Poster: A snowHead
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I'm trying to book a few nights in Andorra to meet up with some Spanish friends but I'm struggling, I'm usually quite good at this stuff and have spent ages looking for a suitable place.
Our Spanish friends are happy to drive as it a short hop flight and the same side of the road for them, and with one non skier, they want to stay in Andorra la Vella, whereas I don't want to drive and want stay as close as possible to a lift (usually do ski in/out in France). We are travelling Wed to Monday, and looking for 2 rooms in a comfortable B&B hotel for around £125/night. I can't seem to find anything in Soldeu so I'm looking at Canillo. I hate walking more than 100m while carrying skis, and have only rarely resorted to a ski bus.
From what I understand, a lot of people drive the short distances, as the gondolas are quite a walk, and the buses are not very frequent, but I don't want a hire car (4 people 4 large cases and the chance of bad weather, parking hassle/expense (and no alcohol). We are all experienced skiers so I think Arinsal will be too limiting piste wise. We don't need crazy apres but would like a few bars and nearby restaurants.
The private transfer prices from Barcelona look very expensive - more than Geneva to Val Thorens, my usual DIY route, but hanging around for a coach is something I also want to avoid. Is there an easier option that doesn't involve lugging our cases through the city?
I just don't understand Andorra:(
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Try Encamp and use the funival lift to access grandvalira
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Encamp looks like a possibility, but the time from hotel door to first descent still looks quite long. Can you ski down back into Encamp? Also, if you chose to end the day in Soldeu, how do you get back? Searching all the websites for info, seems the free ski bus ends in Canillo and the urban buses don't run that often and might require you to take your boots off and store skis underneath
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Try AndorraTravelService.com They are in Soldeu, Lockers for skis & boot can be rented in the gondola station.
I'm in resort just now.
You cannot ski down to Encamp.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Arinsal will be too limiting for you better to try Pas de la casa... Plenty of hotels right on the slopes..Olympiads for example.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Are you taking your own kit or renting?
I leave my rental stuff in the locker under the shop (El Tarter) so I don't have to walk back to apt in ski boots.
See if you can get an apartment instead of a B&B?
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@FrequentFaller, Pas is a bit too far from Andorra la Vella where our friends are staying, also the reviews put me off a bit re architecture and over enthusiastic 20 something apres
@Orange200, We'll be renting but I have my own boots, so a ski locker would be OK, but I still wouldn't want a long walk or bus ride. I was looking at apartments, but needed a double room and a twin, and I'd prefer not to share one bathroom between four adults! That said, we have just this moment had one drop out, as the cost/duration/ski convenience didn't add up. It might make the apartment option viable again (or even a week long package), but I quite like having breakfast ready for me - eat and go - less morning faff:)
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Pas is not pretty I agree but as our hotel was on the slopes we never spent any time wandering about. We also spent most of the time in the hotel bar so avoided the 20 something's you speak of.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Pas is not pretty I agree but as our hotel was on the slopes we never spent any time wandering about. We also spent most of the time in the hotel bar so avoided the 20 something's you speak of.
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@Dubmuffin, Hire cars are crazy cheap from Barcelona and its a very easy drive up to Andorra.
For accom try hotelopia, you can select the options 'includes ski pass' as well as B&B. There should be options there within budget and close to the gondolas.
Also a few of the Andorra La Vella hotels have free shuttles to the slopes, worth considering, I've used the Novotel in the past.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thanks for all the advice. We've gone down the package route, ended up with a whole week based in El Tarter, so plenty time to explore the area fully:) Now all I have to do is obsessively look at the weather forecasts for the next 6 weeks
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Enjoy!
Let us know how you find it, I've had some great trips and mega dumps in Andorra over the years. Only ever spent 2-3 days at a time there tho. Others here have been and hated it.
Arcalis is a great wee area in fresh snow, worth a trip if you get the opportunity.
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@alasdair.graham@hotmail.c, Thanks Alasdair, I will. I have never quite fancied it in "on paper" but others do rave about the slopes, so we'll see. I'm sure I'll find some favoured pistes, there are a lot to choose from. It'll make a change from France:)
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