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Soldeu and El Tarter Ski Resort
Together with Pas de la Casa, Soldeu and El Tarter make up the Grandvalira which is the largest, highest and most popular ski area in Andorra. Soldeu is the larger and livelier of the two villages, with El Tarter retaining a more traditional feel. Although just around the corner from Pas de la Casa, there is a much more relaxed and family friendly vibe in Soldeu and El Tarter, and they have successfully distanced the villages from the cheap and cheerful heavy partying reputation that Andorra built up in the nineties.
The resorts now presents themselves as a serious alternative to the higher Alpine resorts, and we find it increasingly hard to disagree. With over 200 kilometres of slopes, a dizzying array of off slope activities, and a blossoming reputation for freestyle and freeriding, there is more than enough to keep everyone entertained for a week’s holiday.
Most of the off slope activities and amenities are located along the main street in Soldeu, whilst El Tarter is more residential, making it the perfect location for a quieter family trip. Both villages remain relatively compact (especially compared to some of the monstrosities in the Alps) and with lifts and runs terminating right in the centre you’ll never find yourself far from your hotel (or a bar!) at the end of the day.
Transfers are on the long side - averaging 3 ½ hours - but you’ll gain this time back with interest when you arrive in resort, and will soon learn to love the efficient lift system and relative lack of crowds. It’s a great place to learn to ski too. There are strong English and antipodean contingents in all of the local ski schools, so kids taking to the slopes for the first time will be right at home.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Andorra, Pyrenees.
Established: 1956
Open: December - April
Downhill: 210 km
View our detailed Soldeu and El Tarter snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Soldeu and El Tarter snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Lleida-Alguaire Airport - Spain | 150 km |
| Toulouse Blagnac Airport - France | 195 km |
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| Top Altitude: | 2600m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1710m |
| Resort Altitude: | 2100m |
| Longest run: | 5 km |
| Slope Orientation: | NE, NW, E |
| Vertical Drop: | 890m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 890m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 210 km |
| Beginner slopes: | 53% |
| Intermediate: | 25% |
| Advanced slopes: | 21% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 240 € (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Pas de la Casa | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Soldeu and El Tarter
The Grandvalira ski area is the largest in the Pyrenees, and recent expansions and infrastructural improvements have enhanced it sufficiently so that it is rightly considered a viable alternative to skiing in the Alps, especially compared to the smaller resorts. With over 200km of piste, three snow parks, a boarder cross course and designated freeriding areas there’s fun to be had regardless of how you like to spend your day on the mountains. 60% of the ski area is covered by artificial snowmaking facilities, so despite the season being shorter than in the Alps (it runs from December to March) the snow coverage is usually reliable.
The long, wide blue runs above Soldeu will endear the area to those fond of gentle intermediate skiing. If this sounds like you then you’ll be pleased to know that there’s no pressing reason for you to contemplate a different coloured piste all day, or even all week!
More advanced skiers will find themselves gravitating towards the Pas de la Casa side of the mountain, where they’ll find the majority of the more challenging pisted slopes. However, with much of the resort being around the treeline, there are constant opportunities for some minor off piste excursions. After a decent snow fall you’ll still be finding some good stashes well into the afternoon.
Those more likely to be found inverted in the park will be overjoyed by the local freestyle scene. There’s a fantastic range of features in the three snowparks, maintained independently by the excellent staff at Coliflor freestyle (who also run camps in the area). They comfortable cater for all levels, from park virgins to veritable pros. The international Total Fight masters of freestyle competition held annually at the end of the season is a testament both to the quality of the park in El Tarter, as well as the local talent that can be found riding it throughout the season.
Soldeu and El Tarter Apres Ski
Whilst the nightlife in this neck of the woods is overshadowed by nearby Pas de La Casa, there’s still enough variety for a one week ski holiday. And if this doesn’t prove to be the case, then Pas is just a short bus ride away…
With a good range of tapas and assorted pub grub, as well as the usual suspects drinks wise, the Villager is the first port of call after big a day on the mountain.
Fat Albert’s (Fatty’s to the locals) serves a range of local specialities and European staples. The nightclub upstairs is open until three or four all week if you’re after a solid twelve hour après session… if you’re up for the first chair after this, you’ll even earn the respect of the resorts seasonaires. The Harp’s the local Irish Bar, and as you would expect offers a traditional British menu, live entertainment, and of course, Guinness.
Once upon a time the Pussycat Cocktail Bar & Night Club was a regular old barn, but no more. With different themed nights each day, a sensational sun terrace, and a kaleidoscopic mix of drinks, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome day or night.
Dylan’s in El Tarter has a great menu for families- pizzas, burgers, and tex mex is the order of the day. Later on, the relaxed cocktail bar cum chill out lounge is perfect for a less intense drink and a game of pool.
