| Best for beginners
For beginners, Ray recommends Port Vell in Pal-Arinsal, which is home to what he describes as “a confidence-building 3km blue run.”
“It’s a slope that takes you back to where you started, and you can see the bottom for most of the way down, which gives you a nice sense of security when you’re just starting to ski independently or trying longer runs.”
Best for intermediates
Ray recommends that intermediates try out Gall de Bosc in Grandvalira (Pas de la Casa): “It’s an 8km blue run, with some great views and photo opportunities along the way, and plenty of places for a hot chocolate stop too.
“There are lots of moments where you can pause at the side of piste and have a rest or reflect on how you’re skiing and regroup before you tackle the next bit.”
Best for advanced skiers
For advanced skiers, Ray points to his all-time favourite red run in Torrallardona, Grandvalira. Ray says: “It’s fast, furious and fun. It’s quite a short run and when you get to the bottom, there’s a lift that takes you back to the top, meaning it’s an easy one to loop over and over again – and maximises your ski-to-lift time. If I want to brush up on my technique, this piste is where I’d head to.
“It tends to catch and hold lots of powder after a dump of snow, so it’s great for practising your powder skiing too. In fresh snow, this is one slope I’d never pass without skiing it.”
Best for experts
For experts seeking a real challenge, he points to the Àliga’s black run in El Tarter: “Lots of World Cup events have been held on it, and with a maximum gradient of 56%, it’s certainly steep.
“However, what’s great is that it’s also wide, so you can always find your turns. It’s kinder and more confidence-giving than many black runs out there – you can plan your route down and practise your short turns. Àliga is a run that brings out the best in a skier.’”
Best for families
Families shouldn’t miss Megaverd at Ordino Arcalis (Arinsal) – an 8km green run that Ray says is perfect for kids.
“The Megaverd is an ideal run for celebrating your children learning to ski, and getting in your first turns all together as a family. It’s long and very easy – just right for giving younger skiers lots of confidence, plus the kids will love skiing with the grown-ups.”
Best for first-time skiers
When it comes to tips for first-time visitors (beyond the après-ski), Ray recommends exploring Andorra’s hidden treasures:
“There’s lots to do if you do a little bit of research,” he says. “Snowshoeing in Val d’Incles near Soldeu can be a wonderful experience. And I’d recommend taking the bus from Arinsal to Arcalis – it’s the venue for one of the stages of the Swatch Freeride World Tour.”
Ray’s love affair with Andorra began in 1996 while working for TUI in Catalunya’s Costa Dorada: “That’s when I first visited Andorra and fell in love with the principality. I made many visits, but it wasn’t until 2004 that the opportunity came up to work there – and I’ve enjoyed every season since.”
You can find out more about Andorra ski holidays on crystalski.ie.
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