Encamp - Ski in Grandvalira (Andorra)
The Encamp ski sector is the first access to the territory from Spain and also the closest to the town of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany.
Encamp sector
The Funicamp, a 6 km-long gondola lift, joins the town of Encamp with the area of Solanelles in just 15 minutes.
Solanelles is where you’ll find the top of the slopes and one of the best panoramic views across the whole territory.
The Funicamp itself is also an experience, being one of the longest cable cars in Europe.
How to get to Encamp
If you’re visiting us by car, you can easily get to Encamp-Grandvalira via the CG-2 road. If you leave from Andorra la Vella and head towards France, the journey will take approximately 10 minutes. Plus, with the Park and Ride scheme you can park for free in the town of Encamp and take the shuttle bus to the Funicamp.
You can also reach us via public transport on the L2 bus from Andorra la Vella to Encamp. Buses depart every 20 minutes from Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays. Check the timetables and stops.
The Funicamp will take you to the ski slopes in just 15 minutes. During the 6 km journey, you can enjoy panoramic views over the spectacular snow-covered landscapes.
Restaurants in Encamp
The Solanelles area, at the top station of the Funicamp, is Encamp’s main food hub.
On the ground floor of the building you’ll find the self-service restaurant, which offers a wide variety of hot and cold dishes to choose from.
The second floor is home to El Racó de Solanelles, which offers an à la carte menu and specialises in Argentinian-style grilled meat dishes.
Both of these restaurants boast superb views over the valley and the mountains that surround the Encamp sector.
What to do in Encamp
Encamp is not just a gateway to the Grandvalira slopes; it also offers an opportunity to learn more about the history of Andorra.
The town centre is home to the Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in Casa Cristo: an excellent example of a modest Andorran dwelling built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Encamp’s beautiful old quarter, which is located right next to the museum. If you’re a lover of classic vehicles and cars in general, the Automobile Museum is an absolute must. There are 80 cars and more than 60 motorbikes on display, along with a selection of memorabilia and vintage items, making this collection one of the largest in southern Europe.
In the village of Les Bons, just outside Encamp, you’ll find several examples of the Romanesque art that Andorra is famed for. The small church of Sant Romà de les Bons dates back to the mid-12th century and boasts a number of frescoes (both originals and reproductions) on the walls of its interior. Next to the church stands an old tower, which was originally used for defensive purposes but now serves as a small viewpoint overlooking the town of Encamp. The church of Santa Eulalia de Encamp is another fine Romanesque building, although it underwent a series of modifications and extensions between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Excursions in Encamp
In winter, you can enjoy a variety of snowshoeing and ski mountaineering excursions around Encamp.
You can even book guided ski mountaineering excursions with Grandvalira Mountain Guides, departing from Grandvalira. However, excursions of this kind are usually recommended for those who have an intermediate or advanced level of proficiency in this type of skiing. If you prefer to go at your own pace, all of Grandvalira’s sectors have ski mountaineering or snowshoeing circuits that allow you to explore the resort. You can find all of them on this map.
However, if you’d prefer to venture outside the resort, one of the best-known snowshoeing trails is the Camí de les Pardines. At a little over 3 km long, it’s ideal for those who are just getting started in this type of activity. During the excursion you can admire the landscape and views of the town of Encamp, before finally arriving at Lake Engolasters. To get to the trail head, follow the CS-220 road towards Els Cortals d’Encamp for 3 km until you reach a sign for Lake Engolasters telling you to turn right. Nearby, you’ll be able to park your car and set off on the excursion.