A sunny day skiing and a night on ice : let’s enjoy the 'Iglu Experience' at Grandvalira, the largest ski resort in the Pyrénées mountains. Skiing is always different in Andorra.

Sochi is finished, so let’s come back down to earth and discover the wonderful and unspoilt mountains of Andorra. What about Andorra? It is a very small country located in the heart of the Pyrénées, sandwiched between France and Spain. It is a place where you can discover a well preserved Roman architectural heritage and traditional Catalan food, where you can enjoy tax-free shopping but most of all, it’s where you can really enjoy skiing in snow and sun.

Grandvalira is one of the ski resorts you can find in Andorra, and it is the largest one in the Pyrénées. Can you imagine a place where you can ski from one valley to another just exploring the more than 200 kilometres of ski tracks, where the names sound so southernly and where you can hear people speaking French, Spanish and English and where you can stop for lunch or a drink in very smart mountain restaurants with Catalan cooking and DJ music. Freestyle riding, international ski competitions, free wifi everywhere, snow rugby tournament and Ibiza atmosphere are some of the others assets of Grandvalira ski resort. As well as the restaurant at the beautiful Pessons lake, the Vodka Bar where you can stop for a tasty breakfast in front of the fire, the Calla Bassa Beach Club for a sangria and techno mix, or the Solanelles restaurant and its wonderful panoramic terrace. Choice is wide and skiing here is quite different. Last but not least, here you can either sleep in 4 or 5 stars hotels or sleep quite alone on the mighty mountain in a luxury igloo.


The day is over. The ski resort is closed. You can just hear and see the machines working on the snow for the next day. You have an appointment at the woody and warm Grau Roig Hotel in the small village of Grau Roig at around 7 pm. One glass of wine or beer later, it’s time to climb the mountain, with help from a ratrac machine, and discover the igloo, built for the winter season, in the middle of nowhere. In front of you, the Pic Blanc is watching over you. In the igloo, just the silence, the air is fresh but not really cold.


Actually about 0°C… The first impression when going through the door of the igloo is that you are entering into another world, very quiet and very far away from civilization. Don’t worry, everything is under control and the Igloo experience will be a very comfortable one. In good weather, you can go for a walk using snow-shoes to have a little exercise before dinner. The stars and moon are lighting up the darkness, the whole landscape is just black and white. Back to the igloo, the Chef has prepared for you a special warming menu. Don’t miss the Escudella, an invigorating Catalan soup made with sausages and chicken. Then there is a choice of duck meat or fish or sometimes cheese fondue. Dessert and wines are included and mittens are also provided so you can enjoy the meal. It’s like being in your own private restaurant.

On your own, a couple or in a group, after diner you might like enjoy the Jacuzzi (private en-suite). Warm bubbling water but surrounded by snow, it’s a great way to relax. Afterwards you can go back to your icy rooms (each room is decorated with it’s own theme; the traditional Andorra house or the Argentinean one and is arranged for two people or for groups. Now, you can slip into the special Arctic sleeping bags (single & double) resting on a bed of ice and enjoy the silence of a night in the mountains.


Surprisingly, it is not cold and it is very nice to smell the clean, fresh air while your body is warm and well wrapped up in the sleeping bag. Just silence. Just mountains. Just all alone in the world.

In the morning, when someone comes to the door of your ‘room’ saying hello, it's time to wake up, you open your eyes and look around. The whole atmosphere is quite surreal as the daylight filters through the ice walls. Yes, sadly it’s time to return to reality.

Skiing back or using the ski lift, you will be welcomed at the Grau Roig Hotel with a delicious buffet breakfast. Now the sun is shining out of a clear blue sky and it’s time for more mountain skiing. What a truly memorable trip – it should be on everyone’s wish list.

For more information about The Iglu Hotel visit
http://www.iglu-dorf.com/en/standorte/andorra.htm

For more information about Grau Roig Hotel visit
http://www.hotelgrauroig.com/

The writer - Alexandra Foissac has been a freelance journalist since 2000
specialising in biotechnology and innovation, but also culture, fashion and tourism. To see Alexandra's blog please visit 9skyline.wordpress.com