Thanks to the last snowfalls, Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis are now opened. The snowfall of 100 cm in parts has been celebrated by locals while more snow is expected. The descent of the temperatures allows to produce more man-made snow to touch the more tracked areas.
Grandvalira has started the 2024-25 ski season with partial opening in the sectors of Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig, and then it opened the sectors of Encamp, Soldeu, El Tarter and Canillo.
In numbers, the Andorran ski domain of Grandvalira Resorts look like this:
Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis have opened thanks to the latest snowstorm. Photo: Grandvalira Resorts.
*308 skiable km, the biggest area of the Pyrenees mountains and the south of Europe.
*217 pistes of all different levels
*123 ski lifts with a transportation capacity of 180.115 skiers/hour
*3,135 hectares
*66% of terrain with snowmaking, to guarantee skiing conditions
April 2020 for the possible implementation of the GPS system at the Andorra-La Seu airport
The EFA claims that the failure of the GPS makes an airport essential in the country
The principality of Andorra shares two similar items with San Marino. Both have two active heads of state and both are reliant on airports outside their borders.
April 2020 for the possible implementation of the GPS system at the Andorra-La Seu airport.The EFA claims that the failure of the GPS makes an airport essential in the country. La Seu d’Urgell Airport serves the Andorran airspace
Andorra’s location in the middle of the Pyrenees mountain range, is a magnet for skiers and mountain lovers alike. The key is to bring in those visitors.
When the idea of building an altiport – an aerodrome in mountainous terrain was discarded due to its difficulty, the alternative that was obvious for all was to turn to La Seu d’Urgell Airport, just across the border in Spain, into Andorra’s air gateway.
The airport is on a flat-top hill and has seen little action since regular flights to Barcelona were abandoned in the early 1980s. But this can change soon with a renovation program.
Local topography and runway length do not allow aircrafts bigger than the 27-meter ATR turboprop. Still this could be a good start for people busing into the resort.
Two separate airline start-ups – Andorra Airlines and Air Andorra have interest in this airport, but have not started to operate yet.
The most famous person to have landed in Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell Airport is Elton John, who landed here in 2015 on a way to a concert in Andorra.
April 2020 for the possible implementation of the GPS system at the Andorra-La Seu airport.Map of Andorra. The EFA claims that the failure of the GPS makes an airport essential in the country.
Mora claims to “put on the table” negotiations with the EU to improve the rest of the infrastructure
The Andorran Family Business (EFA) demands that the new Government mark as a priority the construction of an airport in national territory. The request was made by the president of the entity, Francesc Mora, with reference to the latest announcement by Spanish Minister of Development, José Luis Ábalos, who has set at least for April 2020 umpteenth date for the possible implementation of the GPS system at the Andorra-La Seu airport. «In November, they told us that we would have GPS in May. Then he was postponed for the fall and now we have already spent the next year, “Mora recalled, then said that” Andorra as a country cannot be waiting for an agenda that does not control “but has to take “a sovereign decision”.
In this way, the EFA reiterated its support for the Chamber of Commerce and its president, Miquel Armengol, a defender of the need for an Andorran airport, who announced that, unlike of the urgency airport, the GPS navigation system would not present so many complications in Andorra, since “the approach system is not homologable in the Headquarters has nothing to do with what it is not possible to implement here.”
Pal Arinsal will invest 3 million euros in improvements for the 2019-20 season
The Comú de la Massana will make a contribution of 1.4 million euros to EMAP (Pal-Arinsal). This amount, added to the 1.6 contributed by the same resort, will be used for snowmaking and the improvement of the pistes.
Pal Arinsal’s one of its covered magic carpets. Photo: Pal Arinsal. Pal Arinsal will invest 3 million euros in improvements for the 2019-20 season.
Of the 3 million that will be invested this summer, 1.6 are contributed by the EMAP company and 1.4 are contributed by Comú de La Massana.
