Andorra's ski resorts are celebrating what is being hailed as their most successful Christmas season in the last five years, marked by record attendance and optimal skiing conditions. Grandvalira Resorts, which comprises Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal, and Grandvalira, reported over 330,000 ski days were logged since the festive season kicked off on December 24.
This impressive figure surpasses the previous year by more than 20%, marking the highest turnout observed over the last five seasons. According to David Ledesma, the Director of Marketing at Grandvalira Resorts, favorable snowfall and excellent weather conditions played key roles. He commented, “Customers are still very eager to ski, and this year the weather has been very pleasant with more favorable snow conditions compared to the previous seasons.”
The ski areas allowed enthusiasts to enjoy average open trails of 145 kilometers, with Ordino Arcalís and Pal Arinsal maintaining between 80% and 95% of their slopes operational. This reliability turned families and winter sport enthusiasts' heads toward Andorra as their destination of choice.
The peak day for attendance came on December 28, when the resorts welcomed 33,393 skiers—24,455 at Grandvalira, 3,624 at Ordino Arcalís, and 5,324 at Pal Arinsal. This successful period not only showcased the enthusiasm for skiing but also highlighted the extensive array of holiday activities available.
From Santa visits at various points, including Pal Arinsal's Rústic restaurant to exciting events at the Mon(t) Magic Family Park, the resorts catered to both skiers and non-skiers alike. Skiing activity was complemented by delightful experiences like torch-lit descents and festive parades, much to the delight of families.
The success extended beyond the slopes. L’Abarset, known for its vibrant après-ski scene, saw over 25,000 customers during the holiday season. The popular venue hosted special themed parties, including the much-anticipated Bresh party—self-styled as “the most beautiful party in the world”—along with the Brunch Electronik featuring renowned artists like Âme and Hardt Antoine.
Further solidifying its reputation, L’Abarset introduced its first New Year’s Eve party, promising 12 hours of entertainment from 4 PM to 4 AM. It featured après-ski vibes, dinner performances, and the exclusive AFTER Party to ring in the New Year. Notably, the venue also engaged its community by organizing a charity party, with proceeds benefiting local causes through the Andorran Food Bank and the Minorities Diseases Association.
Looking to January, the skiing resorts maintain high hopes as forward bookings trend positively. David Ledesma expressed cautious optimism, noting, “The forecasts are good; future sales and bookings indicate this, but we must be very careful as this depends on the weather.” The continuation of strong numbers is reflected by significant increases in sales of Andorra Pass and Nord Pass season tickets, especially among local residents, illustrating the growing desire to hit the slopes this winter.
With record numbers and promising forecasts, Andorra’s ski resorts are once again proving to be major players among Europe’s top skiing destinations. This season stands as testimony to the enduring appeal and vibrancy of ski tourism in the Pyrenees, ensuring visitors have the perfect combination of stunning landscapes, thrilling activities, and joyful festivities.