Ski Resorts in Andorra
For years Andorra had been the preferred European resort for British skiers on a tight budget.
It used to be hailed for it's cheap skiing, nightlife and duty free goods.
However, the changing of duty free rules and emergence of the Eastern European Resorts (principaly those in Bulgaria) meant that it went on a slump in the 80's and early 90's, but now it has emerged from that period stronger and better.
It now has a much improved lift system, better linked pistes and resorts, better hotels and of course 'duty free' stores (These stores sell everything from alcohol, perfume, and clothing to ski equipment at knock down prices - not really duty free !)
So, once again, Andorra has become the number one Western European location for budget skiing.
Soldeu
** ****
We have recently returned from a very enjoyable weeks skiing in Soldeu.
We had only skied once before, across the border in Font Romeu, so are fairly inexperienced and therefore don't have many other resorts to compare to.
However we found the experience great!
I would recommend Soldeu to any beginner skier. The teaching is first class and the instructors all speak really good English. The lifts are modern and fast, lift queues are rare.
The pistes were well groomed and mainly suitable for beginners and intermediates (limited for advanced - so I was told)
The apres ski was cheap and suitable for all ages.
I was well pleased with the quality and cheapness of this holiday, and would certainly return again - unless I rapidly become too advanced for these mountains !
Don't hold your breath !!!
Stu Willis
Have had a weeks holiday in Soldeu for the past 2 seasons.
Despite this years lack of snow it is a great place.
Good beginners slope, excellent blues & reds and some black runs (but I have yet to tackle them).
Went with friends - there was all abilities in our group and we all found enough to keep us happy. Apres ski lively:- good bars, good food and reasonable prices.
Everyone there was friendly, piste was well looked after and the ski lifts fast.(However we we not there during school holidays).
Cathy S
Soldeu again !!! (3rd time ?!?!)
Had a great week. There had been a good dumping of snow 2 days before we got there. Although it only snowed once whilst there (and just a few cms) the was enough to keep us all amused - plus the resort is well covered by snow cannons.
The is a good variety of long blues, some more challenging than others, good reds and a few blacks. A lot of the blacks were closed. But we still had fun.
We did not take ski school but others we chatted to had and spoke highly of the instructors - lots of brit & nz ers out there showing us how its done.
The resort has a spanish/catalan flavour plus the ususal apres ski bars going on until the small hours (can't say how late or good, my hangover days are long since gone, 2 beers and I fall asleep - total light weight - but judging by the people looking blurry at breakfast or not there...)
Prices are not that much cheaper than UK but there are happy hours and specials etc. People who went there 10 years ago keep telling me that the prices have soared but it compares well.
Ski pass came in at euro 191 and covered the surrounding resorts and bus to them.
Plenty of gear shops and had no problems with hire equipment - one of my friends changed her boots 3 times and each time the shop was very helpful, polite and determined that they would get her the right ones.
Would certainly go again. (and again) (and again???)
Cathy S