Famous for its duty-free environment Andorra attracts a vibrant, youthful international ski scene and competition between the five major ski areas has led to spending on ever-improving lift infrastructure and other state-of-the-art facilities.
All five areas are now included on a `Ski Andorra` pass making it possible to stay in or near the capital, La Vella, and ski a different resort every day. Similarly, with all the ski areas within a short drive of one another, you may easily stay in one and ski in several others during your stay. Largest of all is Soldeu El Tarter which has established a lift link to the country`s other big ski area - Pas de la Casa - Grau Roig - together forming one of the largest lift linked areas in the Pyrenees. Soldeu is a typically lively, high value, friendly Andorran resort with a larger than average ski area.
The biggest investor in skiing in the Pyrenees during the 1990s, the resort added a new 8 seater gondola for the 1996/97 season and new hotels. Then for 1999-2000 the resort again made a huge investment with three new six seater chairs together with a second eight seater gondola. Soldeu is a modern, dynamic resort set in dramatically picturesque surroundings. First rate for bumps and moguls - Soldeu is a regular venue for freestyle mogul comps. The second base at El Tarter is more traditional and many visitors choose to stay in the town of Canillo, 4km (2 miles) down the valley which has the lion`s share of the `off slope facilities` in the area.
Apres Ski
The three bases are lively from lift closure to the small hours and the free ski bus runs to 1am. Duty free priced drinks, cheaper than most anywhere else are a major contributing factor to the fun feeling of this resort. The most popular haunts have Anglo-American names like the Aspen Bar, Pussycat and Fat Alberts. The El Duc discotheque is one of five, with the Piccadilly Bar especially lively..
