Thanks to its generous size, Grandvalira means continued leisure, even beyond skiing. This domain is the result of the joined areas of Encamp, Soldeu, Grau Roig, Canillo, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa and Porte des Neiges. The result is 193 kilometres of ski runs and a long list of services and activities.

Among this season's novelties, the main one is the new Peretol area, a small run ideal for beginners and families, located in Envalira. Faster skiers may want to try the two new timed runs, at Grandvalira-Soldeu and at Tubs de Grandvalira-Pas de la Casa. In addition to this, three new freeride runs have been opened in Grandvalira-Canillo.

The services offered by the Grandvalira facilities have been noticed by the world of high competition. Among other events, this season there will be a trial for the women's alpine ski European Cup (at the renovated Avet stadium), Pirena - the traditional dog-pulled sleigh race, the Snowgames and a trial for the Mountain Ski World Championship (at Canillo).

Sleeping in an igloo, a unique experience 

The Iglú Hotel (tel.: 902 550 435) is still one of the greatest attractions in Grandvalira. This season it is located in Coma III-Edificio Xirixuca, at Grandvalira-GrauRoig. It is a resort built entirely in ice, at an altitude of 2,350 metres. It has nine igloos: four to be shared by groups, another four double ones and one, the Suite, specially built for romantic couples who like the cold. Although it does have a hydromassage tub to get warm.

This is no normal accommodation, therefore it pays to follow the advice of the management. To begin with, you need to wear snow clothes and shoes (no jeans and trainers here, please), and carry a torch. The booking includes a special sleeping bag, a night-time walk with snowshoes - weather permitting - and a dinner at the Iglú Restaurant, mainly based on cheese fondue. If anyone finds it romantic enough, weddings are also organised in a nearby building. This is an experience for those who would love to explore the Arctic Sea, in one of the most important winter tourism destinations in Europe.

Shopping along the longest slide in Europe 

Your stay in Grandvalira can also be a good excuse to enjoy all that Andorra has to offer. Its capital city, Andorra la Vella, is inundated during the ski season. You can go shopping to any and all of its 1,500 first quality stores, or visit Caldea, the largest thermal leisure centre in Europe, with 6,000 square metres, and indoor and outdoor lagoons.

For family-friendly tourism, or simply to have a break from skiing, there is a theme park in Sant Julià de Lòria, Naturlandia. This season, the great attraction is the Tobotronc: the longest snow slide in Europe, with 5,300 metres in length and a 400-metre slope.

When you seek that much-needed break, try the best Andorran cuisine, similar to other Catalan Pyrenees gastronomies. At Can Benet, the specialities are foie gras and escudella  stew. At Borda Estevet (a borda  is a typical rural Andorran building) the offer includes excellent game dishes. For a French touch, the best is the Bistrot Chez Jacques (tel.: 00376 820 325, a restaurant recommended by the Repsol Guide).