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Want to know what to do in Andorra in winter besides skiing? Hi, I'm Manuel and I'm from Andorra.
Although I can ski, I don't ski much, so I had to find other things to do. Here's my round-up of winter activities and practical tips like parking.
In this article
What to do in Andorra in winter
1. Skiing and snowboarding
Let's start with the obvious: Andorra is the skiing destination par excellence. It's home to the largest resort in the Pyrenees, Grandvalira, with 210 km of pistes. For more details on where to ski, check my specific guide where to ski in Andorra.
2. Caldea: the plan that never fails
Caldea is without doubt one of Andorra's most iconic spots. For me it's worth going at least once: it's a thermoludic centre, one of the biggest in Europe, with water from natural thermal springs. The indoor Roman baths are my favourite area. They're about temperature changes between hot and cold water.
As an anecdote, I worked a couple of summers at Caldea, so I know it well.
I went recently with some friends and we stayed in the Premium zone, for over-16s only. It includes a bathrobe and slippers, and we did a relaxation workshop with Tibetan bowls.
The outdoor lagoon is also worth a while: the floor is transparent and you can see the river running underneath.
For prices, what to bring and more of my own photos, check my full guide to Caldea.
3. Christmas market in Andorra la Vella
In December, Plaça del Poble (Town Square) in Andorra la Vella usually hosts the Christmas market. For 2026, the dates are 28 November to 5 January. It's at nightfall, with the lights, when it looks best.
It's not a huge market, but it's pretty and has a nice atmosphere. It's in the centre, so you can combine it with a walk around the centre or some shopping.
You can check the official schedule in the Christmas programme PDF.
The Christmas market in Plaça del Poble, Andorra la Vella.
4. Canillo Brilla
Canillo Brilla is a recent initiative from the Comú de Canillo. In the centre of Canillo they set up a walk with light structures and lights everywhere. You do it on foot. It's an ideal activity to go with the family.
In 2026 it will be the third edition. For 2026, the dates of Canillo Brilla are 29 November to 6 January. The location is the Parking de Sella, in the centre of Canillo. For more information, check the official website of the Comú de Canillo.
5. Going out: après-ski scene
After skiing, Andorra also has a good party scene. That's what's known as après-ski. One of the best-known spots is L'Abarset, at the foot of the slopes in El Tarter. And you don't need to ski to go out partying. I've got friends who go for the atmosphere even without skiing.
For more details on the places to enjoy après-ski, check my guide to après-ski in Andorra.
During the ski season electronic music festivals are usually held, such as Hibernation and Snowrow. Dates and line-ups change every year, so it's worth checking them before you travel.
6. Snowshoeing
It's possible to hike in winter. The only thing is that, as there's snow, you need snowshoes. The thing is, as you sink in a bit and have to lift the weight of the snowshoes, you get more tired. It also has its upside: personally, I like listening to the sound of the snow being crushed.
All four areas (Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal and Naturland La Rabassa) prepare marked circuits and guided outings all winter.
Stations: Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal and Naturland.
7. Rec del Solà: a walk with views
The Rec del Solà is a path that runs above the centre, right against the mountain. The initial climb takes about 10 or 15 minutes and then it's all flat, so almost anyone can do it.
It's a plan that doesn't appear in many guides and it's open all year round. Besides, it's a spot I often go to with my family because my dad lives right next to one of the entrances.
There and back is about 5 km (1h10), but you can turn back whenever you like. In winter, if it's snowed in the centre (rare), there can be a bit of snow. Even so the path can still be done. You've got the full route and more photos in my guide to the Rec del Solà.
8. Zip lines
To hang in the air, Canillo's zip line is the best known: 550 m of run, 40 m high and up to 80 km/h. You can do it seated, lying down or in tandem with an adult.
If you're after something more family-friendly, Pal Arinsal's Big Zip is the other option: from age 6, for €16.50 (€28 in tandem).
