ultimate-apres-ski-experience-andorra
When the sun starts going down in Andorra, setting behind the beautiful Pyrenees, that doesn’t mean the day is over. Far from it. People often ask does Andorra have good nightlife and the answer is absolutely yes! At Grandvalira, the largest of the ski resorts in Andorra, the vibrant après-ski scene means the fun continues throughout the evening and well into the night.
Made up of an array of activities, dining experiences and shows, the après-ski Andorra experience is as much a part of an Andorra ski resort holiday as the actual skiing or snowboarding itself. In this guide to the après-ski Andorra scene, we’ll outline all you need to know and some of the best and coolest sports to check out.
What is après-ski?
Let’s start by answering the question of what is après-ski. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the après-ski meaning is: “Après-ski refers to social activities that take place in the evening at hotels and restaurants in places where people go to ski.”
It’s also interesting to note that après-ski is a French term, which literally means “after ski”. Why is après-ski written in French? Well, that’s because so many of the best après-ski Europe ski resorts are located in French-speaking regions, which is also the case when it comes to Andorra, since French is a very commonly spoken language in the microstate, even if Catalan is Andorra’s official language.
Grandvalira: The epicentre of skiing and après-ski in Andorra
If you’re staying at Grandvalira in Andorra, then it’s the world-renowned hotels and restaurants of Grandvalira where you’ll find some post-skiing and post-snowboarding fun. As the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, it’s little surprise that Grandvalira is not only the epicentre of Andorran skiing but also of après-ski parties.
Après-ski options in Grandvalira
No matter which sector of Grandvalira you’re staying at or skiing on, there will be après-ski activities you can join in with. Here, we’ll break down some of the most popular après-ski Andorra experiences you’ll find at Grandvalira.
Après-ski at L’Abarset
If you look online or ask anyone “Where is there après-ski in Andorra?”, one of the first places to be mentioned will be the L’Abarset Andorra après-ski. Located in the popular El Tarter sector, L’Abarset has become a truly iconic venue and has redefined the après-ski Andorra experience.
The space covers more than 2,000 square metres, across two floors and with a terrace of approximately 700 square metres. It is a mix of rustic mountain charm with modern sophistication, and of course there are incredible panoramic views of the snow-clad Pyrenean peaks.
This is where the magic happens. L’Abarset serves high-quality tapas and drinks, mixing local Andorran cuisine with visitors’ favourite brands from around the world. Then, as the evening progresses, L’Abarset transforms into a vibrant hub of entertainment as world-famous DJs take to the stage, spinning tracks that energise the crowd and create an electric atmosphere. In the past, these have included the likes of Paco Osuna, Maceo Plex, Ilario Alicante and many more.
In the most recent winter season, over 100,000 après-ski enthusiasts passed through L’Abarset, so it’s clearly the place to be.
Après-ski parties
It’s not only at L’Abarset where you can find an après-ski party in Andorra. Many of the other restaurants and bars serving mountain dinners in Andorra also have a party vibe after dark and after dinner time. There is a buzz across the entire ski resort, creating a festive ambiance that is always complemented by a wonderful selection of beverages, from fine wines to crafted cocktails.
The best way to discover which après-ski setting best fits your post-skiing mood or pace is to try them out, or to ask the other skiers you interact with during your holiday where they’ve been spending their après-ski, and perhaps you’ll even check it out together. A skiing holiday is a great way to meet new people, and après-ski is a big part of that.
Night activities and slopes
If an après-ski party isn’t your kind of thing, there are many other activities you can take part in after the sun goes down. There are night-time walks or night-time ski runs, while the Sunset Park Henrik Harlaut has become a popular meeting point for freestyle enthusiasts, as this Andorra snowpark opens from 17:00 to 21:00 several nights of the week.
Another favourite activity is simply to gaze at the stars. With Andorra’s ski resorts spread out around the country and located in the middle of nature, there is very little light pollution and you can see the stars like never before. Whether you stargaze on your own or as part of a group, this is an experience you surely won’t forget in a hurry.
Tips for making the most of your après-ski experience
If you want the most enjoyable après-ski experience possible during your holiday, keep these tips in mind before you set off.
Firstly, remember to stay hydrated and nourished. Given that the physical activities of skiing and snowboarding can be taxing on the body, and given that you’ll be at high altitude, remember to drink a lot of water as well as trying the drinks on offer. Eating a good hearty meal can help too, and of course trying the local cuisine is part of the experience too.
And secondly, try to be adventurous and speak with other guests. Sharing stories and experiences can enhance your visit and provide insights into the Andorran skiing community, while you might learn about the best après-ski recommendations from fellow travellers. That could set you up for the next evening’s après-ski too!