Huge ski area and a brilliant place to learn to ski
Beginners and Intermediates are both well catered for
Great ski schools
Surprisingly good après ski
Not So Good For...
Less for experts & Advanced skiers
There is a lot of traffic in the village
Lacks charm
Getting There
Soldeu Travel
By Air Toulouse - 190km with a 3.5 hour transfer Barcelona - 200km with a 3.5 hour transfer For Barcelona frequent buses for around 25 Euros (11:30, 13:00, 17:00; 18:00 & 21:00) when we last checked From Toulous - daily minibus services for 25 Euros at 10:30am and 18:30pm
By Train
London Waterloo - Catch Eurostar to Paris, arriving at Gare du Nord. Then change to gare d'Austerlitz and from this point take the overnight train to LHospitalet-pres-lAndorre arriving at 7.30am.
By Car To get driving directions to the resort go to either the AA Website or the Michelin Route Planner website www.viamichelin.com or www.theaa.com
By Bus There is a bus running from the Capital - Andorra la Vella to Soldeu. Running hourly from 08:30 until 20:30 The bus stop in Soldeu is next to the Pic Negre sport shop in the car park, an in El Tarter opposite the slopes. In Andorra La Vella catch the bus outisde Escales - the department store
About The Resort..
Ski Soldeu
Soldeu Resort
Fun friendly and cheap are words that spring to mind when describing Soldeu. There are 6 resorts in the Grand Valira area Pas de la Casa, Gran Roug, Soldeau, El Tarter, Canillo and Encamp . All the mountains are linked making it one of the largest ski areas in Europe. Low prices, good ski schools an exceptional nightlife make it a place the Brits love.
Soldeu Free Ski Bus
Around the resort the Gel-Ski bus is free on showing your lift pass.
From Canillo to Peretol (five mins up the road from Soldeu). It leaves El Tarter (direction Soldeu) at 5 past every hour starting at 09:05 and goes back from Soldeu at half past every hour, starting a 09:30.
It stops for lunch from 13:00-15:00. Last bus from Soldeu to El Tarter is 23:30
Resort Restaurants
SoldeuRestaurants
Here are a few ideas for an evening out in Soldeu:
Slim Jims
Does a decent breakfast. Fat Alberts
Good for steak, fish and a la carte dining The Roc Restaurant
Good value, international cuisine
Hotel Bruxelles.
Here there is a great terrace for dining on. L'Esquirol
Indiancuisine Red Dragon
Chinese restaurant
Nightlife..
Bars in Soldeu
Avalanche Bar - live music Fat Alberts - good food and music, apres ski Aspen Bar - like a British pub with extras, pool tables, dance floor, theme nights and large screen tv downstairs for sport T Bar - to take your shots whilst hanging upside down Pussycats - gets going around 9pm with live music, DJ's and pole dancing... The Roc Bar in the hotel of the same name - wine, cocktails, beer and live sports on a large TV The Stone Bar - 70's & 80's music
Avalanche Soldeu - A bar with DJs and live music open until 1am
Other Activities
Activities in Soldeu
Adventure activity Centre in Gran Rois has over 100 activities.
Hotel Piolets Park & Spa Soldeu has 120 bedrooms, 30 suites. All rooms have a bathroom, satellite TV and views of the ski slopes. Easy access to Soldeu Granvalira Ski Slopes. There's an indoor swimming pool, fitness area and ski locker
Sporthotel Soldeu
Sporthotel Resort & Spa is made up three hotels, Sport Hotel (four star), Sport Hotel Village (Four star) and Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa (Five star). All are excellent, and the Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa is arguably the best hotel in Soldeu. They have great facilities and are centrally located.
If you are looking for a child friendly private appartment that sleeps 6, Apartment Soldeu may be what you are looking for. Have a look here at Chalet Ski Rentals Direct.
Looking for somewhere to stay near the lift? Hotel El Xalet is only 3 minutes from the El Tarter chairlift. All bedrooms have private bath or shower and they also have 6 superior rooms available. For prices and availability have a look at Catered Chalet Holidays website here.
The hotel includes a Fitness Centre including 2 x jacuzzis, gym, sauna, turkish bath and massage room, cafe-bar, fireplace and internet corner.
Maistre Hotel
Simple clean and functional central accommodation.
Please check the internet for late deals and remember to book your ski hire and snowboard hire online with us at Snowbrainer
About The Mountain
Ski Soldeu
The local slopes are on the open mountains above the woods and there is a brand new gondola and six-pack from the resort so far less queues than previous years. Most of the time you can ski back down to the village at the end of the day. There are lots of areas for beginners and the mountain links into the other resorts of the Gran Valira. Much investment has been made to link these fields. Maybe limited excitement for advanced skiers but intermediates will enjoy a varied day. There is some great terrain for beginners to start and then develop thier skiing and kids will love the disney run at the top of the El Tarter Gondola.
Soldeu Snowboarding
The Terrain Park and Halpipe is located under the Tosa Chairlift - El Tarter area.
