From the world’s longest alpine slide to delicious traditional dishes and endless snow adventure opportunities, Andorra is a little country with lots of things to do in winter.
While the capital boasts bustling shopping streets and entertainment options, the mountain villages are home to top-notch ski resorts, charming streets, and cosy local restaurants. So, whether you’re a snow enthusiast, a foodie, or just want to relax, there’s something here for you!
After many years of exploring this country (and now calling it home!), here’s our list of 16 handpicked things to do in Andorra in winter.
Hit the slopes
One of the most popular things to do in Andorra in winter is alpine skiing. The country is home to the largest resort in the Pyrenees, which is divided into three sectors:
- Pal-Arinsal: The most family-friendly of all ski resorts in Andorra. It has a really cool snowpark and 47 slopes, some of them surrounded by beautiful pine forests (ideal for off-piste skiing!).
- Grandvalira: It consists of seven sectors, making it one of the largest resorts in Europe. It’s got a bit of a posh vibe, and whether you’re looking for snowparks, thrilling runs, children’s areas, or just bars to chill, you’ll find it here.
- Ordino-Arcalís: Commonly known as “La Nevera” (The Fridge), this resort offers high-quality and abundant snow. It’s a paradise for freeriders and an excellent resort for intermediate and advanced skiers.
The ski season typically runs from December to early April, though it really depends on the snow conditions. January, February, and March are usually the safest bets for good snow, but with climate change, it’s a bit of a gamble 🤷
We’ve skied in all three sectors here in Andorra and put together a guide to help you pick the best one for your trip (plus tips and transport info!).
Sample Andorra’s local cuisine
Andorra’s cuisine is renowned for its game meat, seasonal ingredients, and wild mushrooms, and it has been greatly influenced by French and Catalan cuisines. Some of the most traditional dishes you can try here are:
- Escudella: A delicious soup made with light pork stew, seasonal vegetables, and chickpeas. Sometimes, it can also have pasta or rice.
- Civet: A dish of jugged hare or wild boar stewed in red wine and served with mushrooms and veggies. The taste is strong, so don’t eat it unless you really love meat!
- Canelons: Pasta rolls filled with a mix of minced lamb, pork and chicken and served with bechamel sauce.
- Allioli de codony: A heavenly sauce made with quince, olive oil and garlic. It’s perfect for dipping with bread or accompanying grilled meats, and once you try it, you can’t stop eating it!
- Cargols a la llauna: Snails (yes, you’ve read that right…) grilled over charcoal and seasoned with spices. It might sound gross if you’ve never tried them, but the truth is they are really good!
- Truita a l’Andorrana: Pan-fried trout with almonds and cured ham. When done right, it’s one of our favourite dishes!
And nothing beats eating any of these inside a charming borda (traditional restaurants located in old stone houses) or on a terrace overlooking the mountains.
Despite its size, Andorra is packed with excellent restaurants serving everything from traditional cuisine to international food. To make your life easier, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite restaurants in the country.
Sleep in a mountain hut
Up for an overnight adventure? Pack warm clothes, food, and a sleeping bag and head to one of Andorra’s mountain huts to spend the night.
Andorra has four guarded huts, all open in winter, where you’ll find shared heated rooms, hot showers, and hearty meals cooked by the keepers. You can reach them with snowshoes or mountaineering skis, making it a perfect weekend escape.
We’ve been to all four huts, and here’s our take on each one:
- Comapedrosa: A spacious hut located in a natural park, close to a lake. We love the traditional vibe and the delicious food.
- Juclar: Right next to a breathtaking lake, this small hut has a great atmosphere. The keepers are super friendly, and they encourage meeting other people, for example, by having guests share dinner tables.
- L’Illa: Andorra’s newest hut, with incredible views from the dining room and terrace. While modern, it feels less intimate, the food isn’t as impressive as the others, and sometimes things (like the showers or chargers) don’t work properly.
