|
|
|
|
Introduction
Soldeu built up its reputation through the 1980s and 90s as a cheap and cheerful destination, predominantly for northern Europeans. But since 2000 things have changed. It's still Soldeu and it's still cheerful, but now rather than a stand-alone resort it is part of the great Grandvalira region, which incorporates neighbour and former arch rival Pas de La Casa and has four other resort bases, now stretching over the border into France.
Although all the bases are well linked into the ski area and each has its own facilities, it's important to be aware that they are all a few miles apart by bus. Thus Soldeu and El Tarter for example, sometimes lumped together as one resort name, are in fact two separate villages a little way apart.
The combined area has rapidly grown, with an exceptional fleet of state-of-the-art high-capacity chairlifts and swish gondolas, to be one of the world's largest.
Soldeu has also moved dramatically upmarket, opening a selection of extremely nice hotels and other quality services. As the price of the weekly lift ticket has risen to match, it can no longer realistically be thought of as cheap - with the exception of the continuing duty-free shopping.
Although all the bases are well linked into the ski area and each has its own facilities, it's important to be aware that they are all a few miles apart by bus. Thus Soldeu and El Tarter for example, sometimes lumped together as one resort name, are in fact two separate villages a little way apart.
The combined area has rapidly grown, with an exceptional fleet of state-of-the-art high-capacity chairlifts and swish gondolas, to be one of the world's largest.
Soldeu has also moved dramatically upmarket, opening a selection of extremely nice hotels and other quality services. As the price of the weekly lift ticket has risen to match, it can no longer realistically be thought of as cheap - with the exception of the continuing duty-free shopping.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,710m (5,610ft).
Top elevation: 2,640m (8,661ft).
Base elevation: 1,710m (5,610ft).
Number of lifts: 64.
Number of runs: 110.
Average annual snowfall: 2.5m (8.3ft).
Where in the world?
Soldeu is part of the Grandvalira ski resort which takes up much of the eastern half of the small principality of Andorra. Andorra is sandwiched between Spain to the west and France to the east in the Pyrenean mountains and is about 160km (100 miles) north of the Mediterranean Sea.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from mid December until mid April.
Soldeu's ski area has grown to cover nearly 200km (125 miles) of piste linking six different bases. The original area that ultimately had joined the villages of El Tarter and Canillo together had been linked for some years to neighbour and arch rival Pas de la Casa, but no joint lift ticket was available and skiers had to buy separate day tickets for each area to ski both.
Then in 2004 all that was forgotten when the two areas joined to form Grandvalira, immediately creating the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and one of the biggest in Europe and the world. The combined area has subsequently expanded into France and now has nine high-speed detachable six-seater chairs, as well as four high-speed gondolas, giving it one of the most modern and efficient lift systems there is.
Despite its southerly latitude, Andorra's ski villages are at a high altitude and, even in poor snow winters, more than 1,000 snow guns can be fired up to cover most of the pistes.
The giant ski area has plenty for all levels of skier, but is predominantly made up of wide, fast blues and reds above the tree line. There are excellent nursery slopes and highly regarded ski schools to teach beginners. For experts there are fewer opportunities, but still 23 black runs - the toughest, arguably, the 2km (1.2-mile) Avet run (No 15). Off-piste courses and heli-ski excursions are organised by the ski school.
Soldeu's ski area has grown to cover nearly 200km (125 miles) of piste linking six different bases. The original area that ultimately had joined the villages of El Tarter and Canillo together had been linked for some years to neighbour and arch rival Pas de la Casa, but no joint lift ticket was available and skiers had to buy separate day tickets for each area to ski both.
Then in 2004 all that was forgotten when the two areas joined to form Grandvalira, immediately creating the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and one of the biggest in Europe and the world. The combined area has subsequently expanded into France and now has nine high-speed detachable six-seater chairs, as well as four high-speed gondolas, giving it one of the most modern and efficient lift systems there is.
Despite its southerly latitude, Andorra's ski villages are at a high altitude and, even in poor snow winters, more than 1,000 snow guns can be fired up to cover most of the pistes.
The giant ski area has plenty for all levels of skier, but is predominantly made up of wide, fast blues and reds above the tree line. There are excellent nursery slopes and highly regarded ski schools to teach beginners. For experts there are fewer opportunities, but still 23 black runs - the toughest, arguably, the 2km (1.2-mile) Avet run (No 15). Off-piste courses and heli-ski excursions are organised by the ski school.
Beyond the slopes
The range of things to do off the slopes is continually expanding in Soldeu and its neighbouring Grandvalira resort villages. In Soldeu itself the new swimming pool and spa complex, the Sport Wellness Mountain Spa, is a luxurious attraction.
