Andorra vs. Austria (for ski holiday)

Austria every time, alpine atmosphere, history, great food and fantastic views.

With the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun / Zell am See there is even a snow guarantee. Walking across the frozen lake at Zell, a ice hockey match, apres Ski.

I think the icing on the cake is the Tauern Spa Kaprun, just superb, just what you need after a full day on the slopes.

A bit biased but Austria every time.

Simple - Austria without a doubt! 8)

Comparing Austria and Andorra as ski countries there is no comparrison. Andorra used to be the bargain destination, it still is cheap(er) but I think the lift pass is now one of the most expensive in Europe?

Anyhow comparing the two resorts here are my thoughts:

Soldeu:

+'s

Lift pass rivals the size of some of the major resorts in the Alps if you want mileage.

Lift system is very efficent

Very good ski school for English speakers

-'s

Can get very crowded

Village is on the main road through Andorra and suffers from heavy traffic

Some hotels are way out of town and inconvienient for the lifts

Not a great deal to do off the slopes

Smoking everywhere.

Zell:

+'s

Very pretty, lake side setting

Tree linned runs with great views down to the lake

Lively but not rowdy nightlife

Lots to do off the slopes

Huge range of cross country trails if that's your thing

Kaprun glacier is nearby if conditions are iffy

Varried terrian including some steep and challenging black runs

-'s

Sunny, low slopes often have poor conditions despite snow making. Which as a results limits the size of the area.

Trek to the lifts from allot of the accomadation, and the buses at times get crowded.

Less suitible for beginners than many other of the smaller Austrian resorts.

Kaprun glacier gets lengthy queues when it's needed the most. You have to queue with visitors from Saalbach, Kitzbuhel and other lower resorts nearby.

Zell is very nice but ultimately I think it depends on what level of skier you are, not including Kaprun there are around 75km of piste which IMO isn't enough for a week to entertain a keen intermediate or advanced skier.

For me Soldeu every time as long as you choose the correct hotel.
If your mainly beginners or mixed ability up to intermidite then I cant think of anywhere better.
Most hotels are a few hundred meters from the lift and you can be on the slopes in an incrediably short time.
All English ski school and very good progression.Probably the best ski school anywhere for beginners and intermidiets.
Area has been increased by linking to Grau and Pas de la casa and links are pretty good for all abilities.
Efficient lift system with hardly any queues except half term etc.
It used to have a bad reputation as a cheap party town but thats in the past and its gone upmarket. Has a bad reputation for snow cover which is unfounded and actually last year it had a great season while France and some other countries really suffered.

They are having a laugh at 220 Euros for the lift pass though Jonah690. Andorra used to be a good option for those on a budget, no longer.
Great if all you want easy cruising but there's nothing to challenge even a mid intermediate.

andyhull wrote:They are having a laugh at 220 Euros for the lift pass though Jonah690. Andorra used to be a good option for those on a budget, no longer.
Great if all you want easy cruising but there's nothing to challenge even a mid intermediate.

Gosh, I only pay 225 Euros for my season pass!

Dave Mac wrote:Gosh, I only pay 225 Euros for my season pass!

It's alright for some o** c****** then isn't it?
:roll:

Hi

I have been to both and would rather go to Zell. It depends what your into though and your abilty etc, If the snow is good then Soldeu is a good resort with some nice fast runs and good Apres.

If you can get a real bargain at Soldeu and there is plenty of snow then Soldeu isn't a bad choice just keep looking at the snow reports though,,,,,