- Sorteny: Also located in a natural park. This hut is managed by the Ordino-Arcalís ski resort and it feels more like a mountain hotel than a traditional mountain hut. The food is good, the terrace is incredible, and the interior is super cosy.
If you’re looking for something even more adventurous, you can also spend a night in one of the 27 non-guarded huts scattered across Andorra’s mountains. These huts offer basic facilities: bunk beds (no mattresses), a fireplace, wood, a table, and sometimes a fountain (though water may be frozen in winter).
They have no electricity, heating, or water, so you need to bring everything: mattress, sleeping bag, food, water, lights, and lots of warm clothes. It’s a bit of work, but you’re set for an unforgettable adventure!
Remember to leave the huts as you found them, so others can enjoy them too.
Go stargazing
Andorra might only have one city (which feels more like a big village), but that’s great news for stargazing. With so few inhabitants, there’s hardly any light pollution, which means…the stars shine brighter here!
The best spot for stargazing is Comapedrosa Natural Park, which became a Starlight Destination and Reserve in 2023. You can plan your own adventure, like hiking to the Comapedrosa hut, or join a guided tour with an astronomer. This is the perfect option if you’d like to learn about stars, planets, and constellations.
In winter, there are snowshoeing and stargazing tours every Friday and Saturday at El Coll de la Botella.
Visit a Christmas market
If you’re coming to Andorra during Christmas, there are lots of activities in the country to enjoy the festive season. One of our favourites is visiting the Christmas market, which takes place in the historical centre from 29 Nov to 5 Jan.
In the market, you’ll find artisanal goods (like jewellery, soaps, or clothing), food trucks, Christmas decorations, and even an ice rink! Plus, on certain days, you can catch live music or street performances.
Check the market’s website for opening times, as they vary depending on the day.
Enjoy the Cavalcada dels Reis
The festive season in Andorra, same as in Spain, doesn’t wrap up with New Year. We extended it all the way to Jan 6, when the Three Kings deliver presents to children.
The big celebration happens the night before, on Jan 5, with the Cavalcada de Reis, a parade marking the Kings’ arrival. You’ll spot the miners making coal for naughty kids, the helpers collecting children’s letters, and the Kings themselves. Melcior (white beard), Gaspar (brown beard) and Baltasar (no beard and dark skin) are ready for a tough night of non-stop deliveries.
The parade characters toss sweets into the crowd, so don’t forget to bring a bag (and watch your head!).
In Andorra, parades take place in several towns:
- Escaldes-Engordany & Andorra La Vella: Jan 5, 6pm at Plaça de les Dos Valires
- Canillo: Jan 5, 6pm at Plaça Carlemany
- Encamp: Jan 5, 6:30pm
- Pas de la Casa: Jan 5, 6pm at the ski slopes
- Ordino: Jan 5, 7pm at ACCO
- La Massana: Jan 5, 5pm
- Sant Julià de Lòria: Jan 5, 6pm
Those are the starting points but each parade winds through local streets (check Andorra’s Tourism Board website for route details).
The most original one is the parade that takes place in Pas de la Casa, as the Kings descend through the slopes in a snow groomer, followed by skiers holding torches.
If you want to dive deeper into The Three Kings tradition and other quirky Catalan Christmas customs, check out our Catalan Christmas traditions guide.
⚠️ Important!
From Dec 24 to Jan 6, Andorra gets packed! Many people from Spain and France head here to ski and celebrate the holidays, so expect busier slopes, higher accommodation prices, and long traffic jams at the borders. If you’re planning to visit during this time, make sure to book your accommodation, restaurants, and activities early!
Slide down the world’s longest alpine coaster
This is one of the craziest things to do in Andorra in winter! Tobotronc is the longest alpine slide in the world, stretching 5.3 km long with a total drop of 400 m, so it’s nearly 10 min of high speed through a beautiful pine forest.
We’ve tried it in summer (not winter) and can confirm it was fun and a bit scary! We went down surprisingly fast but we always felt secure thanks to the built-in brakes that let you control the speed.
