Travel Eye on Soldeu (Andorra)

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Overview:

One of the most popular resorts in Andorra, if not the Pyrenees, Soldeu has a lot going for it. It is cheap, with fairly reliable snow and plenty of sun. While the lift system is quite old, heavy investment has enabled major improvements over the last ten years. Soldeu is a compact, reasonably attractive village in an open, sunny position on a terrace above and beyond a narrow gorge. Buildings line both sides of the fairly busy main road for about 1 ml, with the satellite hamlet of El Tarter, consisting of little more than a handful of hotels clustered around a chair-lift station, which is 1¼ mls lower down the valley.

Although generally not considered as one of the picturesque resorts, it does have a lot going for it, includingh one of the most highly rated ski schools in Europe and, with most of the pistes (totalling 86 km) catering to beginners and early intermediates, it's a great place to learn. For advanced skiers there isn't too much, but you can get a snowcat tow to the Piz de Encampanada for good off-piste.

There is also cheap heli-skiing on offer. Boarders, too, are well provided for, with a specialist park and a half-pipe.

In the town there is a considerable selection of eateries at reasonable prices, but there really isn't much to do other than skiing. The atmosphere is fantastic and out-charms Soldeu's Andorran relatives. In spite of a less-than-raucous nightlife it is still a lively village, but mostly bar-based.

One of the most popular Andorran resorts for British visitors, catering predominantly to the 20 to 30 age group. Much of the ambience and entertainment is heavily British-orientated. There is something here for the full range of skiing abilities.

Overall, Soldeu is an excellent venue for beginners and second-timers, with decent skiing, all-round good value and occasionally decent nightlife. It is 220km from Barcelona and its airport, so motion sickness would be a definite disadvantage.

Locality:

In the NE of the principality, 10 mls NE of Andorra la Vella (120 mls S of Toulouse airport, 160 mls N of Barcelona airport). Soldeu is strung out along the main road, slightly elevated from a narrow gorge, with mountains set fairly well back.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Snowboarding - Snowparks: 1, Halfpipes: 1, Quarter pipes: 1, Boarding on all pistes:

Other Snow Sports, Snow shoeing, Snow shoes available, Telemark, Skidoos:

Entertainment in the daytime is limited just to ski-ing related activities, which makes it less than ideal for nonskiers.

The nightlife here reflects the visitors it attract. It is lively and has a few loud music bars/discos.

Eating is mainly confined to hotels, offering a range of familiar dishes and menus with an understandable French influence.

The ski-school meets at both base stations and boasts 200 instructors, mostly of British, Australian and New Zealand nationality.

Lifts & Slopes
Highest lift: 2560m (8399ft)
Lowest lift: 1710m (5610ft)
Vertical drop: 850m (2789ft)
Number of lifts: 32
Uplift capacity: 45000 p/hr
Number of slopes: 52
Beginner: 56%
Intermediate: 25%
Expert: 19%
Total piste length: 92km
Snowboard parks: 1