Non skiers are well catered for - Andorra La Vella (the capital city) is half an hour’s bus ride away and serves both discerning shoppers (duty free galore) and history buffs (Andorra’s oldest church Església de Santa Coloma and the 16th century Casa de la Vall are two attractions). The Caldea Spa is also worth a visit whether you ski or not, for all kinds of wellness facilities at bargain basement prices.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Soldeu and El Tarter
Best time to visit & ski Soldeu and El Tarter
The shorter winter in the Pyrenees means that the best time to visit Soldeu-El Tarter (and Andorra in general) is often during the height of the season. The snow is at its best between January and March, and you shouldn’t notice the crowds as much as you would in the Alps. Recent improvements in the snowmaking facilities ensure that the snow tends to hang around of longer these days and, if the snow’s a bit sketchy later on in the season, then you best remember to pack your sunnies and some sunblock. With a reputation for some of the best weather in Europe, you’ll almost be tempted to simple crack open a cold one and soak up the sun for the day.
Peak Dates
Christmas in Soldeu and El Tarter will be one to remember for the whole clan. Make the most of the snow in the morning, enjoy the sun in the afternoon (hopefully) and then retire to your hotel for the evenings gala dinner. Soldeu and El Tarter Christmas ski holidays ‣
Spending New Years in Soldeu and El Tarter and you’ll have some memories to cherish for the year.. or not! With a vibrant and very British orientated après ski scene and some fantastic skiing, you’ll all see in the New Year in style. Soldeu and El Tarter New Year ski holidays ‣
Beat the French crowds and spend half term in Soldeu and El Tarter. With some of the best (English speaking) ski schools in Europe it’s the perfect place to take the kids to learn to ski. Soldeu and El Tarter Half Term ski holidays ‣
If you spend Easter in Soldeu and El Tarter you better remember some sun cream! Head high in the morning to get in some early laps and then ease yourself into the après ski with a few cold ones on a sunny terrace. Soldeu and El Tarter Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Soldeu and El Tarter
We love Andorra’s family friendly ski resorts and Soldeu-El Tarter is one of the best around. Get the whole clan booked into a cheap ski package and spend the week progressing quickly and – more importantly – enjoying the slopes.
Soldeu’s and El Tarter's ski schools are known for their excellent Brit-run lessons, so anyone learning for the first time will feel right at home.
Just above Soldeu is a huge area of cruisey blue runs to build confidence on, and if more experienced skiers fancy a challenge on some of the highest pistes in Andorra, the Grandvalira is theirs to roam (look out for the Avet World Cup slope and El Tarter’s snowpark).
Keep your eyes peeled for special family deals in the resort - the ticket office and ski school have worked together in previous years to offer cheap packages for 6-12 year olds, while under 6s can sometimes get a free lift pass if you show ID at the ticket office.
The nurseries in Soldeu and El Tarter look after 2-4 year olds, with an indoor play area and supervised snow games, while the Snow Garden club provides 4-5 year olds with a gentle introduction to the snow – with fun ski lessons and outdoor play. The ski school teaches 6-11 year olds and kids over 12 can book into snowboard lessons if they want to learn something new.
For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, Snowpark El Tarter (the biggest park in the Pyrenees) and the Encamp freeride area should more than suffice, when you want a change from Grandvalira’s 200km+ of skiing.
GroupsGroup Holidays Soldeu and El Tarter
With the biggest ski area in Andorra to explore, Soldeu and El Tarter are superbly based for a cheap group ski trip. Beginners are well-catered for with plenty of easy blues and lessons with British instructors, while for more confident skiers and snowboarders, the area has over 200km of pistes, 3 snowparks (El Tarter’s is the biggest in the country) and specially designated freeride areas.
Of the two villages, El Tarter is the smaller and slightly quieter, while Soldeu has more choice of bars and restaurants: The Harp is everything you could expect from a proper Irish tavern and the Aspen stays open until the early morning. We have a huge selection of hotels in both villages - and they’re a great option for groups if you want the privacy of your own rooms but big communal areas to chill out in. Another option is self-catering, which keeps costs down and makes the week flexible enough to cater to everyone’s individual needs. If your group’s the right size, book out a catered chalet and have the rule of the roost, with six days of sit-down dinners taken care of.
If you’re thinking of inviting any non-skiers along for the ride, they should find plenty to do. A half hour bus ride takes you into Andorra’s capital city - Andorra La Vella – for duty free shopping and historical sites like Andorra’s oldest church, 9th century Església de Santa Coloma and the 16th century Casa de la Vall (now used for parliament).
Which are the best ski holidays in Soldeu and El Tarter?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Park Piolets Mountain Resort & Spa | 7 | £ 1229 |
| Hotel Himalaia | 7 | £ 739 |
| Hotel Piolets | 7 | £ 789 |
| Residence Andorra Apartments (El Tarter) | 7 | £ 649 |
| Soldeu-Maistre Hotel | 7 | £ 829 |
| Serras Andorra | 7 | £ 1147 |
| Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa | 7 | £ 1387 |
| Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa, Soldeu | 7 | £ 972 |
| Sport Hotel Village | 7 | £ 1003 |
| Hotel Galanthus & Spa, Soldeu | 7 | £ 572 |
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