with children

Category: with children

museos de andorra

Route through the museums of Andorra

with children,  Culture & Art in AndorraPosted on

Today we take you on a tour around the museums of Andorra. Although there are more than 20, in this guide we suggest 5 varied and different ones so that you can get to know the Principality in an original way.

 

The newest: Bici Lab Andorra

You’ve probably heard it said that “Andorra is cycling territory”. Well, this month the interactive centre dedicated to cycling has opened. There are some 100 exhibits on display, ranging from 1817 to 2022. You will be able to observe the evolution of this means of transport, which is also one of the largest collections of bicycles in Europe.

To visit it, you’ll have to go down to the centre, right next to the Andorran government building.

If you’re a big fan of motoring, Andorra also has an automobile museum and a motorbike museum, where you can see some very old models that are well worth a visit.

 

A traditional Andorran house: La casa Cristo

On our route through the museums of Andorra we cannot miss an ethnographic visit to find out what life was like in times gone by. This time we take you to Casa Cristo, in the old quarter of Encamp, where you can see how a family of labourers lived in a rural house. All the rooms in the house are decorated as they were in the past, with original furniture and objects dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Principality has two more house museums, Casa Rull, located in Sispony, in the parish of La Massana, and Areny Plandolit, in Ordino.

 

An afternoon of art at the Carmen Thyssen Museum Andorra

This guide should not miss the Carmen Thyssen Museum in Andorra, where works of art from her private collection are on display. Each year it presents a different temporary exhibition, featuring paintings and sculptures with a common denominator, either in terms of the period of the artists or the artistic style. It is located in the village of Escaldes in the Valira hotel, an emblematic building due to its historical value and granite construction style.

You will want to complete your visit with the CAEE (the Escaldes Engordany art centre), which hosts temporary exhibitions and also has a permanent display of sculptures by Josep Viladomat and models of Romanesque art.

 

A unique museum: the miniature museum

We continue our tour of Andorra’s museums in one of the most original in the country. You can see, sometimes through a microscope, the works of the artist Nicolai Siadristy, handmade creations made from noble materials such as gold and platinum or from paper, fruit seeds or rice grains.

To visit it you will have to go to Ordino, one of the most beautiful villages in Andorra, and you can also take the opportunity to stroll around.

 

Last stop on the route through the museums of Andorra

In the Comic Museum you will find authentic works of art. It contains a biographical collection dating from 1904 to the present day, with Spanish, European and American collections. It includes Tintin, Asterix and Obelix, and the different Marvel collections, among others. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and a themed fair held every year in spring.

You will have to go to La Massana to visit it.

 

We recommend that you do this route around the museums of Andorra on different days so that you can enjoy the area around them at your leisure. And don’t forget to book in our flats to rest and recover your strength. If you want to know more plans to do in Andorra, check out our article: 10 places in Andorra you can’t miss.  

 

valle-del-madriu

Discover the Madriu Valley of Andorra

nature in Andorra,  hiking, mountain and summer sports,  with childrenPosted on

Make the most of this summer and discover one of the most outstanding natural sites in Andorra. The Madriu, Perafita and Claror Valley is the only natural park in the Pyrenees declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of almost 4,250 hectares, occupying 4 parishes: Encamp, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià de Lòria and Escaldes Engordany, which represents 10% of the total surface area of the country. Are you coming to discover it?

 

What to do in the Madriu valley?

From the natural park you can reach peaks, the highest of which is La Portella at 2905 metres, and some thirty lakes, such as La Illa (the second largest in Andorra). This area is home to 70% of the native species of the Pyrenees, including birds, reptiles, mammals and fish.

The Madriu Valley is important for its natural value and also for its cultural heritage, as it is testimony to the action of man through agriculture, livestock farming and iron and steel industry. There are still some buildings such as small huts and the remains of the Escaldes forge, testimony to the activity that was carried out in this natural area.  

