Après-ski and Skiing in Andorra: Sport, Fun and Wellness in the Snow

Andorra may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it's also one of the best winter destinations in Southern Europe. Straddling the Pyrenees mountain range, between Spain and France, its many kilometres of quality snowfields, modern facilities and wide range of services make skiing a major reason to come. Add to this a lively après-ski scene, excellent dining and duty-free shopping, and you'll wonder why you haven't visited Andorra before. So what are you waiting for? Come with us as we discover the best resorts for skiing in Andorra.

Andorra offers more than 300 km of slopes spread across several areas and resorts, each with a different vibe and range of activities. The top four places to enjoy skiing in Andorra are the giant Grandvalira and the family-friendly Pal Arinsal. Ordino Arcalís is ideal for expert skiers, and at Naturland you can join in the fun of Nordic skiing.

This ski area is one of the largest in Southern Europe and offers around 140 slopes for skiers of all levels, as well as a snowpark and freeride areas. Ski passes at Grandvalira are available by day, season or type; prices are slightly higher than other resorts (the Andorra Pass allows you to save money by creating packages and combining resorts.) It's the busiest area for skiing in Andorra, so buy your passes online in advance. The most popular sections for intermediate and advanced levels are Soldeu, which hits the right note of quality snow and services, and Pas de la Casa, which has a young and lively atmosphere.

This is the most family-friendly resort, with wide and uncrowded slopes for all levels. Only a 15-minute drive from Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, Pal Arinsal is the most accessible resort in Andorra. You can take the cable car from Andorra la Vella to the main area of Pal and avoid road traffic, which can be considerable in the high season. Another cable car, with incredible views, connects the Pal and Arinsal resorts. Both offer slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers, ski lessons and equipment hire.

Ordino Arcalís is one of the highest resorts in Andorra, reaching an altitude of 2,625 metres, with northern slopes that enjoy the best natural snow in Andorra. It has an Alpine terrain with open slopes ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers, and is famous for freeriding. It's been host to the FIS Freeride World Championships on several occasions, thrilling spectators with extreme skiing and snowboarding. This resort offers fewer kilometres of skiable slopes, but you will find several schools for improving your freeride technique. Throughout the resort, the ambience is peaceful and less focused on the commercial side of skiing, providing a more authentic mountain experience.

Naturland in La Rabassa is a destination for Nordic skiing, nature-based activities and chilling out in the snow. It has a peaceful, family-friendly ambience, perfect for snowshoeing, sleigh riding through the valleys or a romantic getaway with your partner. In addition to zip lines, horse riding routes and tree trekking, the star attraction here is the Tobotronc: the world's longest alpine slide at 5.3 km. Thrill seekers can expect 20 minutes of heart-thumping fun!

Resorts offer more than skiing in Andorra. Snow sports come in many forms, from downhill skiing to sledging and snowshoeing. You can also enjoy hiking in the snow and end the day relaxing in a spa in Andorra.

Try some of these exciting activities in the snow. At the resorts, you'll find specialist instructors, tour and experience companies, and shops for gear hire.

• Alpine skiing, with slopes for all levels

• Snowboarding, for jumps and tricks

• Ski mountaineering (skimo) for the very fit on safe routes

• Nordic skiing (cross-country), through the valleys and on flat terrain

• Snowshoeing, great family fun!

• Mushing or dog sledding, perfect for children and couples

• Snowmobiles, with a guide and on picturesque routes

• Night skiing, a unique experience under the stars

• Sledding; endless laughter and relaxation for children and adults

Leave your gear at the hotel and set off on Andorra's winter hiking trails, crossing valleys and forests blanketed in snow. Stop at astounding viewpoints, such as those at Coll de la Botella in Pal Arinsal or Solar de Tristaina in Ordino Arcalís, and breathe in pure mountain air.

The day spas in Andorra are world-class. Caldea is the largest thermal bath resort in Southern Europe, combining indoor and outdoor spas in futuristic spaces. It's located in Escaldes-Engordany, about a five-minute drive from Andorra la Vella. In this pretty mountain valley enclave, you'll also find Mercure Andorra Hotel. It has its own wellness area, which includes a spa, hammam and sauna, and offers body treatments for luxurious pampering.

Après-ski, gastronomy, shopping and music: there's plenty to do for everyone in Andorra beyond the slopes. If you decide to travel to Andorra outside the ski season, there are mountain trails to explore on foot or by bike, lakes to swim in and the Naturland adventure park, which is also open all year round. If you do decide to visit in winter, make sure your car is equipped for icy roads.

One of the star attractions at any ski resort is the après-ski scene, and Andorra is no exception. Unwind after a day on the slopes at L'Abarset in Grandvalira, a hot spot for tapas, DJs and socialising. The Pas de la Casa resort sees a younger crowd and is ideal for groups, while Andorra la Vella offers a more relaxed environment and great local restaurants. Try Catalan dishes such as escudella (a hearty soup) trinxat (a sauté of potato, pork and cabbage) or local game.

The main attraction? For many, it's the tax-free shopping. Compare prices, but the most tempting bargains are in electronics, French perfumes, alcohol, ski gear and designer sunglasses. Stroll along Avinguda Carlemany in Andorra la Vella, which is lined with luxury shops and shopping arcades.

Winter is also a great time to book tickets for an official ski event. The entire family will enjoy watching competitions in slalom, giant slalom and downhill, as well as seeing top athletes on the slopes.

Chosen the resort that best suits you and the length of your trip? Here are some things to bear in mind:

• Buy and book in advance online, including ski passes, rentals and tickets, especially in Grandvalira. It will be cheaper, and you'll also avoid long queues when you get there.
• Look into travel insurance and check the weather forecast and slope conditions before starting out each day.
• If you're travelling by car, bring chains and an ice scraper, as you may be asked for them during road checks, and they can be useful in heavy snow.
• Finally, don't forget to budget for après-ski activities and shopping!

Andorra in winter is the ideal destination for couples, families or groups, with experiences to suit all tastes and skiers of all levels. However, this mountainous landscape offers much more than skiing: Andorra combines adventure, nature, wellness and leisure. Looking for a European ski destination that's more unusual but equally outstanding? Check out our guide to top spots for skiing in Bulgaria.