Andorra La Vella

Recently I went skiing for the weekend in Andorra La Vella, after a recommendation from one of the teachers I work with as she said it was a must do.

I have admit though, before I went I didn't know much about Andorra itself, or about skiing for that matter. However, after all that is the point of this year abroad; to visit new cities and have new experiences!

The Principality of Andorra is a small country located in the eastern Pyrenées, bordered by France and Spain.

It was founded in 1278, and it is the only country where Catalan is the official language. However, French, Spanish, Portuguese and English are all spoken widely there too.

Andorra, like Monaco is a prosperous principality mainly because it is a tax haven, where goods such as electrical equipment, alcohol and cigars/cigarettes can be cheaper by up to 40% in comparison to other EU countries!
There is a large tourist industry as a result of the low tax rates, but, Andorra is now starting to receive a lot of attention regarding its snow sports resorts, which seem to be very popular with Russian holiday makers.

The city of Andorra La Vella is in a great position for snow sports, located close to the two main Andorran snow resorts; La Massena and the Vallnord slopes, and Pas de la Casa and the XGrandValira slopes.


For more information about the resorts, visit:


www.skiandorra.ad

I went to the resort of La Massena which was only a 15 minute bus journey (Line 6) from Andorra La Vella and cost as little as €1,60.

Once in the small town at the bottom of the resort, there were plenty of shops which sold and rented snow sports equipment and clothing, all at reasonable prices. 

As I'd never skied before I didn't have any equipment, but for those who have and do it often, you know it's expensive to buy your own and take it away with you.

In the end, I paid around €16,50 for boot, ski and pole hire, and €38 for a day ski pass - which I think was a good deal as it was definitely worth it!

The ski slopes are set amongst some of the most amazing views I have ever seen.
It was breathtaking just being able to stand and look out at the mountainous valley which lay in front of me. 

 I must admit I found it very frustrating at first because I spent more time on my derrière than on my feet. However, once I was able to do a few complete runs (albeit on a green slope) and had built up my confidence, there was literally no stopping me.

Battered, bruised and after a few bad falls, at the end of the day I can honestly say that skiing is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done.

I know it will not be the last time I hit the slopes.

At the end of the weekend, I came away from Andorra La Vella not only with a new hobby, but, a new found admiration for the smallest state in Europe too...moltes gràcies!