 

Hiking routes

The Madriu Valley has an endless number of routes for all levels and of different distances. Whether you want to go for a midday stroll with the whole family and climb up to Ramio, or if you are a mountain enthusiast and want to take advantage of the first rays of light to climb up to Estany Blau or Illa Lake. The park is part of thematic routes such as the Coronallacs, a biodiversity itinerary or an itinerary about the iron and steel industry, among others.

The starting points for the excursions can be made from many points in the parishes of Encamp, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià or Escaldes.

If you prefer to be accompanied, you can hire professional mountain guides. Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

 

Climbing and via ferrata

Fans of this sport will find in the Madriu Valley an ideal place to practise it or to learn it, as it has different routes with different degrees of difficulty. 

 

Activities in the Madriu Valley

During the summer, the park organises thematic talks, routes and activities that take place in different parts of the natural park, to bring this protected area closer to the public.

You can consult all the activities offered in the valley here. 

 

How to get to the Madriu Valley?

It is accessible from the parishes of Encamp, Andorra la Vella, Sant Julià and Escaldes.

You can get there by public transport or in your own car. Nearby you’ll find blue zone or barrier car parks so you can park comfortably.

 

This summer is all about having adventures, enjoying the mountains and nature. So pack good shoes and suitable clothing and enjoy the hike.

valle-de-incles

3 hiking routes in the Incles Valley of Andorra

hiking, mountain and summer sports,  nature in Andorra,  with childrenPosted on

Not far from our flats you’ll find one of the most beautiful valleys in Andorra, an area rich in the country’s local flora and fauna, and the starting point for many hiking routes.

We warn you: one visit and you’ll want to come back until you get to know all its hidden corners.

 

Excursions from the Incles Valley

This summer enjoy the mountain in all its magnificence: nature, lakes, forests… Get good shoes and suitable clothing, we’re going hiking!

 

Hiking route to the lakes of Juclà

This is one of the best known itineraries in the Incles Valley. It starts at the end of the road crossing the Incles river, following a forest track until you reach the Travenc crossroads, where the valley opens up and you can take a rest while you admire the spectacular views. Through the forest you will come across black pines and colourful rhododendrons. Once you have passed the river Travenc, continue to the left along a steeper path to the Juclà plain and climb up to the first lake of Juclà. This is home to the Pyrenean newt, a species that lives in high mountain lakes because of the purity of their waters.

From this point you can continue on to the sheltered refuge and to the Segon del Juclà lake and thus complete the route. This is a route of moderate difficulty with a 465-metre drop and a distance of 4.57 kilometres.

 

Hiking in the Incles Valley to Siscaró

The second excursion we propose will take you to the first lake of Siscaró. It also starts at the end of the Incles valley and when you reach the Travenc crossroads you have to take the path on the right. You will go up the side of the river until you reach the Siscaró ponds. Follow these rafts that will take you to the Basers rafts and finally to the first one at the lake. In this area you will find the common trout, squirrels and roe deer or varieties of birds such as the alpine pipit, the alpine accentor and the grey wheatear. You will also be able to see the sisallo cane, a kind of plant that gives the lake a greenish hue. The route is a little shorter than the previous one, 3.58 kilometres long and with a gradient of 500 metres. It is also a medium level excursion.

 

Mountain hike to the Cabana Sorda lake

This hiking route starts at the Comellassos spring halfway along the Incles Valley road. After entering the Pinosa forest, you will go through a ravine and climb up to the Assaladors de Cabana Sorda. Cross an alpine meadow until you reach a small pass and continue to the river to reach the Cabana Sorda lake at an altitude of 2290 metres. The refuge is very close by. The itinerary is of moderate level, 2.76 kilometres long and 470 metres of difference in altitude.

 

Discover the valley as a family with a fun game

If you want to go with children and have a great time as a family, you can do so with an activity that takes place exclusively in the Incles valley.

The game “Busca’ls” proposes 6 different itineraries along which you will have to search for a series of clues.  At the tourist office in Canillo and Incles you will be given a leaflet in which you will have to follow the instructions. Do you dare to find them all?

Once you have completed the challenge, you can return to the offices to receive your diploma and a gift (there are gifts for children and adults) and more surprises.