So, if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, head to Naturland’s leisure park. The good thing is that the ride’s cars can seat two people, and it’s designed for both children and adults, so you can share the fear and scream together!
Try cross-country skiing
Besides being home to the Tobotronc, Naturland is Andorra’s only ski resort dedicated to cross-country skiing.
The resort has various tracks, perfectly marked and adapted to different levels. So, no matter if you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find something there. Plus, you can hire all the hear you need right on-site.
But what we think truly sets cross-country skiing at Naturland apart is the scenery. The tracks are all located around 2.000 m above sea level, so you get stunning views of the mountain peaks surrounding the resort. Also, the tracks wind through beautiful pine forests, making the activity worth it (even if it’s just for the views!).
Jokes aside, cross-country skiing is quite fun and a great way to enjoy the outdoors in winter.
Race in the crazy Red Bull Home Run
Picture this: hundreds of skiers racing down the same slope at the same time. And on top, imagine them dressed in costumes!
That’s exactly what happens at the Red Bull Home Run, one of the craziest ski races in the world. The best part is that it’s open to everyone, not just pros. If you’ve got the motivation (and maybe a quirky costume), you can join the fun. We’ve raced the Red Bull Home Run three years in a row, and it’s been super fun.
The event kicks off with a costume contest, followed by the race itself, and ends with an après-ski party. What else can you ask for? Oh, sure, prizes. There’s that as well! Awards go to the fastest skier and snowboarder and to the best costume. snagged the costume prize one year, when he dressed as a dish of spaghetti!
⚠️ Important!
Tickets sell out pretty quickly, and they don’t announce it much in advance (it’s usually in Feb or March), so pay attention to Grandvalira’s website if you want to secure a spot!
Snowshoe to magical winter landscapes
Not a fan of skiing but still want to enjoy the snow? Then, snowshoeing might be the activity you’re looking for to enjoy Andorra in winter.
All you need is a pair of snowshoes (which you can rent at most sports shops in Andorra) and head to the mountains to discover incredible winter landscapes.
The tricky part is to choose which route to follow! In Andorra, you can snowshoe to frozen lakes, cross snow-covered pine forests, or follow trails that lead you to panoramic mountain views.
Over the years, we’ve explored many snowshoeing trails in Andorra and have put together a guide with the ones we love the most. On it, you’ll find 15 routes ranked by difficulty, plus tips to help you make the most of your adventure.
⚠️ Important!
Before setting off, always check the weather and avalanche risk. Make sure you’re prepared and know what to do in case of an avalanche.
Sip your way through local wineries
People know Andorra better for its ski slopes than for its wine, that’s for sure! But the country is home to some top wineries, and the best part is you can visit a few of them.
Here are Andorra’s local wineries:
- Borda Sabaté: This winery is known nown for its ecological wines near the Spanish border. They offer wine tours, but you’ll need a group of at least six people to book.
- Casa Auvinyà: A winery located in the south of the country, with vineyards at an altitude of 1.200 m and a limited production of 3.000 bottles a year. Tours are available, but you’ll need to book in advance via email or WhatsApp.
- Casus Belli: The highest winery in Andorra, with vines planted at 1.250 to 1.300 m. Unfortunately, they don’t currently offer wine tastings.
- Casa Beal: Starting in 1988, they were the pioneers in the rebirth of wine production in Andorra after more than a century’s interruption. The winery is located in Sant Julià de Lòria and you can visit it with prior booking (just give them a call).
- Celler Mas Berenguer: Andorra’s newest winery, which produces four different types of wine. They don’t offer tastings yet, but it’s worth keeping an eye on them!
Give ice skating a go
If it’s too cold for outdoor activities or you’re stuck with a rainy or windy day, we’ve got the perfect alternative: ice skating.
In the Palau de Gel sports complex in Canillo, you’ll find an Olympic-sized ice rink, perfect to practise your ice skating skills or try this sport for the first time. The rink is indoors and it’s open Tue–Fri from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, and Sat–Sun from 12pm to 2pm and 4:30pm to 8pm.
