Snow and rest in Andorra, the tandem that conquers sports lovers

For some years now, and courtesy of climate change that has ceased to be a threat but has become evidence, snow is no longer something that surprises or arrives without warning.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
16 December 2023 Saturday 09:25
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Snow and rest in Andorra, the tandem that conquers sports lovers

For some years now, and courtesy of climate change that has ceased to be a threat but has become evidence, snow is no longer something that surprises or arrives without warning. It is something that is expected and that, if it does not appear, for those who profess the religion of skiing (or any of its variants, which are many), it can lead to despair.

December has made its way in a swing of temperatures that has left more doubts than certainties about the state of the snow, but what is becoming the norm has one exception: Andorra. The country of the Pyrenees enjoys its particular guaranteed snow reserve, with most of the slopes open, delighting winter sports lovers, who come to the Principality looking for an infallible destination. Andorra is a winter destination par excellence and snow lovers know it.

First of all, because it houses the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees: Grandvalira, which encompasses seven sectors with a total of 215 km of slopes. A ski domain that you can explore without taking off your skis at any time, to which is added the rest of the stations within Grandvalira Resorts: Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís. The latter is the northernmost domain of Andorra with a letter of presentation no less: having the best quality of snow.

Andorra is the destination for the most demanding skiers, yes. Of those who are not satisfied with just skiing, too. They look for snow, and there is it, but they find more than just majestic mountains to slide on. In fact, the Principality has known how to play the cards that its Pyrenean nature has offered it and is already one of the most sought-after Christmas destinations, bringing together in one place the Holy Trinity of these holidays: sport, rest, shopping.

All with a decoration that is not decorated, but part of its essence: twinkling lights running through its streets, Christmas markets that surprise everyone and an ice skating rink, converted into an unavoidable meeting point where locals and visitors come to enjoy the magic of this time of year. If we add the extra of its emblematic spas - where you can cultivate body and mind and its extensive and increasingly recognized gastronomic offer, there is no doubt: all Christmas roads lead to Andorra.

Providing a warm refuge to all who enjoy it is a gauntlet that the Plaza Hotels pick up, with all kinds of details.

Among the accommodation options, the emblematic hotel chain has devised exclusive packages that take sports practice to another level. For example, it has created a “Ski VIP” package that offers more than a simple GrandValira ski pass and includes extras such as late check-out until 2 p.m., free transfer to the resort (Funicamp access) and ski lockers located in the Funicamp, providing visitors with a hassle-free ski experience with a touch of luxury, including access to the hotel's spa.

It is just an example of the tailor-made suit that they have been able to make from this chain, which has three temples of comfort in Andorra: the Grand Plaza Hotel, the Suites Plaza Hotel and the Ski Plaza Hotel, equipped as authentic luxury refuges. In fact, the Ski Plaza Hotel is located in an exceptional location, at the foot of the slopes and in the urban center of Canillo.

All three have facilities specially designed to meet the most demanding needs of active tourism lovers. A place where you can enjoy beyond the snow, and where you can turn routines and habits into small luxuries that elevate the sporting experience to another category.