Andorra’s ski areas have made preliminary announcements of their plans for the coming winter, with full details to follow shortly.

The country lost market share last winter which tour operators believe is due to its ongoing efforts to reposition itself as a quality rather than budget destination.

In a move to re-establish its high value credentials, for all Andorran ski areas and for the first time, Andorra will offer free ski passes for children under 14, booking through an English or Irish tour operator.

The principality’s ski resorts are also aiming to further widen their appeal beyond the conventional ski and snowboarding market including the first ice hotel in the Pyrenees, the most southerly in the world, at Grau Roig; several new ice rinks, snowmobile circuit, low-cost helicopter sight seeing flights and tubing slopes. Between them Grandvalira (including Soldeu / Pas de la Casa) and Vallnord (Including Pal, Arinsal and La Massana) have spent more than 20 million Euros on upgrades which include more snowmaking and a new chairlift at Arinsal.

www.skiandorra.ad