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Soldeu and El Tarter Ski Holidays

Soldeu and El Tarter are the more reserved neighbours of lively Pas de La Casa, and share the same Grandvalira ski area with the best skiing in the Pyrenees. Over 200km of slopes, three immaculately maintained snowparks, and enough mountain restaurants to keep even gastro-skiers occupied. Down at resort level great bars and restaurants let you take advantage of Andorra’s famous sunny afternoons and, if you’re looking for a trip to avoid the crowds and prices of the Alps, a ski holiday in Soldeu or El Tarter is hard to beat.

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboard

At a glance: • Most terrain in Andorra • English speaking ski schools • Family friendly

Great for: • Beginners • Relaxed intermediates • Progressing freestylers • Budget conscious

Soldeu and El Tarter are the more reserved neighbours of lively Pas de La Casa, and share the same Grandvalira ski area with the best skiing in the Pyrenees. Over 200km of slopes, three immaculately maintained snowparks, and enough mountain restaurants to keep even gastro-skiers occupied. Down at resort level great bars and restaurants let you take advantage of Andorra’s famous sunny afternoons and, if you’re looking for a trip to avoid the crowds and prices of the Alps, a ski holiday in Soldeu or El Tarter is hard to beat.

Soldeu and El Tarter 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 - Spain150 km
Toulouse Blagnac Airport - France195 km
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • 63runs 53%

  • 30runs 25%

  • 25runs 21%

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

  • Top
  • 75cm
  • Base
  • N/Acm
  • Forecast
  • 2cm

Web Cam

Soldeu and El Tarter web cams
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 ‣

Soldeu and El Tarter Ratings & Customer Feedback
Superb
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Good
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Okay
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Average Rating 4.4 out of 5
On the one hand the resort is a bit dated, were we left the ski boots in a communal locker room was strange at first as we usually take them back to the hotel. There are a lot of Irish bars which made the atmosphere really friendly. The skiing was fantastic and we had really good weather so we were lucky! The m... + more
Lorraine and Kevin,
3 out of 5
Soldeu was great for us, my husband is an expert skier and I’m more interested in pootling about, while our daughter had never skied before. I would highly recommend the resort and ski school if your children haven’t skied before, the instructors were amazing. We all ended up having lessons for our different ... + more
The Hoopers, Bristol
4 out of 5
Would definitely go back to El Tarter, it’s one of those resorts that’s good but not that well publicized. The range and width of the ski runs is pretty nice. There had been a massive dump at the end of November which kept things going over Christmas. The resort had a torchlight descent to celebrate but we di... + more
Wai Yeung,
5 out of 5
Wicked skiing, we skied all the way to Pas de la Casa one day. My wife’s a beginner and she coped well despite it being a little icy halfway through (we had sunshine until the last day when there was some of the heaviest snowfall!). As a high intermediate I found it incredible. We didn’t eat anywhere else apa... + more
Will Blake,
5 out of 5
El Tarter had everything for everyone in my party. There isn’t much to do apart from ski – you couldn’t spend a day shopping for example – but that was fine for us. Going late in the season we thought we could be having grass instead of snow, but actually the weather was incredibly jammy with good snow cond... + more
Mrs O’Sullivan, Conwy
5 out of 5
A fantastic resort, this year a couple of the days were pants with low visibility (visited late Feb), but we still had a good time. I would say that the ski area is better for intermediates, there’s plenty to ski. We’d definitely go back! + more
Craig, Hampshire
5 out of 5
Soldeu is a lovely resort and we’d come back. My oldest has just come back from America and said that Andorra is better! The great thing is the openness of the runs for the kids. There are lots of English there, and the instructors were English speaking. After having a bad experience in France, the kids weren’... + more
P. Straughan, Essex
5 out of 5
The skiing and snowboarding were good, we were a group of different abilities but the area caters to all levels and has a good variety of runs. There isn’t an awful lot happening in the area, apart from the 3 pubs we went to – but then we didn’t come for that sort of thing anyway. + more
Pam, London
4 out of 5
We had a brilliant week. I’d skied in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland but never Andorra – I was really surprised by how good it was and would go back again. The ski area was very good for us, with some really lovely wide runs and a lot for intermediates. We were a group of 20 altogether, including all... + more
Paul Smith, Leicester
5 out of 5
We’ve been here twice now and would go back. It’s very different to France and Switzerland; people are very courteous at the gondola and cost-wise, you don’t have the eye-watering prices. Anybody who skis for the après might not like how quiet it is, but there are some nice pubs with nice space which was ... + more
Family of 5, Surrey
5 out of 5
First time skiing Andorra and we had a brilliant time. It’s not the most well-connected area but we had plenty to do for a week. The instruction is really cheap, I’d definitely recommend getting lessons. We had a really good British instructor, €40 for 2 hours… so cheap it would be rude not to book some! ... + more
Dave H, Wandsworth
4 out of 5
I go here every other year, I’ve been about 6 or 7 times. It’s a fantastic ski area. I keep coming back because of the length and the number of runs, there's always something new to do. There are runs to suit all levels, it’s probably more towards intermediate / advanced but there are some very good beginner... + more
Andrew Tyas, Stockton-on-Tees
5 out of 5
I keep coming back to Andorra year after year, I’m not going anywhere else now! We had such a good holiday here last time. The ski area is massive and it’s linked up to all the other resorts so you can ski over to them too. You can go out all day and ski and ski and not get bored. You have to use the local ... + more
Paul Mcbride, West Sussex
4 out of 5
I had been once before, a long time ago, and I found the resort fine this time round. I would recommend it for beginner and intermediate skiers. I’m experienced, but I didn’t need anything particularly challenging so the ski area was fine for me. You could take the bus to Soldue which was easy, and there is a... + more
Fiona Forbes, Salisbury
4 out of 5
I’d never been to Soldeu before but ski wise it’s fantastic! My wife’s a beginner and my sons and I are more advanced and we all loved the slopes. The other good thing is that nothing is too expensive here, even the places on the mountain are very reasonably priced. + more
Edward Lippiatt, Bath
5 out of 5
I’d been to Andorra before but not Soldeu – it’s brilliant. Andorra is value for money and you get a lot for what you pay for. The town is only small, probably only about a mile long but it’s fantastic because everything is within easy reach and the people are all friendly. It’s nowhere near as lively as t... + more
Ross Campbell, Cambuslang
4 out of 5
The snowboarding in Soldeu is really good – there are loads of slopes and you have good access all over the area. We had loads of snow when we got there, the resort is probably best for beginner and intermediate boarders and skiers, you’ve got more than enough blues for a week - there aren’t many boardparks ... + more
Lee Mackay, Somerton
4 out of 5
Soldeu is a fairly small resort, and it is not a party capital, so low noise levels at night. The skiing area is large but not too demanding, so good for intermediates. Instruction is very good for beginners with natural English speaking instructors. It is not super crowed, no big queques for lifts even in high... + more
Paul Reeve, Lee on Solent
4 out of 5
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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?


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