Recommendations for lift pass and snowboard/boot hire in Soldeu

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum ....so helloto everyone! :D
We're 5 regular skiers who have previously gone to bulgaria but have decided to give Andorra a try. We've decided to try boarding this yr as well as skiing- having had a taster last year.

As we're an odd number (2 couples and a single) we found it impossible to find accomodation in a package deal so we've booked and apartment
http://www.stayinsoldeu.co.uk/3.html
right near the gondola in soldeu.

I've managed to organise flights , chalet and bus transfers but am struggling a little with boot/board hire and lift passes.
We've always gone to the smaller, independant shops- the snowshack in pamps is brilliant by the way! .

WOuld anyone be able to recommend somewhere we can get lift pass and hire boards- even a hire and lesson deal ( they're pretty much offering a free lift pass with 5 days of lessons in the package holiday deals-which would be lovely!)

Thanks for all the advise i'm sure i'll receive....

oh, one last thing....our apartment is near slim jims . Is that enar the hotel Brussels anyone????

cheers :D

For board hire, J2ski have a link up with Skiset that might help

http://www.skiset.co.uk/j2ski

Alternatively, you could have a look at:

http://www.snowrental.net/be/ski.asp

BTW, it looks like both use the same hire shop in resort :shock:

You could check out the local tourist office for info on ski passes - generally only available from the lift company and few enough of them have any online facility yet - you may have to get them in resort on your first morning (don't forget to check whether you need photos).

Hi

I went to Soldeu last New Year and have to say that it was fab and proved to be a life changing holiday for me - so much so that I am due to leave my job in December and go off to Canada on the 7th Jan and qualify as a ski instructor!! (Let alone the fact that I am then traveling round the world and happen to be following winter round so it looks like I may get to ski in four continents in 12 months!) - and all as a result of a severe hangover and an inspiring conversation with a ski instructor. :lol:

Anyway I digress. I went on holiday with Crystal and hired our skis and boots from Pic Negre - http://www.picnegre.com/index_winter_en.html. The shop is situated next to the main bus stop and opposite the Hotel Bruxelles (down hill from the gondola station)

As for ski passes then these are probably best to buy direct from the lift company. You will find a couple of booths in the gondola station. If you are arriving on a Sunday I would tell you to try and get your ski passes that day otherwise the queues on a Monday morning are manic as everyone trys to get to the top for ski school for morning lessons.

We used the main ski school (the offices are situated in buildings to the right at the top of the gondola station). I have to say the instructors are mainly English but could not fault them at all.

You will be able to get more info and potentially book it all before you go on the area website: http://www.grandvalira.com/gv/home.aspx?lang=4 (you will also be able to watch the snow conditions on their webcams...)

If you want a a meal out one night then I can recommend the Hotel Bruxelles. This is really good food and and reasonable prices and you will find a lot of the ski instructors and staff etc eat here.

If you have anymore questions please do not hesitate to give me a shout. Hope you have a fab time (am slightly jealous) :D

Andrea Brimelow wrote:

I went to Soldeu last New Year and have to say that it was fab and proved to be a life changing holiday for me - so much so that I am due to leave my job in December and go off to Canada on the 7th Jan and qualify as a ski instructor!!

How fantastic is that?

It is pretty fantastic but am currently really nervous about walking away from my life and the security it provides... I just keep reassuring myself with the thought of 13 weeks worth of skiing! :lol:

And that is what the vast majority have on our minds all our lives.....leaving the security blanket behind. The same one with the large mortgage, the bills, the credit cards, the kids university fees, the vet bills, the car loan.....

I dont think I'd be thinking twice.

I wish I had your bottle, live the dream.

I wish I had your bottle

Thats what I said to the now "infamous" ski instructor and look at me now camping out at a friends house as the tenants moved in my house last week, belongings in storage or at my parents, soon to be an unemployed solicitor and intending to spend most of my savings in one year!!! - no wonder my non-skiing friends think I'm going through an early mid-life crisis at 31.

As I was told on that fateful day anyone can do it if they really want to. Check out www.mytb.org/brimster if you want to read a bit more of my story.

Topic last updated on 19-November-2008 at 15:50