The third option is Naturland's Eclipse zip line, at the 1,600 m level. It's 625 m of run and you can do it in a seat, in tandem or in a hang glider. In winter it's worth checking times and conditions on their website, because the activity depends on the weather.
9. Tobotronc, Magic Gliss and Naturland
The Tobotronc is an Andorra classic. It's been around since I was little. It's an alpine toboggan on rails of 5.3 km, the longest in Europe: under-14s ride accompanied and the minimum height is 1.20 m. Park at the 1,600 m level, not the 2,000 m one: the Tobotronc starts from the bottom.
Canillo's Magic Gliss is the most recent option. It's a smaller alpine toboggan on rails, 555 m long, that reaches 40 km/h.
For more info, you've got my guide to toboggan slides in Andorra with all the practical details on the tobotronc and the magic gliss.
10. Sledges
The most original is Soldeu's Snake Gliss, a train of articulated sledges that runs from the Pla d'Espiolets down to the village, suitable from age 3.
For something more classic, there's the sledge and tubing area in the Pal Arinsal sector. With a conveyor belt so you don't have to walk up.
At Naturland you've got Nordic sledge for kids and the Tobotronc.
Ski Canaro is the cheapest of the paid ones for a whole day: rental and piste for €22. The piste is exclusive, but only customers who rent the gear there can use it.
If you're after something free, people say you can do it in the Incles Valley or in Grau Roig. Where my sister went is the top of the Port d'Envalira. There are some areas to park and the runs are right next to them.
11. Snowy viewpoints
Even in winter you can reach viewpoints without skiing. Snow can make access harder, but some are still available. These are the ones I recommend:
- Mirador del Port d'Envalira: a panoramic route you reach by car, with good views all the way up and at the end too. That way you've got several stops to take in the landscape.
- Bosc de les Allaus: you also get there by car from Encamp and the views over the valley are brilliant.
- Roc del Quer: the famous viewpoint with the chair and the walkway, in Canillo. In winter it's worth checking the state of the road before going up. Sometimes when there's a lot of snow they close it.
If you want more details and options, you've got my guide to the viewpoints of Andorra.
The Port d'Envalira viewpoint, with the snow-capped mountains.
12. Funicamp
Apart from the viewpoints, another option is to take the Funicamp, a cable car that leaves from Encamp, takes 25 minutes and crosses the mountain. It can be a good idea to see lots of landscapes affordably.
13. Charming villages: Auvinyà, Sispony and Les Bons
If the day is cold or grey, the village plan is the best: stone houses, Romanesque churches and streets with no cars. In Sant Julià you've got Auvinyà, one of the prettiest villages in Andorra. It was founded in the 9th century, although the village you see today was recreated in the 20th. It's fully pedestrian, with wooden balconies, coloured street lamps and ivy on the façades.
Auvinyà, one of the prettiest villages in Andorra.
In La Massana you've got Sispony, with the church of Sant Serni and good views over the valley; and in Encamp, Les Bons, with Sant Romà and the Torre dels Moros. If you want more details or photos, check my guide to the villages of Andorra.
14. Churches of Andorra
Andorra has a very little-known Romanesque: 12th-century stone churches, small and often half-hidden in the villages. The ones I'd visit are Sant Romà de Les Bons, Sant Joan de Caselles and Santa Coloma.
Watch the opening hours: many only open in summer and autumn. In winter you can see the outside and the surroundings, which are also worth it. Check opening hours at museus.ad.
But it's not all Romanesque. In Canillo you've got the Meritxell Sanctuary, where the Virgin of Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra, is venerated. The current building is modern, rebuilt after the 1972 fire, and it's worth visiting even if you're not religious. You've got all the details in my guide to the Meritxell Sanctuary.
15. Museums
Andorra has lots of museums and in winter they're a good plan to stay warm. You can see the full list at museus.ad.
The ones I'd visit: the Farga Rossell (La Massana's old iron forge, to understand where Andorra's money came from) and the Casa de Areny-Plandolit in Ordino (the manor house par excellence).
If you like cars, Encamp's National Automobile Museum. All three fit into a morning.