All you need to bring are long socks, long pants and gloves. Everything else, including skates and helmets, can be rented on-site.
Enjoy the scenery while hiking
Andorra’s location in the heart of the Pyrenees makes it a dream for hiking enthusiasts. While the mountains are covered in snow in winter, requiring snowshoes or mountaineering skis to venture higher up, there are plenty of shorter, lower-altitude trails perfect for winter hiking.
We’ve rounded up five of them, perfect to enjoy winter scenery without needing any advanced gear or skills.
Just make sure to wear proper footwear (hiking or snow boots) and pack some microspikes for extra traction if the trails are icy or snowy.
⚠️ Important!
Before heading out, always check the weather and avalanche risk.
Relax in a mountain spa
After a day in the snow, there’s nothing better than treating your ski-weary limbs at one of Andorra’s spas! Relax in the sauna, soak in heated pools, cool off in ice baths, indulge in a massage…or do it all!
The most famous spa here is Caldea, the largest mountain spa in Europe. You can choose between the main area or the adults-only section (Inúu). To us, the night ticket is the best for a romantic plan or relaxing with friends.
⚠️ Important!
Caldea is great for families or if you’re looking for an affordable spa, but it’s definitely not a luxury spa. It’s usually pretty crowded, especially during peak times like Dec 6 and 8 (public holidays in Spain), Christmas, and Easter. To us, it feels more like a public pool than a relaxing spa.
If you’re after a more intimate, relaxing, and luxurious experience, check out one of Andorra’s hotel spas. Hotel Plaza Andorra (in Andorra La Vella), Sport Hotel Hermitage (in Soldeu), Grau Roig Andorra Boutique Hotel & Spa (in Grau Roig), or Park Piolets (in Soldeu) are all great options. You can book access even if you’re not staying in the hotels, just make sure to reserve in advance!
Enjoy ski mountaineering or freeriding
Ski mountaineering has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and Andorra is a top spot for those looking to practise it. With over 50 peaks above 2.000 m, there’s plenty of variety to suit all levels.
If it’s your first time or want to practise this sport in a safe and controlled way, you can head to one of Andorra’s ski resorts. They all have dedicated freeride areas and skimo routes, ranging from easy to more challenging ones. Keep in mind that you’ll still need a ski pass, but it’s cheaper than the alpine one.
Another option is to go on a freeride expedition. Think unpacked snow, wooded areas, steep slopes… To choose a route, you can take a look at this map, which features various mountaineering ski itineraries around the country. They are ranked by level (greens are easy, blues are medium, and blacks are for pros) and you’ll also find info on avalanche risk, elevation gain, and tricky sections.
⚠️ Important!
Always carry the proper safety gear when heading out. Make sure to check the weather and avalanche risk before starting any skimo or freeride adventure!
Ski mountaineering in Ransol
Taking a break to admire the views
Solve clues in an outdoor escape room
Looking for a fun and unique experience to do in Andorra in winter? Escape Andorra has an option: outdoor escape rooms to discover Andorra’s history while having lots of fun.
You can choose from four games, all taking place in charming mountain villages. Plus, the experience includes a bit of theater, with Mar or Inka joining you to provide clues when you get stuck. The games are designed for groups of 2 to 7 peolpe, but they also have a special one you can book if you’re more than 8.
We’ve already tried two of the games, one in Arinsal and another in Sornàs, and we had a wonderful time! Mar and Inka are super entertaining and friendly, and we learned some fascinating things about Andorra while solving puzzles and putting our brains to work!
And that’s a wrap! We hope this list of the top 16 things to do in Andorra in winter has inspired you to plan your next adventure in this beautiful country. Enjoy!
Planning a trip to Andorra in winter?
If you have a trip to Andorra in mind, our guide “Planning a trip to Andorra in winter” might be useful! There, you’ll find recommendations about how to move around, where to stay, and where to eat.
Also, if you’re in Andorra in winter, these guides might come in handy:
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