![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Poster: A snowHead
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Hi folks, we are due to arrive in Grandvalira on 21 Jan. Looking at weather forecast, it doesn't look to promising. Snow cover looks poor too with just 35cm of snow in upper parts. Anyone in Grandvalira at the minute that could advise of what current skiing conditions really are?
We are staying near Grau Roig in Borders D'Elaviara. What's the best way to ski back down to Grau Roig at the end of the day? There are early intermediates in my group - they can ski all blues and some reds quite comfortably. Also, is there any other way down to Pas Dela Casa that bypasses Directa I/II? We were in Soldeu last year and decided to go to Pas for a day and Directa proved too much of a challenge for 2 skiers from my group .
Mamy thanks for all your help!
Luke
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I was there over New-year and it was getting pretty dire. Don't think there's been much snow since.
Directa1 (red?) was icy as hell at the top (and blowing a hoolie) with only the left hand entrance open. That made it busy and dangerous. The slope above from the lift was a gravel trap with mud areas so needed great care.
Directa2 (back?) was better. Hard pack but quieter though the bottom section into town was sketchy (brown moguls).
The blue along the ridge past directa2 that loops all the,way around by the pass was open and would be an easier option but that week, was very narrow was mud, ice and slush. Wouldn't be surprised if they've closed it.
(appols if I've got the runs mixed up/wrong)
Try this thread for more info...
https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=161605
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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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@Adidasdub, what is open is fine. There were a few runs at the weekend that were a bit ropey but these tended to be ones specifically kept open to link the different sectors. It’s snowed a bit since then with cold temps and some snow forecast next week. If that all comes, your week out here from 21st should be cracking.
Directa I is carnage at the best of times. I usually stay over towards the right. It’s steeper but most people avoid that side so the snow is usually better. Over on the left there are arms, legs and bodies flailing about all over the place! To avoid it you need to take Antenes chair from Grau Roig and then take the blue called pista port down to Pas. That piste isn’t open at the moment though (as predicted by adithorp). Hopefully it will be by the time you arrive. To return take Solana chair and then go onto Costa Rodona chair. You can take the blue run called pastora back to Grau. Unfortunately, pastora isn’t open yet either!
An alternative to get to Pas is to take a red run called Llac. It starts at the same place as Directa, but it’s not as steep or as scraped, but it is narrower.
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@Hammerite, many thanks for this. It's good to know that there is another red slope option down to Pas. The two nervous intermediates can negotiate steepish and narrow much better than very steep and wide. Hopefully the blues down to Pas and Grau will reopen in 10 days. Been coming to Andorra for years now and 3rd werk of Jan was always a safe bet :/ The only hope is that most major dumps of snow I've witnessed in Grandvalira were unexpected and it takes a day of proper snowfall to make a massive difference.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Adidasdub, I live here and there’s been no massive dump here yet this season. Just flurries here and there. There’s snow between the pistes but it’s very thin. The snow making has made the difference and it’s not been cold enough for much of that this season. That said, everything open still has pretty reasonable piste skiing. We need a decent dump with no high winds as that just seems to blow any new snow away from more exposed areas.
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@hammerite, had a quick look at Arinsal /Pal and most their runs are open. We have a car for the week so may travel around if needs be. From memory, most of their runs are blue and easy reds. Our 6 day liftpass includes both Grandvalira and Arinsal / Pal. Had a look at AccuWeather and no major snow til mid February is forecast. Let's hope it changes very soon
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This looks great! Hopefully it won't change Thanks so much for your help!!!
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Adidasdub wrote: |
This looks great! Hopefully it won't change Thanks so much for your help!!! |
The updated forecast today is looking even better!
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Fingers crossed that forecast comes true! A group of us are heading out on the 29th of Jan and would like to see a bit more snow
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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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Good skiing at Arcalis today.
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