The ski resorts in Andorra have prepared a wide array of activities and experiences for this Christmas season. Highlights include torchlight descents, light parades, the arrival of Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men, fine dining under the stars, magical activities like mushing, and après-ski events featuring internationally acclaimed DJs.
All of this will take place under highly favourable skiing conditions, as the arrival of a cold front tomorrow is expected to bring fresh snowfall, further improving slope conditions. Grandvalira currently has around 120 km of open slopes, and with the forecasted snow, it aims to reach approximately 130 km by this weekend. One of the highlights will be the night slope in the Pas de la Casa sector, which will be operational from December 26 and remain open daily until January 5. In January, it will operate from Thursday to Saturday, and in February, it will return to daily operations until 8:00 PM. This slope will be one of two options for skiing beyond the regular operating hours, alongside the Sunset Park Peretol by Henrik Harlaut, which typically runs from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and offers a range of freestyle options.
Meanwhile, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís will continue to operate nearly 100% of their slopes and lifts, collectively providing over 200 km of skiable terrain across the three resorts. Additionally, snow production is expected to continue in the coming days, thanks to low temperatures, allowing for the gradual expansion of open slopes.
Torchlight and Light Parades in Soldeu and Pas de la Casa
As is tradition, on December 31 at 6:00 PM, the Soldeu sector of Grandvalira will close the year with a stunning light and fire show featuring a torchlight descent on the Ós, Bosc Fosc, and Avet slopes. Additionally, on Saturday, January 4, Soldeu will host a new light parade for children aged 6 to 12 to participate. The Demo Team will be present for both Soldeu events, performing an incredible descent wearing LED light suits alongside snow groomers.
The Pas de la Casa sector will also hold its traditional torchlight descent on January 5 to coincide with the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The parade will be accompanied by fireworks, and the visual spectacle will be completed with the procession of the Three Wise Men through the town’s streets.
But it’s not just the Three Wise Men visiting the resorts. Santa Claus will also take time out of his busy schedule to greet the little ones. Between December 23 and 25, he will ski across the Ordino Arcalís resort, visit the Jardí de Planells, and then meet children at the Planells Restaurant to collect their letters. For those at Grandvalira, on the morning of December 24, Santa Claus will visit the snow gardens and Ski Schools in various sectors. Children who want to meet him, have a snack with him, and hand him their letters can do so at the Cabaneta de Incles and the Mon(t) Magic Family Park. At Pal Arinsal, Santa will also host visits with snacks, games, and activities with his elves at the Rustic Restaurant starting December 20.
Everything is designed to make Christmas magical while the entire family enjoys skiing freely on the slopes or learning with the ski schools at the different resorts, which will be 100% operational for skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, and freeride for all ages and skill levels.
In fact, on Saturday, December 21, at the Soldeu platform, a free Snowboard Burton Riglet introductory session will be held for children aged 4 to 10. Kids will need to wear snow clothing, goggles, and gloves, while the school will provide the necessary snowboard equipment.
New Year’s Eve at L’Abarset and More Après-Ski Events
One of this Christmas season’s highlights is L’Abarset, the premier après-ski destination in the Pyrenees, hosting its first-ever New Year’s Eve party. To welcome 2025, the celebration will include après-ski, a dinner, and an after-party, offering nearly 12 hours of non-stop entertainment. Guests can choose from various ticket options to enjoy the full experience or select individual parts of the program.
Additionally, L’Abarset has planned other major events, such as the Bresh Party on December 27, organized by the renowned Argentine promoter behind the “world’s most beautiful party,” and The Trivute on December 29, a charitable initiative with proceeds going to the Food Bank of Cáritas Andorrana and the Andorran Association of Rare Diseases (AMMA).
Beyond L’Abarset, Ordino Arcalís will also bring music to its guests with a party on the KoKoi terrace on December 28, featuring DJ John Holt, and weekly Saturday sessions with DJ Oscar Folch from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Starry Dinners and Michelin Dining
The resorts’ gastronomic offerings are another major attraction this holiday season. Visitors to Grandvalira can indulge in the unique creations of Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany at the Vodka Bar and Brasserie Piolet. Gourmet food enthusiasts will also find numerous options in Grandvalira, such as the classics Wine & Meat Bar by Jean Leon (Soldeu), Racó de Solanelles (Encamp sector), Llac de Pessons Restaurant (Grau Roig), or La Arrocería (El Tarter).
At Pal Arinsal, the Pla de la Cot restaurant, located at an altitude of 2,000 meters, offers a culinary experience paired with stunning views of the starry skies in the heart of the Pyrenees. Reaching this venue requires a trek via ski touring or snowcat transport. At Coll de la Botella, guests can savor rice dishes and stone-grilled meats while enjoying astronomy-themed activities.
In Ordino Arcalís, the La Coma Restaurant continues to delight diners with its renowned mountain cuisine.
MoonBikes, A New Grandvalira Activty
This Christmas, Soldeu will introduce MoonBikes, 100% sustainable electric snowmobiles, starting December 26. The activity will take place at Pla de Espiolets from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is suitable for ages 14 and up.
This is just one of many activities offered in Andorra's ski domains, including mushing (sledding through forests with dogs), snowmobiling, and guided excursions with the Grandvalira Mountain Guides using ski touring or snowshoes. Additionally, weather permitting, visitors can try ice climbing in Ordino Arcalís and Grau Roig. Attractions like the Mon(t) Magic Family Park in Canillo, featuring the Magic Gliss alpine coaster and zipline, or sledding runs at Pal Arinsal, provide even more fun options.
Grandvalira Agenda:
· December 24: Santa Claus will visit the snow gardens and ski schools of the various sectors in the morning, starting at 11:00 AM.
· December 31: Torchlight descent in Soldeu at 6:00 PM and New Year’s Eve party at L’Abarset.
· January 4: Light parade in Soldeu at 6:30 PM for advanced-level children aged 6 to 12.
· January 5: Torchlight descent at 6:00 PM, followed by the arrival of the Three Wise Men and a fireworks show.
Pal Arinsal Agenda:
· December 23: Last chance to meet Santa Claus at Rustic Restaurant.
Ordino Arcalís Agenda:
· December 23 to 25, Santa Claus will ski across the resort from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, visit Jardí de Planells from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, and meet children at Planells Restaurant from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.