Andorra is known around the world as a country that absolutely adores sport. Skiing is, logically, the sport most commonly associated with the microstate, but mountain biking in Andorra is also very popular. In this guide to the Andorra mountain biking scene, we’ll explain why cycling is so popular in the principality and reveal some of the best Andorra MTB trails.
Why Andorra is a mountain biker’s dream destination
There are dozens of top-quality Andorra mountain biking trails, which makes sense given that the principality boasts 65 peaks of over 2,000 metres. It is one of the most spectacularly mountainous parts of Europe, making Andorra a mountain biker’s dream. Besides the terrain, there are other reasons why mountain biking in Andorra is so popular. We’ll go through four of the reasons right here.
Diverse terrain: From flow trails to technical challenges
Andorra is so mountainous and boasts so much mountain biking terrain that you’ll find a great range of Andorra MTB trails. From flow trails to technical challenges, Andorra has something to offer every kind of mountain biker. Another plus is that you’ll often find beginner mountain biker courses right next to advanced ones, making it easy to enjoy an Andorra mountain biking holiday in a group with varying levels of skill.
Stunning scenery: Ride through alpine meadows and forests
If you like to enjoy the views as you pedal, then you’ll be in your element with Andorra MTB holidays. The principality can offer some of the most sensational views of the Pyrenean Mountain Range. Whether you’re out in an open meadow or mountain biking through a path in an Andorran forest, you’ll be cycling in paradise.
World-class bike parks: Grandvalira and Vallnord
As well as mountain biking in Andorra’s natural landscapes, you can also benefit from the world-class bike parks that Andorra has to offer. That includes the renowned Pal Arinsal Bike Park, located in the parish of La Massana, which contains 32 different circuits. But, that’s not all. In the summer of 2023, 94km of Grandvalira E-Bike Trails went live, with signposted e-bike routes in various different parishes.
Bike-friendly infrastructure and culture
Overall, the Andorra mountain biking scene is a welcoming one and there is a lovely MTB culture in the microstate. You’ll come across a mix of locals who love to cycle, tourists who have travelled in order to mountain bike and even professionals who live in Andorra to make the most of the Andorra MTB trails. No matter your level of cycling expertise, you’ll be left impressed by the country’s bike-friendly infrastructure.
Top mountain bike trails in Andorra
If you’re looking for a high-quality mountain bike trail in Andorra, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are several excellent options, depending on which part of the country you’re staying in.
Grandvalira bike park: Gravity-fuelled fun
If you are staying at Grandvalira, you can truly enjoy one of the most fulfilling Andorra MTB holidays. Many visitors to the principality choose to stay at this resort precisely for this reason, keen to make the most of the Grandvalira Mountain Bike School. By riding with the school’s certified monitors, you can bend the gravity of the mountains to your will and enjoy the most exhilarating rides possible.
Pal Arinsal Bike Park: Something for every rider
As mentioned above, Pal Arinsal Bike Park is one of the most popular bike parks around. With its 32 different circuits, there really is something for everyone and for every difficulty level. One thing to note with the Pal Arinsal Bike Park is that it is spread across a couple of different areas, given that Pal and Arinsal are separate locations, even if they’re close together.
Beyond the trails: Andorra’s social side of mountain biking
Going beyond the actual MTB trails, there are also social benefits of mountain biking in Andorra. That’s what makes Andorra MTB holidays truly stand out, as the microstate has a special mountain biking culture. How is it special? Well, let’s look at a few examples.
The Andorra MTB Classic race
The Andorra MTB Classic is a relatively new racing competition, but it has quickly established itself as one of the must-not-miss events of the European summer for mountain biking enthusiasts. Riders work in two-person teams over four days and the first editions of this event have captured the attention and imagination. It is organised by The Epic Series, who explain: “The race brings together riders from around the world to indulge their sense of adventure, challenge their limits and discover the beauty of a country made for mountain biking.”
Après-bike: Food, drinks and entertainment
Just as there is après-ski in the winter, there is après-bike in the summer. This term, which comes from the French word for “after”, refers to the period after a day’s mountain biking when cyclists come together to share some food, drink and entertainment. After a day kicking up mud while riding through the Andorra MTB trails, there’s nothing better than relaxing with good company in an Andorra restaurant.
Local bike shops and community
As well as coming together in the après-bike environment, riders also meet in local Andorran bike shops and form community there, which is another of the social benefits of mountain biking. Given the passion for this sport in Andorra, there are plenty of bike shops in the country and many people stop by just to have a chat and catch up with fellow MTB fans.