My recent favourite is the Bici Lab, the Bike Museum, which is next to the Government of Andorra. As I like bikes, I've learnt a bit about their history, and the museum is modern and fairly new. It's worth it. Right now they've got a temporary exhibition on the evolution of bike-related professions.
Photos of the Bicilab Museum.
16. Llac d'Engolasters
Llac d'Engolasters is one of the most accessible lakes in Andorra: you can get there by car or bus and park right next to it. In winter it usually has a layer of ice, but it's still worth going round it and spending a while in the mountains.
The lake is used to generate electricity, so swimming is forbidden. Next to the car park is the Mirador de Les Fonts, with views over the centre of Andorra. You've got all the details in my guide to Llac d'Engolasters.
17. Shopping in Andorra: what to buy
Andorra is known for its low VAT (4.5% vs 21%). That makes some things cheaper. Mind you, the difference shows more on expensive products. Things like food aren't cheaper.
What's worth it: electronics, perfumes, branded clothing, tobacco, alcohol, motorbike and ski gear. Don't hesitate to check my guide on what to buy in Andorra to know what to buy, where and what the price difference is with concrete examples. guide to what to buy in Andorra.
18. Palau de Gel in Canillo
The Palau de Gel is a classic for bad-weather days: ice rink, heated pool and play area. It's in Canillo, so it combines perfectly with a morning around the area.
19. Snowmobile and Snow Scooter
Snowmobiles leave from Grau Roig, Ordino Arcalís and Naturland (Rabassa). There are usually age or licence restrictions. I recommend checking where to book before. You can book the outing online per snowmobile.
Another interesting option at Naturland is the Snow Scooter Naturland, an electric scooter that slides on snow at 25 km/h (departures at 1, 3 and 4 pm, from age 14, with a guide).
20. Igloos
Grandvalira's igloo-building experience lasts 2 hours and starts in the Grau Roig sector, with meeting point at the El Cubil car park: an instructor teaches you to build a traditional igloo in the snowy forest and at the end you go inside for photos.
Book online21. Snow driving: the Circuit Andorra
At 2,400 metres and 3 km from Pas de la Casa you've got the Circuit Andorra, the highest permanent circuit in the world. In winter its snow platform and ice track become a driving school: initiation, emergency braking and controlled skids on ice, with production cars, rear-wheel-drive BMWs or Polaris 4x4s. All activities require prior booking.
22. Helicopter
If you want the full view of the country, book a panoramic helicopter flight: it takes up to 4 or 5 people (the price is per whole flight, not per person), flights are in the morning and the time is confirmed when you book.
23. Nordic walking
If you prefer walking with poles, the guides at Guinéu Blanca organise Nordic walks through the lower areas of Andorra. From what I've been told, unless there's been heavy snowfall affecting the low areas, there's no problem. From €23 per person.
24. Bowling in Andorra
If you want to end the day without depending on the weather, Andorra has two bowling alleys: Club Energy in Escaldes-Engordany and Bowling Lounge in Andorra la Vella. Club Energy also has billiards and darts, and opens from 5 pm to 3 am, so it's good for going with the family before dinner.
You've got opening hours, prices and addresses in my guide to Andorra's bowling alleys.
25. Yoga in Andorra: Kundalini classes
If you're after a quieter plan, you can also do yoga in Andorra. My sister runs group Kundalini yoga classes, so if you're interested you can visit the website and get in touch with her from there.
You'll find all the information on Retiro Andorra.
Where to stay in Andorra in winter: 3 recommended hotels
In winter accommodation splits into two worlds: the resort base areas (the most practical, but also the most expensive in the country) and the valley (cheaper and with more charm, but you drive up to the snow). Here are three options depending on what you're coming for, with the resort or the centre a stone's throw away.
For skiing in Grandvalira: Hotel del Tarter
If your plan is to get up early and spend the day on the slopes, stay in El Tarter: it's one of Grandvalira's sectors with the giant free car park next to the cable car. The Hotel del Tarter (3★, 9.0/10) has exactly what matters in winter: ski lockers, lift pass sales, a breakfast buffet to fuel up before heading up and a small free car park at the hotel itself.
