Andorra is one of the most high-mountainous countries of Europe, located in the north-west of the mainland. It is located in the heart of a mountain range called the Pyrenees.
We rise on skis!
The mountains in Andorra include 65 peaks, the height of which is predominantly over 2000 m. The highest peak is Mount Koma-Pedrosa, towering in the north-west of the country. Near it is the ski resort of Pal-Arinsal . Pedestrian climbing on Coma-Pedrosa is not considered difficult even for beginner skiers and takes about 4.5 hours.
Specialists advise to climb a mountain near the waterfall Riabal, located at the south-eastern foothills of the peak. During the first kilometer the pedestrian route goes towards the top, and then turns left and leads to the southern slopes of Coma-Pedrosy past the trout lake and along the river of the same name. Then the mountain road turns north and skirts the picturesque Lake Estany Negre. Behind it you should turn to the northeast and through the rocky aisle to get to the top of the mountain.
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In the west of the principality, the mountain massif consists predominantly of limestone and karst sediments, glaciers, crystalline rocks or alpine relief forms begin to dominate the center. To the east, the ridges are somewhat lowered, and the number of intermontane depressions is increasing. In many cases, the height of the mountains in Andorra does not exceed 1800-2100 m, so tourists can not only climb mountaineering, but also climbing a little on the slope to get into real pine, fir or mixed (oak, beech, chestnut) forests. Above this mark are thickets of Mediterranean shrubs and meadows reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. The climate here is close to subtropical. Also the Pyrenees are rich in bauxite, lead and iron ore deposits. In the mountains you will find many clean lakes of glacial origin.
Considering the question of what mountains in Andorra, it is worth noting that for most of the years they are snow-covered, since there is a lot of precipitation here. So, to the delight of lovers of outdoor activities, ski tourism is well developed here. Between the mountain peaks there are narrow valleys with fast mountain rivers flowing along them. The longest of them are called Eastern Vapira, Severnaya Vapira and Bolshaya Vapira.
Ski Tourism
To visit Andorra and not to ski - this is something out of the ordinary. This country is a place of pilgrimage for all fans of mountain skiing. The ski season here lasts from early December to mid-April. Trails for professional and amateur skiing are concentrated in three areas of the principality:
- Naturlandia . Located in the area of La Rabassa. The height of the mountains in Andorra varies from 1960 to 2160 m. In Naturland you will find five ski slopes of different difficulty levels with a total length of 15 km. The pride of one of the best resorts of Andorra is the longest slide in the world for sledging (length 5.3 km). Also here you can ride a quad bike, learn archery, horseback riding, paintball and snowmobiling.
- Vallnord . It unites several ski stations: Ordino-Arkalis, Arinsal and Pal .
- Grandvalira . The region lies at the intersection of the Soldeu-El-Tarter and Pas de la Casa regions.
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Even if you are a fan of mountaineering, the mountains in Andorra will be a real challenge for you. After all, their altitude is almost the same (1600-2500 m), which causes serious difficulties when laying railroads and highways, and also makes it difficult for pedestrian crossings. Those passages that were formed as a result of the influence of natural factors, are difficult to overcome because of the strong wind carrying small stones.
In the principality 177 ski slopes are laid, the length of which reaches 296 km. At the descent place you will deliver 105 mechanical lifts, and the number of snow cannons in the mountains is 1349 pieces. With their help, the optimal thickness of the snow cover (0.4-3 m) is maintained, and the slopes are rolled up with the help of special equipment.
Since the mountains in the country are not as high as, for example, the Alps, having arrived here, you can almost every day skiing: the weather here is usually quite warm and clear. At the ski resorts of Andorra you will be able not only to master a descent for beginners, but also more complex routes for professionals of your business, but also to relax in an extra class hotel and eat deliciously. For children, special training programs are provided that allow them to get on skis already in the first days after arrival, and for children there are special kindergartens.
Ordino-Arkalis
It is located in the north of the principality at a distance of 22 km from its capital. The valley is surrounded by peaked mountain peaks, and the number of slopes is much higher than in other parts of the country. Therefore, this is ideal if you want to ride not only on skis, but also on snowboarding. Two sports centers are opened in Ordino-Arkalis: Ordino Multisport Center and Ordino Sports Center, where tourists can swim, do gymnastics, bowling, weightlifting, squash and tennis. Also here is the natural park Sorten, whose beauty can be admired in any weather, and a lot of bars and restaurants. You can get here from the capital by car on the highway CG3 or by a special bus with a transfer to Ordino. The fare is 1 - 2.5 euros, the time of the route is from 7.00 to 19.00.
Pal-Arinsal
Pal is located in the west of Andorra, which is an ideal place for families with children . Here you can try your hand at skiing at an altitude of 1780-2358 m, and the trails are wide enough and long enough for even novice skiers to feel quite confident. Most of all snow cannons are concentrated in Pale. Once every two hours a shuttle bus from the capital, following through La Massana, is sent here (the ticket price is 1.5 euros). On the car you will need to go on the road CG5, turn left to Ertz and cross the village of Ixsi-Sea.
Arinsal is located near the town of La Massana, almost next to Pal. Here come the real pro skiing. In Arinsal, you can try to ride down the most difficult descent in Andorra with a length of 1010 m, and a 24-kilometer route will certainly attract the attention of snowboard fans. You can get here in the same way as in Pal.
Pas de la Casa and Grau Roz
Located in the east of the country, on the border with France. Here you can find trails for every taste, and some of them are even illuminated in the dark. Lifts for more convenience of tourists are built near the hotels , and for snowboarders there is a real paradise thanks to the fan-park and "high-pipe". From the capital of the principality here 3-5 times a day runs a regular bus L5 (fare 5 euros) or you can use the Funicamp cable car .
Soldeu - El Tarter
The distance between these two villages is about 3 km. From the border with France and from the capital they are separated by the same distance. The ski areas here are quite high, above the villages, and the length of the ski runs is 88 km. Fans of adrenaline will be pleased that it is here that the highest peak of the region is located - Tossal de la Losada. From it leads a special ski slope with an altitude drop of 500 m. If you prefer more gentle slopes, you are waiting for the western side of Mount Encampadana (2491 m). Every hour from the capital of Andorra , a shuttle bus is sent here (ticket price is 3 euros). To get there by car, follow the route CG1.
How to get there?
To get to the mountains in Andorra is very simple: they occupy most of the state. On the principality principally use motor transport, but buses between urban areas and villages ply often. The quality of the road surface is very high, and for the convenience of travelers many tunnels are built here. You can arrive in the capital of Andorra by bus from Barcelona in 2-3 hours (the fare is 40 euros), then you will have to use the car or move on foot. There are no railway stations or airports in the country. You can get to the ski center from the hotel by regular ski buses. The cost of a subscription for lifts on average is 3000 pesetas.