About Soldeu
A very popular ski resort sitting at 1710m, Soldeu is on the main through road from the capital Andorra la Vella to France. Soldeu attracts lots of British, Spanish & French tourists, gaving a varied mix of couples, groups, and families. The resort has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere as well as an excellent après ski atmosphere. Soldeu has some of the traditional charm having large converted farmhouses and old fashioned inns (locally known as bordas). Soldu has a good choice of bars and a small nightclub which keep Soldeu lively until the early morning hours (click here for more info about bars and clubs in Soldeu). The resort is also has a decent variety of restaurants which offer everything from traditional local Catalan dishes, with influences from France and Spain, to British, Indian and Argentine cuisine (Please click to see details of Soldeu restaurants).
As a popular winter destination, the most popular activities are snowboarding and skiing. The story goes that in 1924 the very first skier in the valley was a postman who decided to swap snowshoes for a set of wooden skis to speed up his round and make it easier during winter. In 1964 the area of Soldeu - El Tarter sector formed by three families and was with just one chair lift and a restaurant/bar accessed only from Soldeu. In the 1981-82 season the Riba Escorxada area was developed, which provided access from the resort of El Tarter, found just a few kilometres along the valley. The valley has developed rapidly over the years, most notably in recent years being the link up of Soldeu - El Tarter with the neighbouring resorts of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Canillo and Encamp during the 2003-04 season to create the fantastic Grandvalira ski area, which then went on to expanded across the French border to add the seventh resort of Porte des Neiges. Grandvalira now boasts 193km of piste, forming the largest skiable domain in the Pyrenees, with a modern and efficient lift system ideal for transporting the many skiers and snowboarders around the slopes it has to offer.
Offering a large selection of wide, gently sloping runs and a superb English speaking ski school, both resorts of Grandvalira Soldeu and El Tarter are particularly recommended for beginners and aspiring intermediates. There is, however, plenty on offer for competent skiers and snowboarders who want more of a challenge including the FIS black slope "Avet" where you can put your skills to the test on the same run used to host the European cup. In addition, Grandvalira boasts a further 21 black runs and 32 reds, as well as some very challenging mogul runs. For those of you who seek adventure there are freestyle parks in the Grandvalira area, the biggest of which is located in Grandvalira El Tarter with some challenging jumps, half pipe, a big air bag and a selection of rails. To top it off, Grandvalira Soldeu and El Tarter both have some beautiful picturesque tree lined runs and some fine mountain restaurants to dine by the slopes.
Soldeu hosts many other activities including ice driving, snowmobiling, paragliding, helicopter flights and the superb Sport Wellness Spa located next to the five star Sport Hermitage Hotel. The village has a small selection of shops; however for the best shopping head for the capital city of Andorra la Vella, found approx half an hour away by car or bus.
Just two kilometres along the valley from Soldeu you will find the neighbouring ski resort of El Tarter, a much quieter village and more suited to couples and families looking for a relaxing stay with good access to the slopes. El Tarter has a handful of bars and restaurants and a small supermarket. A ten seater cable car links the village to the slopes, as well as a four seater chair lift from the village. El Tarter has its own English speaking ski and snowboard school, plus a small nursery and snow garden for younger children. To keep you entertained off the slopes you will find a wellness centre and a bowling alley located in Hotel Nordic, alongside other activities such as dog sledding on offer. If you want more action after dark you might want to make the short trip into Soldeu.
Soldeu-andorra.com
Soldeu-andorra.com was the final addition to the series of websites brining together information about Soldeu and nearby El Tarter. We work with Grandvalira to offer lift passes and group school, and for rental equipment we work with Sports Calbo in the centre of Soldeu, and Nordic Esports just by the slopes of El Tarter.
More Information
- Basic information about Pas de la Casa, Andorra
- Basic information about Arinsal, Andorra
- Basic information about Andorra
