Andorra for first timers?

[Caromurf]

Hi all

Im looking to get some advice about skiing in Andorra, Im trying to organise a trip in Jan 2011 for a group 6 people, (mostly beginners) Ive been told to book early as you would be guaranteed the type of accommodation you want.

So what were looking for is self catering accom, in any of the resorts in Andorra, central to resort and ski with good night life

If anyone has any recommendations as to what location, accommodation, dates etc... I would be very grateful!

[paul]

Hi Caromurf, welcome to the forum.

There are already 2 threads here about Andorra , one about Arinsal Andorra, and the other one about Pas de la Casa Andorra.

The main resorts in Andorra are

• Andorra La Vella
• Arcalis
• Pal - Arinsal
• Pas de la Casa - Grau Roig
• Soldeu - El Tarter

And a good site to get info on Andorra would be their tourism website http://www.andorra.ad/en-US/Pages/default.aspx

[ClaireBear]

Is there any reason why you have decided to go to Andorra for skiing ? I think there are lots of places in the Alps that might be cheaper and more accessible (i.e. more flights).

[Caromurf]

Hey all, thanks for the responses, I was beginning to think Im booking way too early

No real reason for Andorra, I was getting tired of doing research so just had to make a decision on location at least, then worry bout the resort and accomm! Read somewhere its popular with the Irish and duty free is good
Also ski packs are cheap in Andorra and nightlife seems good. So I duno...or if you cud recommend another place:

We're a group of 25-30 yr olds
Self catering or Bed and breakfast hotel
Good apres ski
Central accomm and to slopes
Decent priced ski packs

And what is the deal with the ski packs, do we really need tuition every day??

Any advice is much appreciated as Im lost in all the stuff I've read or heard

Thanks
Caroline

[john510]

Hey Caro,
For beginners I would say yes, absolutely you should do ski school every day. Basically you need someone to show you how to ski, and to make sure you avoid any bad habits. Ski schools normally run from 9am to 12pm , so you are free to practise in the afternoon.

As it's your first time, and you are in a big group of people I think that you should go for a package deal with one of the operators. Once you have an idea of what you need from a ski holiday, I would tend towards a fixed package. Organising flights/accommodation/ski school can just be such difficult task, esp. when you don't know what you want.

[ultancav]

Hey,

I've skied in Andorra in March, loved it! Much rather it to anywhere in France. Some people say it's starting to get expensive, but food and drink is for nothing. Lunch and a beer - no more than €10. Evening meal ie. steak and a beer - €16. We stayed in the resort of Pas de la Casa which is part of the Grandvalria ski area. If you want good nightlife then Pas is the place. The other resorts in Grandvalria are Grau Roig,
Soldeu and El Tarter, these resorts are bit more expensive and more family resorts. All these resorts are linked so you ski to them. If you log onto directski.ie you should be able to get an appartment for €350 - €400 each including flights and transfers. Also try inghams.ie and panoramaholidays.ie, but these two websites don't seem to have their winter deals up yet. crystalski.ie dont do Pas de la Casa only Soldeu and El Tarter.
No matter where you stay in Pas, the ski lfts and ski school meeting point are basicly across the road! Lift pass €219, Beginners ski school €122 for 5 days (3hrs per day) For ski and boot hire try snowell.com or aplinresorts.com ( should be around €65 for 6 days ) You can get ski hire from the tour companies but sometimes they charge way to much for them. Jan 9th onwards will be cheaper to go than Jan 2nd. Hope some of this helps.

[Caromurf]

Thats great, thanks for the reply, will certainly check out those tips.

Caroline