Parròquia Encamp – A skiing holiday combining village life and Grandvalira: In Encamp, a day’s skiing often gets off to a very relaxed start: the smell of fresh coffee wafts from the bakery, a few holidaymakers are shouldering their skis, and the first mountain peaks are beginning to glow above the rooftops. If you’re staying in the Encamp parish, you don’t have to choose between cosy village life and a large ski resort. Both are surprisingly close together. The big advantage is the Funicamp. The gondola departs directly from Encamp and takes winter sports enthusiasts up to Solanelles at around 2,500 metres in about 15 minutes. On the way up, the Cortals valley glides past, whilst the slopes of Grandvalira are already waiting at the top. The cable car is six kilometres long; the journey almost feels like a little excursion before the actual day’s skiing begins. Whether it’s wide turns in the morning or a more challenging run after lunch: in the extensive Grandvalira ski area, there are new runs to discover every day. Via the interconnected sectors, skiers and snowboarders can continue on towards Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa. Those still learning will find ski schools and suitable learning opportunities. And for those who prefer photography to skiing, Solanelles offers a particularly beautiful view of the Pyrenees. Pas de la Casa, on the French border, also forms part of the parish of Encamp. This lively winter sports resort offers a different atmosphere: situated at a high altitude, close to the slopes and boasting shops, cafés and a bustling atmosphere on the streets. The municipality thus offers two distinct starting points for a winter holiday in Andorra. After a day’s skiing, it’s worth not heading straight back to your hotel in Encamp. A stroll takes you through old alleyways to the Church of Santa Eulàlia. In the historic district of Les Bons, Romanesque walls tell of a time when nobody here had even thought of gondola lifts. The Motor Museum is also an interesting alternative, especially when the weather isn’t on your side. Even without skiing, you can have a lovely day here: strolling through the village, sampling regional specialities or simply enjoying the mountain air. For lunch, a stop at the Solanelles mountain station is ideal. From the terrace, whilst enjoying a hot meal, you can watch the sun move across the mountain ridges. In the evening, it’s back down to the valley, where restaurants and small bars await guests who have long since taken off their ski boots. The location is also convenient: Encamp is easily reached from Andorra la Vella by bus or car. Anyone planning a skiing holiday in the Parròquia Encamp will find a good mix of short distances, plenty of choice of slopes and genuine discoveries away from the runs.
