School Skiing in Andorra and Everything You Need To Know

Last updated: Oct 31st, 2022


Looking for a perfect space for student and staff winter sports? Then here’s school skiing in Andorra and everything you need to know about this stunning Pyrenean principality.

Snug in its mountain peaks, Andorra can easily be overlooked when compared to stalwarts of European ski like France, Italy or Switzerland.

But we’re pulling back the covers on this authentic, abundant and welcoming skiing and snowboarding paradise as when it comes to this snowsport garden, you’ll probably think of nowhere else again.

Quite the claim, eh? Then snowboard down for school skiing in Andorra and everything you need to know.

School Skiing in Andorra and Everything You Need To Know: Empty ski lift travelling up a snowy ski slope

Uncrowded Slopes

Although other European countries are usually high on lists to visit for skiers and snowboarders, this can mean the foot of those pistes are densely packed with ski poles, boards and every base to shell layer you can think of.

Not so in Andorra, where 2 stunning ski regions are primed for space and school ski enjoyment. Which means you and your students can fully immerse yourself in those beginner, intermediate or advanced slopes.

Plus, with less crowds and visual blocks, you can keep sight of everyone in your group.

School Skiing in Andorra and Everything You Need To Know: Ski and snowboard helmets and goggles on a display rack inside a shop

Great Value And Tax-Free

Did we mention that sale taxes are delightfully low?

With one of the lowest VAT (known locally as IGI) rates in Europe, the Pyrenean enclave is a duty-free retail destination perfect for holiday shopping after a day of slope side activity.

And depending on where you ski from, the capital city Andorra La Vella is only 10 to 50 minutes drive away. Making it the perfect day-out for students to shop for souvenirs for back home.

Because of Andorra’s great value for money for tour costs when compared to other European ski resorts, it’s one of our most popular destinations. So, if you think its slopes are for you give our lovely specialist ski team a call and you can slide into the details.

School Skiing in Andorra and Everything You Need To Know: Two smiley happy kids talking to each other on a ski lift

High Altitude Skiing

Both ski regions of Vallnord and Grandvalira boast summits over 2,600m, with deep green tree-lined vistas decorating the mountain ranges.

Also, each area is ideal for awe-inspiring moments as well as a variety of skill levels as the slope elevation guarantees snow all season round.

“Andorra is well worth trying…” – Paul Miller, Calday Grange Grammar School

Inside bedroom of accommodation Hotel Panorama

Central & Contemporary Lodgings

When reviewing you can add a few more stars to that Trip Advisor post, as we can testify to the centrally located hotels we use.

Located in Andorra La Vella, our modern accommodation is conveniently situated for skiing and snowboarding in both Vallnord and Grandvalira. Also, you can expect Wi-Fi, restaurants, hang-out spots and a close affiliation to all the capital city has to offer.

School Skiing in Andorra and Everything You Need To Know: People ski on slope beneath a ski lift carrying people up a slope

Great Runs For Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced Skiers

So many blues, so many reds and an enticing number of black runs – there’s heaps of varying pistes that think about nursery slope skiers through to your more advanced winter sport player.

Also, our English-speaking ski schools are found in both resorts that offer perfect learner progression, challenging pistes ranging in length from 93km to 210km and purpose-built complexes for the whole crud of ski and snowboarding skill types.

“…the children progressed from the nursery slopes to the green, blue and red runs!” – Ms. Emma Steinmann-Gilbert, St Andrew’s School

Multiple ski slopes meet at the bottom of a snowy hill

Interlinked Ski Areas

Why downhill drive on one slope side when you can take part in 1, 2 or maybe even 3 ski areas?

Thankfully, that’s a question you don’t need to worry about in Andorra as the two main regions include multiple ski spaces. If in Vallnord, you’ll discover 63km of breath-taking slopes in Pal, Arinsal and Arcalis.

Or why not try out Grandvalira where you can slide down a variety of scintillating pistes in resorts such as Soldeu El Tarter, Pas de la Casa/Grau Roi, Encamp and Canillo, with the area offering 210km of beautiful ski terrain.

Suppose the only question is whether you’ll have enough time to hit them all.

Young person bowling a ball down a bowling alley

Entertaining Après Scene

There’s a whole bundle of entertainment to consider once you’ve hung the ski boots up for the day.

From thermal spas to bowling, tax-free shopping to exciting restaurants, gymnasiums to games rooms, there’s plenty packed into this mountain-based country that’s no bigger than London.

And we pride ourselves on planning these kick-back moments for you, with our rep ready to help lead. So, chat with our team to find out the details perfect for you.

“Andorra is a fabulous place. The skiing, hotel and Après Ski are superb” – James Gow, St Joseph’s Catholic Comprehensive School

Young person skiing down a slope

Open Until April?

To give you and your students more time to experience school skiing in Andorra, both ski areas are open from December to April. If you fancy wintertime snow sports, December through to January racks in -2° C whereas highs of 11 degrees shine out from March.

And because of the high altitudes in the small Pyrenean principality, naturally occurring snow is found all season round. However, if the packed powder needs energising, you can always refill the cannons…

Snow cannons coating a ski slope with fresh snow

Snow Cannon Serenade

Totally harmless but ultra-effective are Andorra’s slope side snow cannons.

To prevent anything less than the perfect piste, Andorran ski resorts employ over 1300 snowmaking machines that perfectly prepare the air for the white stuff to fall.

So, no matter what time of season you choose, there will always be fields of shining packed snow.

There you go!

School skiing in Andorra and a whole basket of everything you need to know. From your uncrowded slopes to great value après, or your interlinked ski areas to your varied skill level pistes, the cosily placed Andorra is a fantastic space for school skiing.

To learn more, call or email us or click here for an edge on our awe-inspiring Andorran Ski trips!

As the Andorran’s say ‘fins aviat!”