Nearby in Canillo there's a sports centre with indoor ice rink, squash courts and a medium-sized indoor pool. Near Pas de La Casa there's an ice driving circuit you can tackle in a car or a kart. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dog sledding are also available.
Nearby in Canillo there's a sports centre with indoor ice rink, squash courts and a medium-sized indoor pool. Near Pas de La Casa there's an ice driving circuit you can tackle in a car or a kart. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dog sledding are also available.
Family fun
Soldeu has exceptionally good facilities for children during the ski day. As well as being designed to a high standard, a big difference to some other European ski resorts' facilities is that staff are both friendly and professional, many imported from Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
A non-ski nursery accepts children aged from two to four. Special ski school classes in a purpose-designed snow garden, with indoor facilities when children are off the snow, are offered to children aged three and older. These are located at Espiolets on the mountain, reached by gondola from Soldeu.
A non-ski nursery accepts children aged from two to four. Special ski school classes in a purpose-designed snow garden, with indoor facilities when children are off the snow, are offered to children aged three and older. These are located at Espiolets on the mountain, reached by gondola from Soldeu.
Retail therapy
Andorra's duty-free status make it a shopper's mecca, particularly for normally highly taxed items including alcohol, tobacco, perfume and, if you've driven down, petrol. Consumer electronics and fashion clothing are also widely available.
Soldeu itself has only a limited selection of shops, but many people make the short trip to the provincial capital La Vella to visit the wide-ranging shopping facilities, including department stores.
Soldeu itself has only a limited selection of shops, but many people make the short trip to the provincial capital La Vella to visit the wide-ranging shopping facilities, including department stores.
Après ski
Soldeu has a long-standing reputation for its lively après-ski scene, fuelled by Mediterranean sunshine and affordable alcohol. There are plenty of bars and five nightclubs.
Although bars are open all day and are busy as soon as the lifts close, serious partying typically starts at around 2300, or 0100 for clubs, and lasts until 0300 (bars) or 0400 (clubs), when private parties may continue in accommodations or you can grab the first croissant of the day at the bakery.
Popular spots include the Aspen Bar or Esquí Pub as well as Avalanche, which has a predominantly British atmosphere and is frequented by local staff after work.
Although bars are open all day and are busy as soon as the lifts close, serious partying typically starts at around 2300, or 0100 for clubs, and lasts until 0300 (bars) or 0400 (clubs), when private parties may continue in accommodations or you can grab the first croissant of the day at the bakery.
Popular spots include the Aspen Bar or Esquí Pub as well as Avalanche, which has a predominantly British atmosphere and is frequented by local staff after work.
Eating out
Soldeu has a good range of restaurants that are typically relaxed and affordable.
Borda del Rector is a traditional Catalan restaurant (located on the road out of Soldeu towards El Tarter). It has an open fire and often has live music. It will also collect diners from their accommodation and return them at the end of the evening, free of charge.
Fat Alberts Restaurant is one of Soldeu's best known eateries, with one of the highest reputations for good food. It is located in one of the oldest surviving buildings in the village, an old cattle shed, behind the Hotel Himalaya.
Borda del Rector is a traditional Catalan restaurant (located on the road out of Soldeu towards El Tarter). It has an open fire and often has live music. It will also collect diners from their accommodation and return them at the end of the evening, free of charge.
Fat Alberts Restaurant is one of Soldeu's best known eateries, with one of the highest reputations for good food. It is located in one of the oldest surviving buildings in the village, an old cattle shed, behind the Hotel Himalaya.
Getting around
Most accommodation, ski lifts and facilities are within easy walking distance of each other. A ski bus service circulates around the village and between ski area bases. Driving can be difficult due to road overcrowding and limited parking.
Splashing out
Book in for a day, or more, of professional pampering at the spectacular Caldea spa in the nearby provincial capital, La Vella (website: www.caldea.ad).
Accommodation
Luxury
Sport HotelRated somewhere between 4 and 5 stars, this is a spectacular new hotel next to the gondola in the village centre, complete with wonderful spa.
Carretera General
Tel: 870 550.
Website: www.sporthotels.ad
Moderate
Hotel NaudiA 3-star hotel with its own restaurant and bar located towards the top of the village and 200m (360ft) from the gondola.
Carretera General
Tel: 851 148.
Website: www.hotelnaudi.com
Budget
Hotel RocPart British-run, affordable hotel with all facilities and a good restaurant.
Carretera General
Tel: 851 079.
Website: www.hotel-roc.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Toulouse (TLS); Barcelona (BCN).
Distance to resort: 177km (110 miles); 186km (116 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes; 3 hours.
Distance to resort: 177km (110 miles); 186km (116 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes; 3 hours.
Website
This resort is good for...
Intermediates, Après ski, Snowboarders, Beginners, Families
|