The mountains are a Mecca for for beginners & intermediates with plenty of runs to stretch your legs on. Access is usually queue free. Snowboarders, check out the great terrain park at El Tarter, it's simply brilliant - sponsored by Nike AGC and should keep all boarders happy. It consists of 3 great kickers with smaller side kicks. Perfectly shaped to boot! There is a 120m half pipe, a selection of rails and a big wall ride. A 1/4 pipe and gigantic spine ad to the pleasures. Look out for Jamie Phillips and Tyler Chorlton the British Pro Snowboarder who is often seen in the park. ps - they are both quite useful!
Advanced - it has limited scope for the better skiers amongst us espcially on piste. Our Snowbrainer crew enjoyed a day off piste even though it was a couple of days since the snow had fallen, conditions were good. Maybe this is because Andorra just doesn't attract a lot of advanced skiiers, so there weren't a lot of tracks churning things up.
Intermediates - we recommend heading to the Grand Valira area.
Beginners - this is your paradise no wonder one in ten British skiiers have been to Soldeau or is that just marketing? No really it's good, very good place to learn.
Mountain Restuarants
Soldeu Mountain Restaurants
At the top of the gondolas you tend to meet food of various standards with queues to match. Last time we at Snowbrainer went we liked the Llac des Pessons (759015) which has great views and decent food. Try the meat specialities. Roc de les Bruixes (890696) - up there at 2000m this is a hut that also offers a Friday and Saturday dinner seating. You need to access it by the Canillo gondola and then 100m walk along a torchlit track.
Here is a short list of other options for eating out on the mountains.
XiriPizza La Solana located at the end of the Astoret ski run. sunny terrace, serving only pizza and drinks Express'oh Espiolets Terrace overlooking the Pla d'Espiolets
Express'oh Gall de Bosc Large cafeteria with access to the Gall de Bosc Restaurant Terrace
Fun Food Gall de Bosc 2100m, expect to see the staff dancing on the tables. Food is a mixture of burgers, sandwiches, salads etc
Ski Schools
Ski School Soldeu
Ski School Soldeu
00376 89 05 91 or 00376 89 06 15 - comes highly recommended, and run by Yorkshireman Gordon Standeven.
El Tarter 00376 890 641
Webcam
Soldeu Webcam
Check out the latest Grandvalira webcams at Grandvalira webcam
Weather
Soldeu Snow Report
What is the weather like in the ski resort of Soldeu in Andorra?
If you are looking for a private transfer, a shared transfer or a group transfer from an Airport to Soldeu then go to Shuttle Direct for Soldeu Transfers
There are a number of ski and snowboard related shops in Soldeu Esports Calbo (located within the main gondola building) is one of the larger sports shops in Soldeu with a good selection of clothing, equipment and gift ideas.
Supermarket Post Pirineu Supermarket
Duty Free Shopping Andorra
If you are looking to do some serious duty free shopping then head to the capital of Andorra - Andorra la Vella. It's 30 minutes drive from Soldeu and there are busses that run there. You'll find department stores, clothing, electronics, jewellers and liquor stores.
Top 5 Family Activities
Soldeu for Families
Parapent Flights head to the take-off Ice Skating Dog Sledding Scenic Helicopter Rides
If you have older teenagers they will definitely enjoy the relaxed nightlife available.
Top 5 Runs
Best Runs in Soldeu
Off Piste - skiing and snowboarding fanatics head to the Pic d'Encampadana area.
Off Piste - head to the Pedrus summit and take the east side down. The Grandvalira Ski & Snowboard School offer a programme where the Instructor organises a snowcat back up and then you can head down the North face.
Aliga - is the best run for tree line skiing. The run takes you down to El Tarter.
Gall de Bosc Piste and catch the Tosa Espiolets Chairlift. take the wide Fura run - good groomed intermediate runs
OS Trail - a good wide piste for beginners to practise on
Ski & Snowboard Hire Shop
Soldeu Ski Hire and Snowboard Rental
Ski Hire Soldeu Looking for ski equipment in Soldeu ? Here at snowbrainer we work with Ski Calbo rental shop in the resort. Rent in advance with Snowbrainer and your ski rental will be waiting for you in the shop on your arrival. Save time and money - Book Here Now!
Soldeu Ski Hire Shop Location Ski Calbo located in the Route Principale in Soldeu Ski Hire Shops opening times
Ski Calbo Daily from 09:00 to 18:00 hours
How to Hire Ski Gear? It's simple. Snowbrainer has a three step booking system. Step 1) choose your country, resort and shop. Step 2) choose your equipment Step 3) register and check out
You'll receive an instant Equipment Voucher via e-mail. (best viewed in HTML on your e-mail setting) Print out the Voucher and take it to the shop.