The Andorran domain has been ending the ski season with profit for seven years, so it can carry out an investment plan, in conjunction with the contribution made by the parish of La Massana, the sole owner of the company.
Ordino leaves Vallnord to integrate fully with Grandvalira
Chronicle of an announced separation, the Andorran stations of Arcalis and Pal Arinsal separate
From NieveAventura.com
Ordino Arcalís separates from Pal Arinsal, so that the Vallnord brand that grouped both Andorran centres will disappear. In fact, it was an announced separation. And since last June 76% of the shares of Secnoa (Ordino) were acquired by Saetde, the company that manages Pas de la Casa Grau Roig, and part of Grandvalira.
Ordino Arcalis aereal picture. Ordino leaves Vallnord to integrate fully with Grandvalira.
Ordino divorces his neighbor Pal Arinsal
The station of the commune of Ordino announced on Wednesday the separation of the stations that until now have gone under the same umbrella known as Vallnord. Neither has it transcended what will be the future of the brand. Arcalís owns 34% of the shares, while Pal Arinsal has 66. Among the possibilities, it is considered that the latter could continue operating as Vallnord after an agreement after the divorce.
Vallnord Pal Arinsal is ranked as one of the top 9 bike parks in the world by Red Bull.
In a ranking put by Red Bull about 9 bike parks that are worth to ride in the world we find Vallnord Pal Arinsal that has been recognised as one of the top bike parks, thanks to its Annual World Cup downhill and cross-country races. This adding to the fact that the small state of Andorra is a tax-heaven and it has drawn mountain tourism lovers with the pristine Pyrenean peaks. Commencal is also based here. Vallnord offers also numerous downhill and freesytle tracks, endure options, pumptrack, 4x track and kids’ ride area making it a fantastic destination for all gravity-centric riders. Accommodation is very good and good quality for money, and the favourable weather gives Pal Arinsal a long season. The season goes from May to October.
World Cup Vallnord Pal Arinsal 2018. Photo: Vallnord Pal Arinsal. Vallnord Pal Arinsal is ranked as one of the top 9 bike parks in the world by Red Bull.
The other parks in the Red Bull list are Whistler, Canada; Portes du Soleil, France; Åre, Sweden; Queenstown, New Zealand; Sölden, Austria, Bike Park, Wales, UK; Coast Gravity Park, Canada; and Evo Bike Park, France.
This year’s World Cup will take place from the 2nd to the 7th of July in Vallnord, Pal Arinsal. Last year’s World Cup gathered 63,000 visitors during 9 days of MTB in Vallnord Bike Park La Massana with the last category of DHI and the categories of M30 and M40 of XCO. The Sunday of the event, the resort hosted 22,000 viewers.
Grandvalira heads into the weekend with more slopes open and a packed schedule of activities
The resort is working towards opening the Àliga World Cup slope to the public soon
Family activities, sports experiences and plenty of culinary opportunities will fill the resort with winter fun
Grandvalira heads into the weekend with all six sectors running at full capacity. The resort is currently working to increase its kilometres of skiable slopes. It now has 90% of its ski lifts up and running and plans to prepare 170 km of slopes. The latest news is that El Tarter plans to open the iconic Àliga slope to the public. This season, the piste will become one of the venues for the 2019 World Cup Finals.
Photo: Grandvalira: 15 Jan 2019. Grandvalira heads into the weekend with more slopes open and a packed schedule of activities.
Weather forecasts indicate that, from Thursday 17 January, clouds will gather in the mountains and leavesome fresh layers of snow. Meanwhile, teams on the ground are working hard to guarantee the quality and safety standards required for winter sports.
Activities for all the family
This weekend, Grandvalira aims to fill the resort with a wide range of activities for all audiences.
World Snow Day:
On Sunday 20 January, the Soldeu sector will mark World Snow Day with a series of activities for children. Parallel skiing, giant slalom and mini ski cross sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m., as well as various workshops in the Ski School’s snow garden. Hot chocolate will be served at 11:30 a.m. at Pla d’Espiolets.
