 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all,
Would appreciate some advice on Andorra.
We are reasonably competent intermediates happy on most pistes up to steep reds and easy blacks.
This year we are looking for a budget ski holiday (arent we all) and we have a couple of beginners with us, one of which is very, very timid. Previously skied but didn't get much past nursery slope level, mainly due to the fear factor of going out of control.
So, looking for somewhere with good nursery slopes and very, very gentle slopes to progress to.
Having never been to Andorra and more familiar with the French resorts, could anyone tell me if Soldeu / El Tarter fits our needs.
Any advice much appreciated.
Ps apres ski not a priority or consideration
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Quote: |
Having never been to Andorra and more familiar with the French resorts, could anyone tell me if Soldeu / El Tarter fits our needs.
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I can only speak for Soldeu, and the answer is yes, but don't expect it to be cheep. IIRC when I was there a few years ago the lift passes were more expensive than Les Arcs.
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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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Soldeu website showing about 275 Euros for the lift pass. IIRC beginners need a full pass (that may have changed)
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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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@dobby, Not sure for how many days you are quoting for but if you buy before 31/10/19 a 6 day Les Arcs liift pass will cost 244 euros. After that (not including any early or late season offers) 271.
@Mick8417, If you are looking for budget ski holidays look at the Tatra moutains or perhaps the Balkans. However my experience of these areas is that the slopes are slightly steeper than Soldeu
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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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@johnE, I think that's for 6 days in Andorra. As you say, it's not cheap.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I suggest Soldeu nursery slopes rather than ET; so gentle there is a rope tow at the end!
Both have good English instructors if necessary.
Download at end of day though, the blues to base aren’t so beginner friendly. Or try them mid-morning avoiding Rush Hour to get a feel. Snow gets badly chopped up by 4pm.
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I think Soldeu or El Tartar would be good. Discount packages from Andorra Travel Service save loads if you need hire, lessons as well as a pass, or indeed lunch. Info in this TR. Slight pros and cons to each: El Tartar has a bigger beginner area with 2 dedicated (slow) chairs. Soldeu plateau area is smaller, with three buttons but it really is a flat plateau at the top of the gondola whereas there is distinctly a slope away from the gondola at El Tartar. Also, the gondola at El Tartar starts in the corner of a massive car park whereas in Soldeu it’s in a building off the high street. Agree about the blues back to the resorts the end of the day, carnage!
TR from last year here
https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?p=3422970&highlight=soldeu#3422970
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Tue 29-10-19 11:07; edited 1 time in total
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I’ve always managed to get a half board package for 2 (neilson/crystal) in Easter/Xmas school holidays for under £500. So I think Andorra is great value. Lift pass including lunch (burger/sandwich chips and drink) for every day is perfect for me, at £267 currently on Andorra travel service, they also sell packs to include lesions and hire for those which need them. There are definitely some cruisey blues around Soldeu El Tarter with the option to gondola back at the end of the day if needed.
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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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Thank you all so much for your advice. it is very much appreciated. On the back on your advice we have booked for Soldeu and got a reasonable package for us all.
We got a package of 5 days lessons for the beginners for just £35 on top of the lift prices.
Will definitely advise the download at the end of the day though. There is nothing like a snotty chopped up last run to destroy a day full of confidence building. Sage advice taken on board.
Thanks again
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Im going to look at these suggestions for future as well.
@Mick8417, If you are looking for budget ski holidays look at the Tatra moutains or perhaps the Balkans. However my experience of these areas is that the slopes are slightly steeper than Soldeu
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johnE
FreeRider
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Im going to look at these suggestions for future as well.
@Mick8417, If you are looking for budget ski holidays look at the Tatra moutains or perhaps the Balkans. However my experience of these areas is that the slopes are slightly steeper than Soldeu
[/quote]
[quote]
johnE
FreeRider
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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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How old are the beginners? Perhaps by day 4 the circus at ET is a laugh for 6-10 year olds. Instructor might take them.
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I'm dropping Arinsal in here for some reasons
- It is recognised as having a very good ski school
- The resort is small, but you have a good selection of runs from blue -> black.
- It has a 4km (1000m) drop run which can be done as blue all the way.
- You have the option of the telecabina over to Pal once Arinsal gets boring and you have the free skibus over to Arcalis for a good day's outing. IMHO Arcalis offers the best skiing in Andorra
- You have a good selection of restaurants in the centre of the village and if you are willing to walk more than 100m you'll find some other ones too including a microbrewery (!).
P.S. There's a distillery in town too, but you might have to make an arrangement to visit as it is not always open in the afternoon. It is run by a very friendly German couple.
Last edited by So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much  on Mon 25-11-19 14:51; edited 1 time in total
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You know it makes sense.
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| ysb33r wrote: |
| I'm dropping Arinsal in here for some reasons.... |
Totally agree.
Although me and the missus had a fair bit of snowboard experience, we visited Arinsal in Jan '18 and decided to learn skiing. Instructors were great, lesson pricing was good value and the place was definitely set up nicely for causing around at your own pace to gain confidence. It was a quiet time just after new year so that helped. For anyone not looking for huge mileage and decent apres, it's a really good choice
Didn't know about the distillery though.... looking at possibly returning in April so that may be an off the slopes activity 
RE: Arcalis - I believe they've now changed the lift pass so you can either have a Pal/Arinsal-only ticket or have two days in Arcalis.
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