Grandvalira

Grandvalira in Andorra is the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, with more than 200 km of pistes and 300 days of sunshine a year. All of this is just two and a half hours by car from Barcelona airport. The Principality of Andorra, a tiny state on the border of Spain and France with 70,000 inhabitants, is known in Poland for its duty-free zone, where the exceptionally low prices make shopping just as attractive. In recent years, however, since the modern Grandvalira ski resort opened in 2004, ever larger groups of skiing enthusiasts have been coming to Andorra, and not only from Europe. Happily, thanks to the growth of budget airlines, the journey from Poland takes just two and a half hours by plane to Barcelona, followed by a coach transfer of about 3 hours along a scenic route. In short, it is quicker than the slog to any ski resort in Austria, partly on Polish roads. British skiers recognised the region's exotic appeal and qualities long ago and, together with residents of nearby Barcelona, they dominate the slopes of Grandvalira. Six small villages (Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de La Casa) lie at altitudes from 1,710 to 2,640 m and are linked by a network of modern lifts, so you can ski across the whole area without any other means of transport. Several modern gondolas, six- and eight-seater chairlifts: in a word, everything a skier needs is here at its best. As you cross the vast ski area, it is worth taking your skis off now and then so as not to miss the extra attractions. There is no other place in Europe where you can test the latest Audi models on a snow track at 2,250 m! In Soldeu, by the top station of the gondola, above a FIS-homologated piste, there are always a few cars parked and ready to drive on a specially prepared snow track. Fancy some adrenaline? Go ahead! A photocell times your run, and the relaxed crowd at the bar with the catchy name "Espiolets" will reward you with applause. After a lunch break in a real igloo or by the picturesque mountain lake "Llac de Pessons", we carry on towards the French border. On the way, at the "Grau Roig" leisure centre, you can book a dog-sled ride, snowmobiles, or a paragliding or helicopter flight over the endless horizon of the Pyrenees. A little further on, right by the slope in "Pas de La Casa", there is a public ice track for cars and motorbikes. Every December it hosts races in the "Andros Trophy" series, the ice-racing equivalent of Formula 1. In the coming season they will take place on 10 and 11 December 2010. Thanks to the sheer size of the area, Grandvalira offers excellent conditions both for those who value contact with the majesty of the mighty Pyrenees and for those who take skiing in a more relaxed way, as a pleasant and active way to spend their time. Mountain restaurants, fast-food bars, laid-back waiters and the usually sunny weather all invite you to relax. After all, a holiday is not for rushing: hang loose, mañana! The size and variety of the ski terrain make for a good holiday for experienced skiers and beginners alike. Ambitious skiers will find perfectly groomed FIS-homologated pistes, extensive off-piste terrain and heli-skiing trips. Beginners and more leisurely skiers will find spacious, wide and gentle slopes where they can enjoy long runs without worrying about picking up too much speed. The broad Pyrenean plateaus are ideal for first steps on snow, either on your own or with ski instructors, of whom about 500 work here every winter. The numbers speak for themselves: 1,926 ha of ski terrain, more than 200 km of marked and always well-groomed pistes, 67 modern lifts with a capacity of over 100,000 people per hour and 1,065 snow cannons covering 43% of the pistes. Top-class snow parks, not to mention the one-of-a-kind ski amusement park for children, "Mickey Snow Club", a safe place where the youngest learn through play. In many respects Grandvalira surpasses many well-known and established ski resorts in Europe, offering visitors the highest standard of service across the board: from the skiing, through the quality of the hotels, to all kinds of après-ski attractions, such as: Caldea Thermal Park, a spa complex with a whole range of attractions based on geothermal waters, with hot geysers, orange-juice baths, jacuzzis and a full range of beauty and relaxation treatments; a duty-free zone across the whole country (in every town), with prices that warm up your credit card; the only igloo hotel in southern Europe; numerous night bars and discos, with nightlife thriving above all in Pas de La Casa, where the party goes on 24 hours a day. The Grandvalira ski resort was developed on a grand scale just 6 years ago, drawing on the best models from around the world. It is still growing fast, with plans reaching across the French border, where the enterprising Andorrans intend to build another 100 km of pistes. Given the scale and pace of development so far, there is every reason to believe the project will go ahead. The local community's ambitions do not end with mass tourism. Every year more high-ranking competitions are held here. For the past 3 years Soldeu has hosted a women's European Cup giant slalom every year. In 2012 it will host women's World Cup races. Last year Andorra hosted the Ski Mountaineering World Championships, and in summer 2009 it welcomed the riders of the famous Tour de France. Every year the snow park in El Tarter hosts the legendary snowboard contest "Total Fight Masters of Free Style", which draws the world's best riders in the discipline. The Andorrans have no plans for the Olympic Games yet, but who knows, it may become possible one day. For now they certainly have better conditions than nearby Barcelona, a candidate to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. To sum up, Andorra is not only exotic flamenco rhythms and a Catalan-style Mediterranean fiesta. Above all, it is a top-class ski resort offering excellent winter holidays at an affordable price. A stay here costs no more than a winter holiday in Austrian or Italian resorts. Complete packages including flights, transfers, hotel and ski pass are offered by Grandvalira's partner in Poland: Infoski.pl, tel.: 34 351 33 03