorra la Vella.
Shopping at Soldeu
The Soldeu Village has many shops lining the streets stocking the latest ski and snowboard equipment and rental gear, fashion boutiques, gift and souvenir stores and photography galleries.
Soldeu has two well stocked grocery markets, delicatessens, butchers and wine stores.
Hard core shoppers love Andorra for its tax free shopping. The capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella is a 30 minute drive from Soldeu. It has hundreds of tax free clothing shops, sports shops, cigarette shops, liquor stores, electronic equipment, jewellers and perfumeries.
Soldeu Restaurants
On mountain restaurants and self serve cafeterias are strewn across the interlinked Grandvalira ski and snowboard area. Most have large sundecks littered in deck chairs and serve delicious regional dishes.
In the Soldeu Village the restaurants serve French, Spanish, Italian and local Pyrenean cuisine. The local cuisine consists of delicious grilled lamb, beef and game dishes accompanied by fresh vegetables.
Fat Albert’s Restaurant is one of Soldeu’s most popular restaurants. The fillet steaks and fish dishes are superb as are the many desserts on offer.
The Roc Restaurant serves local and international cuisine with an ever changing menu.
Small takeaway stores in the main street sell baguettes, toasted sandwiches and pizza by the slice.
Soldeu Nightlife
Soldeu has an active and wild nightlife with many bars, pubs and nightclubs.
A popular bar in Soldeu is Fat Albert’s Bar opening early everyday for happy hour après ski drinks accompanied by live music and remaining open til very late with DJs and lots of dancing.
The Stone Bar has the latest music mixed with old classics from the 70s and 80s. The friendly staff are experts at mixing killer cocktails that really numb your aching mountain legs!
The Roc Bar in the Roc Hotel is a great meeting point. The bar has a wide variety of beers, wines and cocktails and broadcasts live sporting events from throughout Europe on the large screen television.
The Aspen Bar is a two story English style pub with pool tables upstairs and a dance floor downstairs. The bar has frequent live band performances, theme party nights and resident DJs. Live soccer matches are shown on the large screen downstairs during the winter season.
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