Grau Roig in Andorra – days on the slopes with plenty of space and little hustle and bustle: in Grau Roig, your day’s skiing doesn’t begin amongst souvenir shops and rows of hotels, but right in the heart of the mountains. This small winter sports resort, situated at around 2,100 metres, is an unusual part of Grandvalira: There is no established village centre here, but instead car parks right next to the ski area, dark pine trees and peaks bathed in sunlight even in the morning. If you’re looking for snow and slopes above all else on your skiing holiday in Andorra, this is the place for you. From the base in Grau Roig, lifts take you to runs catering to a wide range of abilities. Wide, uncluttered slopes make those first turns easier, whilst more experienced skiers will find plenty to enjoy on the red and black runs. The alternation between open mountain slopes and sections at the edge of the forest is particularly appealing. And because Grau Roig is part of the extensive Grandvalira ski area, you’re not limited to these runs: the lift connections take you on towards Pas de la Casa or into the other sectors. This means a familiar favourite run can quickly turn into an extended ski tour. When visibility is good, it’s worth glancing back now and then: below the mountain ridges, the groomed runs lie like bright ribbons between the dark clusters of trees, with further peaks rising behind them. If you’re skiing with children, it’s worth keeping an eye on the specially designed learning and adventure areas. Those who are already confident skiers, on the other hand, will discover more challenging terrain and freeride opportunities. Off the secured slopes, appropriate experience, equipment and a careful assessment of the avalanche risk are, of course, essential. Grau Roig is also renowned for its speed-skiing run, which hosts international competitions. This alone demonstrates just how versatile this part of the Pyrenees is. A break here doesn’t have to be just a break. At the Refugi del Llac de Pessons, you’ll find mountain cuisine and stunning surroundings by Lake Pessons. If you fancy taking a break from skiing, you can set off on snowshoes when conditions allow or try one of the winter activities on offer. This reveals a different side to Grau Roig: quieter, slower and with more time to take in the landscape. In the evening, it’s considerably quieter here than in the busier neighbouring resorts. For overnight stays, you can choose between a hotel right in the area or accommodation in places such as Pas de la Casa and Soldeu. This makes Grau Roig particularly appealing for anyone who wants to ski as much as possible during the day and then decide for themselves whether they prefer peace and quiet or a livelier atmosphere. Grau Roig is ideal for a winter holiday where your daily plans are guided more by the piste map than by the events calendar. That may sound unspectacular, but for many it’s the very reason they head for the mountains in winter.