Sledding by night:
Grandvalira is now offering night-time sledding on the La Solana/Tubs slope in the Pas de la Casa sector. At the bottom of the La Solana chair lift, visitors will find a marquee with sleds available to rent for €10 (no time limit, until 8 p.m.). Users can enjoy a discounted price of €5 in the final hour (7 p.m.–8 p.m.). The slope, which also offersnight-time skiing, is lit up every Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. to host these two activities.
Grandvalira is kick-starting the ski season tomorrow Saturday 1st December with the partial opening of Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig. The Snow Domain plans to open two of its six sectors this weekend, at a special price of €30
Those who have a Grandvalira season ski pass with Ordino Arcalís supplement can access the Ordino ski resort from Thursday 29 November onwards
Grandvalirais kick-starting the 2018-2019 season on Saturday 1 December with the partial opening of the Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig sectors, which have connecting slopes. The Soldeu, El Tarter and Encamp sectors are expected to open on 5 December, weather conditions permitting.
Sector Pas de la Casa. Grandvalira kick-starts the season this Saturday 1st of December with the partial opening of the Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig sectors.
The snow production network has been in operation almost constantly, while the ground teams are working hard against the clock to ensure the provision of snow conditions that meet the quality and safety standards for skiing and snowboarding.
The director of the Vallnord-Pal Arinsal (Andorra) ski resort, Josep Marticella, has assured that these degradations will not affect the station’s opening forecast, set for December 1st. He denounced, however, an attempt to “sabotage”.
The Andorran police opened an investigation after an alleged “sabotage” attempt against ski lifts at the Pal ski resort in Vallnord, in the parish of La Massana, one of the seven in the principality, it was reported Tuesday with the police.
Police investigate sabotage attempt after cable cut on chairlift. Ouest France Facebook page
The police were required Monday by the station officials for “a cable cut” on a chairlift while the station has not yet opened.
The Continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience.
An exciting new period for the ski sector and the Principality of Andorra has opened up with the biggest resort in southern Europe combining with the field of snow in Ordino to offer a pioneering ski experience with a total of 240 skiable kilometres
Nevasa will continue with brand marketing and communication, integrating the Arcalís products into their work.
Grandvalira after a snowstorm. The continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience. – Photo: Grandvalira.
Yesterday good news came through for Grandvalira and Ordino Arcalís with the continuation of the agreement between the two companies that compose Grandvalira – SAETDE and ENSISA. The two have announced in 2017 that they were going to split, giving uncertainty to the Grandvalira umbrella brand, where one lift was used for the areas of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Emcamp. It was more a pity, as Grandvalira is a very successful brand that have increased the quantity of skiers days a lot in the last years. And I know the team behind Grandvalira, and they work their socks off! So I am glad, that thankfully, the two sides could come to an agreement, and what is also super exciting is that Ordino Arcalis have come along to their ski offer. Many locals that leave in Andorra la Vella or in the bases of Grandvalira, go on the weekend to ski Ordino as its freeskiing terrain is incredible. That is why Ordino Arcalis is a proud host of the Freeride World Tour.
The FIS commends preparations for the Soldeu El Tartar World Cup Finals
Experts in charge of the International Ski Federation posted to the Andorran resort praise the competitive stage and the readiness of the organising committee in every aspect
Press Conference FIS at the Nordic Hotel 3rd October. Photo courtesy Grandvalira.
Soldeu El Tarter has been visited by the highest-ranking representatives of the International Ski Federation (FIS) from the men’s and women’s alpine ski World Cup circuit, as well as the Infront Sports and Media operations team, the production company responsible for the worldwide television broadcast. The aim of the meeting has been to thoroughly address all matters relating to the organisation of the 2019 World Cup Finals, ranging from the most operational, technical and purely sports aspect to the more social and promotional aspect.
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