Advice on Andorra

Greetings all. Have followed this forum at various times but never contributed. Am looking for some advice on Andorra. I have skied for many years in the Alberg and for personal reasons am spending New year in Andorra. This will be my first visit so looking for a few tips:

Accom and travel sorted but wondered what the best way is to get from Barc airport to Andorra - I am staying in Andorra town. Have noticed Novatel Bus and assume this is similar to Alberg Express from Zurich to Lech? Anyone know where the Terminal 1 pickup point is? Or is there a better way?

Is there a bus system to get to the ski areas similar to the blue buses in Lech Zurs?

Am considering hiring some skis when I get there rather than lug my own skis round Europe (I usually leave them in Lech for the season). Good idea or still best to take my own skis?

Have noted from the websites that Arinsal is for beginners so wheres the bets place to go for something a bit more challenging? I can bang down most reds and blacks in the Arlberg until my legs shout enough! but Im getting on bit and happy to spend a week easy cruising.

Any advice appreciated..

Regards

Paul

I can't help with Barcelona airport bus links as we are the other side of Andorra :)

From the town I know out of season there are buses (we caught one two weeks ago!) through Amdorra. Having said that, it is quite a trek from Andorra town to the two ski areas. The quickest would be the lift from Encamp I guess and that would bring you onto the GrandValira ski area. From what you have said I think this would suit you better. We like the skiing there - plenty of reds but not many blacks. The lift system is efficient!

Have fun!

You won't find anything challenging compared to Arlburg, most of the reds would be blue in St Anton, there are a couple of good blacks such as Avet in Soldeu, but that's about it. Grand Valira is superb for miles of cruising but don't expect any steeps. It's a beginners/early intermediates paradise.

andyhull wrote:You won't find anything challenging compared to Arlburg, most of the reds would be blue in St Anton, there are a couple of good blacks such as Avet in Soldeu, but that's about it. Grand Valira is superb for miles of cruising but don't expect any steeps. It's a beginners/early intermediates paradise.

I'd suggest the above statement is pretty much 100% spot on. Except that a blue in St Anton is often like a black anywhere else!!!!

I stopped in Andorra La Vella and the link from Encamp wasnt open as it was too early, but we found it best to drive to Arcalis for a day or so there, lovely little remote area, and also park at either Soldeu or Grau Roig for access onto the slopes. Grau Roig was easier to get into the main area from and quieter on the lifts, and right in the middle of the main area as well.

Hilly rather than mountainous area, but pleasant enough if conditions are good. Nice food and drink locally.

Guys, Thanks for all that. Noted about the easy blues and was as I expected - but will be ready for a week of easy cruising after Xmas I think.........

Regards

Paul

I agree with the parking at either Grau Roig or El Tarter. Easy to access the domaine. Have never skiied at Vallnord as it is moreof a trek for us but we are thinking of trying it this season if only or a change of scene!

In the Pyrenees our options are somewhat limited compared to the Alps but I can't complain - any skiing is better than none! And at least my least favourite thing about Andorra (the smoking) will be a thing of te past come 2013!!

Arcalis


Get yourself there!!!