What to expect from your ski hire gear. Snowbrainer works with over 700 ski rental shops in 11 countries. The range of equipment stocked from shop to shop changes. Large shops in the most popular resorts tend to stock the largest range of ski rental equipment. They may have 5 or 6 ski models in each category whereas smaller shops may be limited to only a couple. Snowbrainer gives you an indication of the type of equipment to expect within a category.
Skis - a breakdown per category of ski equipment rental
Gold *
Easy to manage skis designed for beginners and intermediates. Offering skis suitable for on slopes and Women's models
Silver
Easy to manage skis designed for beginners and intermediates. Offering skis suitable for on slopes and Women's models
Bronze
budget skis in their 3rd year of use
Snowblades /Miniskis
Snowblade for fun! (and those feeling lazy... until you realise they don't glide so well and hitting a flat straight means physical exertion by walking.)
* Offer in this category : This category allows customers to change the equipment 3 times during the course of the week (from Monday to Thursday) subject to availability at the shop (this offer is limited to 1 per day)
Snowboards - a breakdown per category of snowboard equipment rental
Gold *
a range of on and offpiste models
Silver
entry level snowboard for beginners
* Offer in this category : This category allows customers to change the equipment 3 times during the course of the week (from Monday to Thursday) subject to availability at the shop (this offer is limited to 1 per day)
Child Ski Hire
Champion
young skiers 6 to 11 years inclusive (up to 145 cm in height) For all levels including high quality skis, twin-tips. equipment up to 3 years old
Aspire
skis for children 6 to 11 years under 145 cm in height. equipment up to 3 years old
Minikids
skis suitable for very young children up to and including 5 years.
Child Snowboard Hire
Champion
Snowboards suitable for beginner and intermediate level kids
Ski Helmet Hire It is recommended that all adults and children wear helmets
The Cost of Ski Hire There are quite a few factors that change the cost of ski hire. Certain times of the season are more expensive than others. If you are looking for the cheapest ski hire then booking outside school holiday periods usually makes the price cheaper. By booking online at Snowbrainer we'll give you a discount bringing the price of your ski hire down. We publish the Recommended Retail Price on our site so you know not only how much discount you get off your ski hire but also how much you would pay if you walked into the shop and paid full price.
Ski Hire Clothing Unfortunately we do not hire ski wear.
We recommend hiring your skis and snowboards at the ski rental shops mentioned above in Soldeu . If you book online here at Snowbrainer you can make big savings up to 45% on the recommended retail price for all your winter equipment. Your equipment will be waiting for you in the shop on your arrival. Save time and money - Book Here Now!
It's what we call a No Brainer!
Save time and money - Book Here Now It's a No Brainer!
Top 5 Books To Read
Top 5 Things To Take
Easy to use Piste Maps & Ski Trails Looking for high detailed piste maps for your GPS? Snowranger sells affordable quality digital maps that are great for any ski or snowboard trip. For those of you who’ve ever wondered which run gets you back to France from the Swiss side of Portes du Soleil or you’re racing the clock to get back from a Courchevel lunch to Val Thorens before the lifts shut this is invaluable kit. No more wrestling wet paper maps with frozen fingers! There are over 500 ski resorts piste maps in Europe and North America available. Go to Snow-Forecast Snowranger Film your Mates Jumps, Tricks & Shameful Ski / Snowboard Moments. We love the JAMCAM – it’s a head camera that allows you to capture your days skiing or snowboarding on the mountain. You can rent or buy the kit so for more details head to www.jam-cam.tv If you take the JAMCAM rental service in resort they include a host to record your day. The alternative is to rent before you leave, taking the equipment to the ski resort of your choice and posting back on your return. Gift vouchers are available via the website offering an unusual Christmas or Birthday present for your ski & snowboard mad friends.
What's an easy way to carry skis? Well we found the ‘THE HANDLE’ . This nifty little device allows you to carry your skis around without causing major injury to yourself and other members of the public. It’s incredibly easy to use – no Velcro just a click buckle. It’s also light and small enough to put in your pocket. www.ski-walker.com
Reviews
Soldeau is a decent resort especially when you think how cheap it can be. We picked up a last minute deal for no money at the Soldeau Maestre and booked our ski hire with you. Thank you for the little extra discount, much appreciated. Top tip: get away from the beginners slopes as quick as possible because I have never seen so many beginners over Xmas
By Mark T. on 28/12/2009 09:11:19
Very good value skiing although not quite as cheap as last year. It is always good to save some pounds with your ski service in Soldeu. Ski schools are top notch although the beginner slopes can get crowded.
By Mary Hollis on 01/02/2010 09:37:41
We have recently got back from a great ski holiday in Soldeu where the children had great ski lessons in the ski school. We would recommend Soldaeu as great place to learn.
By Thomas G. on 14/02/2010 14:22:25
Great resort, good English speaking instructors, we stayed at the Sport Hotel next to the gondola in March 2009. Tax free shopping- don’t get too excited! Just go for the skiing and drinking!
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Ski Soldeu
There are a number of ski and snowboard related shops in Soldeu
Off Piste - skiing and snowboarding fanatics head to the 