 

How to get to the Incles Valley

Located between Soldeu and El Tarter, you can get there by car and park at the beginning of the valley (pay parking, blue zone). Go to the bottom, where most of the excursions start, on foot or by electric train. This eco-friendly means of transport runs from June to September from 9am to 6pm (cost €3 each way).

If you have any questions, there is a small tourist office at the bottom of the valley where you can get all the information you need.

 

This summer there are still plenty of things to do in Andorra. Make a note of our best plans and book accommodation in our mountain apartments.

parques-aventuras

Adventure parks and activities in Andorra to enjoy the summer

with children,  nature in AndorraPosted on

Experience a different kind of summer with your children in Andorra’s adventure parks. Discover all the activities on offer for the whole family to enjoy the summer. From mid-June until September, they are open to enjoy nature and the great outdoors in the mountains. Are you up for it?

 

Mon(t) Magic in Canillo

This is Grandvalira’s adventure park located in Canillo in an impressive natural setting between a lake and forests. It offers outdoor activities for young and old and also has a restaurant.  

There is an exclusive area for children with water activities in the Forn lake, for the whole family, such as water scooters and canoes. The Magic Gliss slide reaches 40km/h and offers a 3D experience to make the activity even more amazing. And above all, don’t leave without going on the zip line that flies over the lake and take the Fornatura route to discover the fauna and flora of the area. 

To get to Mon(t) Magic you have to take the car to Canillo and take the cable car, the only possible access but which will give you magnificent panoramic views of the area.

Mon(t) Magic Canillo Open daily from 18 June to 11 September and weekends from 12 September to 9 October.

 

Naturland and Tobotronc

This year Naturland presents new proposals in the heart of nature.

One of the best known is the Tobotronc, the longest alpine nature toboggan run in the world, which runs for 5.3 km through the Rabassa forest.

If you are a lover of mountain biking, there are circuits adapted to all levels and also for families, both for mountain bikes and electric bikes. One of its star activities is the Airtrekk, a route of ropes and platforms where you will test your balance and end up throwing yourself down the zip line. Other proposals are the buggies and the xtrem jump, on a 4 m. high platform.  The park also has two guided excursions. 

You can reach the park by car. To do so, head for Sant Julià de Lòria, in the southern part of the country, and get ready for a great day out!

 

Vallnord in summer

The Vallnord ski resort is no slouch when it comes to outdoor activities in summer. On the one hand, you’ll find the Mountain Park, an adventure park with a zip line, a rope attraction and an electric go-kart circuit for young and old. But Vallnord is best known in summer for Bike Park, which hosts a world MBT championship and has more than 60 kilometres of circuits for all types of mountain biking with your mountain bike and also has routes for e-bikes.

To get there you have to go to La Massana and take the cable car which is located in the centre of this town. It will leave you in Pal.

 

The new Tibetan bridge in Canillo

This summer you have a new attraction to try out: the new Tibetan bridge in Canillo, in operation since 11 June.  With a total length of 603 metres, it is the second longest footbridge of its kind in the world. It is at an altitude of 1,875 metres and flies 158 metres over the Vall del Riu. The structure is minimalist, one metre wide, and the walkway is one-way. It is located right next to the famous Roc del Quer viewpoint. To get there you have to head to Canillo and take the public bus that will drop you at the gates of the Tibetan bridge (you can also go in your own car and enjoy the views of the Mountaup road as you drive). The attraction is a pay-as-you-go attraction and offers a package with the walkway, transport and viewing platform (this is optional). Booking is compulsory as capacity is limited.

 

Enjoy a summer full of activities in Andorra, always in contact with nature. Book accommodation at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments and extend the fun.

Which adventure park would you like to start with?

 

eglises-romaniques

Discover Andorra through its Romanesque churches

Culture & Art in Andorra,  with childrenPosted on

This time we take you on a tour of Andorra’s Romanesque churches, which are open from July to September for guided visits. So that you can get to know the whole country, we leave you with 7 Romanesque churches, one located in each parish. Some of them are located in authentic viewpoints from where you can discover landscapes and curious places.

