The tiny European country of Andorra has enjoyed a 31% increase in international visitors since 2019 and, if you’re a skiing enthusiast, it’s not hard to see why. It’s a place that packs a lot into a small area, with easy-to-access, high-quality ski resorts as well as a mix of cultural influences.
Nestled on the border between France and Spain, Andorra is something of a hidden treasure. Here’s why you should consider it for your next skiing holiday.
Accessible and affordable skiing
Particularly for UK tourists looking to make their money go as far as possible, ski holidays in Andorra represent superb value. The country is easily accessible from major regional airports including Barcelona, Girona and Toulouse so, no matter whether you connect via Spain to its south or France to its north, you’ll have no trouble getting there.
You’ll also find that prices in Andorra for things like lift passes, accommodation and equipment rentals will be a little more comfortable than at some other European ski destinations.
World-class ski resorts
Andorra is home to several superb ski areas, with options suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. The biggest and perhaps best-known is Grandvalira, which is due to extend to a full 308 kilometres of skiable terrain by 2025, encompassing excellent resorts including Pas de la Casa and Soldeu – but there’s also Vallnord, which includes Pal Arinsal. Wherever you go, you’ll find options for more of the year than you might expect, as the resorts are investing heavily into snow-making to keep the fun going for longer.
Tax-free shopping and luxury at a lower price
Andorra’s status as a tax haven makes it an attractive destination, as you’ll be able to take advantage of tax-free shopping for everything from ski equipment to electronics and clothing. This means you can get more out of your holiday than you might if you were going to similar resorts in Switzerland or France, freeing up more of your budget to enjoy apres-ski treats like spa treatments and fine dining.
Convenience for UK travellers
While there are now some occasional complications for UK tourists travelling onto the continent in the wake of Brexit, nothing’s changed for visiting Andorra as it is also not a member of the European Union. That makes it a straightforward choice to get to, with no visa requirements to enter, even though you’ll need to connect through France or Spain on your way in. As you’ll be coming in via one of those two countries, you’ll be following the Schengen protocol, so make sure your passports aren’t at risk of expiry within three months of your intended return journey.