Two local tips though: the cable car car park closes its barrier around 8 pm (if you take the car out at night, you can't leave it there again), and in winter the resort base area is the most expensive part of Andorra, so book ahead.
For Ordino Arcalís: Hotel Coma
Ordino Arcalís is the freeride resort and the one that keeps the best snow, and the Ordino valley is, for me, the prettiest place to sleep if you're after peace and quiet. The Hotel Coma (8.0/10) is in the village of Ordino itself and in winter it stands out for what's hardest to find at this time of year: completely free outdoor parking for guests (plus a paid private garage).
When you drive up to ski you'll be glad to know Arcalís has a free car park at the foot of the slopes with 1,500 spaces, so you can drive straight to the ticket offices. In summer you're a step away from the Tristaina lakes; in winter, a step away from the best snow in the country.
In the centre of Andorra la Vella: Hotel Pyrénées
If you're not coming to ski and your plan is Caldea, shopping and museums, stay in the centre of Andorra la Vella. The Hotel Pyrénées (3★, 8.5/10) is right in the old town, about 10 minutes' walk from Avinguda Meritxell, the main shopping street.
It has paid private parking (€18/day, €9 for motorbikes); in this case an external car park can work out cheaper. You reach Caldea by car or bus in a few minutes.
None of them quite fit? I've got a guide to where to stay by parish with budgets, areas and the best hotels in each.
How to get around Andorra in winter: chains, car and bus
This is the part that's really going to save your trip. In winter the logistics change and, honestly, the car is at the heart of almost every plan.
Snow chains and tyres: what's compulsory
For your information: it's compulsory to carry snow chains in the boot from 1 November to 15 May. I also recommend winter tyres if you're going to the resorts or the mountain in winter.
If you're heading up to the slopes, take both: chains go on and come off many times, and with winter tyres you save yourself half the hassle. Here's my guide to compulsory snow chains with the areas where snow is usually found.
Car, bus and shuttles
If you're only staying in the centre (Caldea, shopping, museums) you can do it all on foot and by bus: the bus.ad network connects the parishes and also goes up to the resorts. You can also get there by BlaBlaCar or by bus from Spain or France if you don't want to drive.
What I do recommend is renting a car if your plan is real snow: skiing, snowshoeing, viewpoints and villages are spread all over the country. A car for a weekend pays off from two people (about €50).
Parking in winter
In high season it's usually harder to park in the blue zone in the centre. Then it's usually a good plan to get parking with the hotel to be on the safe side.
The only thing is that in most hotels with paid parking, the parking isn't bookable and you can end up with no space. So it's worth having a plan B.
There's a private car park you can book online, Empark. There are also season tickets for the communal (public) car parks.
For more details, check my guide to where to park in Andorra, where I give tips like where to park by area.
When to go to Andorra in winter?
The ski season usually runs from the Immaculate Conception long weekend, at the start of December, until early April. But it all depends on what you're after.
If you're after the best snow, February is good. If you prefer the cheapest prices, I'd say go more towards the end of the season. And if you don't care so much about the snow and want to do activities that don't need such good snow quality, March is also good.
If you want to discover Andorra without necessarily doing snow activities, I recommend coming outside the ski season. Those are the months when hotels are most expensive; in summer, in the high mountain areas, you can find accommodation at half price.
Summer isn't bad and it's cheaper, but the best value for money is spring or autumn, which is when it's low season. That way you can find good accommodation at a good price and enjoy most of the non-snow activities. That would be my recommendation if you're not necessarily after the snow.
Conclusion
That's all, I hope it's been useful for planning your winter in Andorra.
Don't forget to fill up the tank before leaving (it's cheaper)! 🇦🇩
Born and raised in Encamp, Andorra. In my free time I explore my country and share the best activities, trails and hidden spots that most travel guides don't mention.
