Winter Activity Week

The forest of La Rabassa near the Spanish border is a chance to see a different area of Andorra, and is ideal for exploring and absorbing the stunning snow-clad landscape on cross-country skis. Longer, thinner and lighter than downhill skis, cross-country skis are designed more for practicality than speed. Only the toe of your boot is attached to a cross-country ski (unlike a downhill ski where the whole boot is rigidly attached), which makes for a very different style of skiing. Having the ability to flex the heel allows you to climb as well as descend, which means you can cross a greater variety of terrain. The pace is relaxed - you’ll start on an easy circuit to get used to this new mode of transport. (BD)

This morning you can try out another age-old method of getting about in the snow - skiing (additional charge. Details of costs are listed in the optional activities section at the end of the trip notes). After heading up the Soldeu cable-car, you'll take a one hour lesson with a qualified instructor Once you've built up your confidence use your lift pass (included in the cost) to try your skills on the slopes in the Gran Valira ski area, one of the best skiing areas in Andorra. This is the highest and most extensive ski area in the Pyrenees encompassing the Soldeu-El Tarter and Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig ski resorts, so naturally there’s an excellent choice of slopes - from nursery to off-piste steep runs. Your ski instructor or Group Leader can advise which ones are most suitable for your level of ability. Beginners may well start off on the quieter slopes at Canarro allowing you more space in which to get to grips with your technique. If you are an experienced skier, you can ski on the intermediate slopes. (BD)

Today you can choose from the many activities on offer in Andorra. You may wish to head back to the slopes for more downhill skiing (in which case you’ll need to purchase a lift pass), or simply relax. You could take a bus into the capital, Andorra La Vella for some retails therapy. Andorra has no taxes and is thus the ultimate place to go tax-free shopping. Most towns have a variety of shops, but Andorra La Vella has by far the best selection.

In Escaldes-Engordagny you can visit Caldea thermal baths. The facilities are impressive - on three levels under a huge glass dome, there are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas, hot-tubs, jacuzzi, Turkish baths and even a grapefruit bath! A soak in the warm, mineral-laden thermal baths will help to ease away any aches and pains. Although not cheap, a general entry ticket allows you to pamper yourself for up to three hours. You can opt for one of the many additional treatments that include various styles of massage and hydrotherapy (at extra cost). The complex also has shops, restaurants, and a children’s centre. In Encamp you may like to visit the National Automobile Museum which houses an impressive collection of cars and bicycles – one of the largest in Europe. You could also take a ride in the state-of-the-art Funicamp gondola, which runs from Encamp up to the station at Collada d’Enradort (2506m) from where you could ski down to Grau Roig (for experienced skiers only). If you’re keen to try out a more active pursuit, you could go ice-skating in the Palau de Gel (ice stadium) in Canillo, or relax and watch some curling or ice-hockey.  (BD)