El Serrat – a winter holiday at the quiet end of the Ordino Valley: In El Serrat, the day’s skiing doesn’t begin with music from an après-ski bar. Rather, it starts with a view of snow-covered mountain slopes, a coffee and the question of which run to tackle first today. The small village lies in the north of Andorra, where the Ordino Valley narrows and the mountains draw closer together. Stone houses, dark roofs and a few streets characterise the scene. If you’re the sort who likes to get away from the hustle and bustle on a skiing holiday, this is the place for you. A stroll before breakfast is enough to show why this unhurried corner of Andorra has its very own charm. Ordino Arcalís: plenty of snow, few distractions: From El Serrat, the road continues uphill to the Ordino Arcalís ski resort. There is no gondola lift directly from the village; to reach the valley station, you’ll need to drive or use the available bus services. At the top, around 30.5 kilometres of slopes await at altitudes between 1,940 and 2,625 metres. The resort faces north. This is precisely why the snow often lasts longer here than on sunnier slopes. Beginners and families will find plenty of space to make their first turns on the wide, gentle runs. More experienced skiers can move on to red runs or take their time tackling the more challenging sections. Ordino Arcalís is particularly well known amongst freeriders. Beyond the groomed runs lies alpine terrain, which, however, requires experience, suitable equipment and a careful assessment of the avalanche risk. Even without venturing into deep snow, it’s worth stopping off now and then: the view of the rugged peaks is simply part of the skiing experience here. Winter days that don’t have to follow a set schedule: not every day of your holiday needs a ski pass. Around El Serrat, trails lead through a landscape of woodland, streams and open mountain slopes. A snowshoe hike towards the Vall de Sorteny Nature Park is particularly beautiful. This allows you to experience Andorra’s quieter side, far away from crowded ski lifts. Those who prefer to wander through small villages can stop off in Ordino further down the valley and explore the old houses and narrow streets. In the evening, El Serrat quickly falls silent. Instead of bustling nightlife districts, there are cosy places to stay and the chance to simply enjoy a good meal after a long day on the slopes. It is precisely this mix that makes the place so appealing: active during the day, then unwinding afterwards without any grand plans. El Serrat is a particularly good choice for a skiing holiday in Andorra if proximity to Ordino Arcalís is more important than having a lift right outside the hotel door. The mountains take centre stage here. And that is to be taken quite literally.
