5 magical winter experiences in Andorra 

A tiny country straddling the mighty Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra has long been a snow-sure secret with skiers in the know. Recently, however, this petite principality – one of the smallest countries in the world – has become a winter destination away from the pistes thanks to its whimsical stone villages, colourful festivals and gourmet gastronomy scene that swings from traditional mountain meals to high-end dining.  

Andorra’s landscape, a patchwork of forested valleys, craggy peaks and broad plains hides a multitude of winter activities. Discover hidden bordas lodged high in the mountains on touring skis, fly above the snow-frosted Llac del Forn on the longest zipwire in the region and explore tiny villages where the slate rooftops, laden with snow, sparkle like diamonds in the sunshine. When night falls, step into snowshoes for a walk in the pristine powder or join a guided astronomy adventure to uncover the secret of stars. And when you’re finished? Slip into the soothing thermal waters at Escaldes-Engordany and let the day melt away.  

Andorra has been a favourite with skiers and snowboarders for years thanks to its wide-ranging slopes and exceptional snow fall; much of the country’s groomed runs and off-piste terrain lies above the magic 2,000m mark. Beyond the ski slopes, the pearly-white landscape hides countless activities from silent snowshoe forest walks to dog sledding adventures in the winter wilderness. Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís form the Grandvalira Resorts Andorra and Naturland is Andorra’s fourth ski resort, which specialises more in cross-country and other outdoor activities.

Learn the history of igloos while building your own icehouse among the frozen wilds of Grandvalira; board a heated snowcat in Pal Arinsal and climb steadily for a traditional Andorran mountain meal; and soar above the icy Llac del Forn by zipwire at Mon(t) Màgic Family Park in Canillo. Also at the park is the whizzy Màgic Gliss toboggan slide. More family fun can be found snowtubing down slippery slopes in Pas de la Casa and zigzagging along the Soldeu pistes on articulated Snake Gliss sleds. 

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. If anything, nighttime is when this tiny Pyrenean country is at its most magical. Clear nights in the mighty Andorran mountains reveal millions of stars sparkling in the inky black skies. Join a guided walk through the stillness of the Comapedrosa National Park to learn more about the many constellations shining brightly above.   

Swap your ski boots for a moonlit snowshoe walk through freshly fallen snow to a traditional mountain borda for dinner and an overnight stay. Less strenuous but equally enjoyable is a ride in a heated snowcat to the door of the wood-and-stone lodge and restaurant L’Ovella Negra at the end of the Incles Valley.  

Need more time on the slopes? In Grandvalira the floodlit La Solana stays open long after the main lifts have closed as does Sunset Park Henrik Harlaut where you can practise your jumps on the snowpark’s rails, wall rides and waves. 

For a tiny country Andorra enjoys a lively calendar of events where you can dig deep into local culture and cuisine. A dedicated food festival celebrating high-mountain gastronomy takes place every September, but colourful markets occur throughout the year where you can browse the country’s many traditional food products.  

High-mountain honey, cured meats and the artisanal cheeses of El Batall and Borda Xicoies are also stocked in local shops, alongside Ratassia de la Carmeta. Crafted from medicinal forest plants, this unique liqueur has followed the same recipe since 1905. Local forest plants are also used in natural cosmetics and handmade soaps created by small independent producers.  

Stalls at seasonal fairs sell artisanal crafts including local artwork, glazed pottery and woollen blankets made using wool from sheep roaming 1,000m above sea level. Don’t miss the delicately carved “musicature”, designs created with a knife point on wood, leather and metal.  

The winter months sprinkle magic across this mountainous country, turning the landscape chalk-white and blanketing the rooftops of its stone villages and bordas with thick layers of sparkling white snow.  

High up in the Pyrenees, the snow-dusted streets of Canillo reveal an 8th-century flour mill, a romantic Romanesque church and centuries-old secrets. Nearby, its Tibetan Bridge stretches for 600 metres above the forested Vall de Riu promising blockbuster views of the cloud-brushing mountains.  

Two dovecotes, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, sit in the historic heart of Encamp, twin towers guarding the fairytale town. Wisps of smoke curl lazily from stone chimneys in La Cortinada, a picturesque village framed by snow-frosted trees. In the serene old town of Pal stands the 12th-century Church of Sant Climent de Pal. Dedicated to the patron saint of metalworkers and blacksmiths, its elegant bell tower rises gracefully against a backdrop of snow-ribbed peaks.  

Andorra has long understood the healing powers of nature and its rugged mountains, deep valleys and wide plains deliver the perfect setting to switch off and unwind. Slip into the thermal waters at the Centro Termolúdico Caldea spa and soak in the many mineral-rich pools of this hydrotherapy playground. Brimming with healing properties, the waters are said to help alleviate everything from aches to anxiety, in particular the Outdoor Lagoon where mighty marshmallow peaks provide a stunning natural backdrop.  

Stroll in silence along a sun-dappled snowy trail on a guided forest bathing retreat or head off solo, following one of three themed walking routes designed to help regain balance. Andorra’s Wellness Centre delivers myriad ways to boost mental, physical and emotional health from yoga classes and medical treatments designed to prevent injury to therapeutic massages, aromatherapy sessions and meditative sessions soaking up the sounds of Tibetan singing bowls.  

Feeling inspired?

For more information on planning your winter trip to Andorra, head to: visitandorra.com and @andorraworld