 

Sant Joan de Caselles

We begin with Canillo, the first parish in protocol order and also where Els Llacs Mountain Apartments are located.

At the entrance to the village of Canillo (going down from the flats) you will find this beautiful church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Entrance is free. The most surprising feature is the preservation of the two original porticoes built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Also of note are the Romanesque mural scenes and the altarpiece with Renaissance influences inside the church.

Note for walkers: near the church you can take the Camí del Gall, a nature trail that will take you to Soldeu.

 

Sant Romà de les Bons

We continue downhill to reach Encamp. Sant Romà de les Bons is actually a historical site that conserves the 12th century church of Sant Romà, a 4-storey defence tower, the remains of a 13th century civil building, 2 dovecotes and a water tank excavated in the rock. The Romanesque paintings in the church are a reproduction, as most of the originals are in the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) in Barcelona.

It is built at the top of the village and has an incredible view over the whole valley.

 

Ordino: Sant Martí de La Cordinada

We go into the northern valley of Andorra to visit La Cortinada, a village in the parish of Ordino. Over the centuries Sant Martí has undergone a number of modifications, including a change of orientation. Inside it conserves mural paintings, a high altar, a polychrome wooden altarpiece and altarpieces from the Baroque period. 

The surrounding area is also worth a visit, as it is home to a millstone and a sawmill, as well as the Cal Pal house-museum, testimonies to the life of yesteryear.

 

La Massana: Sant Cristòfol d’Anyós

From Ordino we go down to La Massana to reach the village of Anyós. The Romanesque church of Sant Cristòfol is located in such a way that you can see the entrance to the parish through Escaldes and also the villages of La Massana and Sispony. It dates from the 12th century, but it has also undergone transformations. Inside there are 16th century paintings that coexist with other more modern ones, as the original ones were removed in the 1930s.

 

Andorra la Vella: Santa Coloma and Colomba space

We arrive in the capital of the country to visit one of the oldest churches of pre-Romanesque origin. It was built between the 8th and 9th centuries and its circular bell tower is very unusual in pre-Romanesque times.

Nowadays, inside the church there is a video mapping of the original mural paintings, a spectacle that is well worth the visit. It must be visited with the Columba space, where you can see part of the original frescoes that the government of Andorra was able to recover in 2007. A visit to the old quarter of Santa Coloma is highly recommended.

 

Sant Julià de Lòria: Canòlich

We are about to finish this route. We arrive at the sixth parish in order of protocol: Sant Julià de Lòria, where we will visit its famous sanctuary of Canòlich, to which pilgrims used to climb on foot (at 1635 metres) to show their devotion to their virgin. Nowadays, on the first Saturday in June, the inhabitants of Sant Julià still gather to celebrate their patron saint, and quite a few of them go up on foot.

The building dates from the 20th century, although it was built on the foundations of an old Romanesque church. Inside it preserves an 18th century Baroque altarpiece and ceramic murals.

The views from here are spectacular and if you continue climbing you will reach Os de Civis, a Spanish village with access only from Andorra. 

 

Escaldes-Engordany: Sant Miquel d’Engolasters

This is the last stop on our tour of some of Andorra’s Romanesque churches. To do so, we will go up to Engolasters to enjoy Sant Miquel, from the 12th century, whose architectural construction still conserves many original elements. The painting of the semicircular apse is an exact copy of the original, which is kept in the MNAC in Barcelona. As a curiosity that you won’t find in the rest of Andorran churches, you will see that there are sculpted heads at the top of the bell tower.

After visiting the church, you can walk along the Camí de les Fonts, a well-signposted and easily accessible mountain path, or go up to Engolasters lake, also a very pleasant walk in the surrounding area.

 

You can do these visits on the same day or over several days.

If you choose the latter option, we recommend that you book at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments to recover your strength. 

ciclismo-en-andorra

Discover Andorra on two wheels this summer

hiking, mountain and summer sports,  Andorra apartments offers,  nature in Andorra,  with childrenPosted on

It’s time to park your car and get on your bike to make the most of the good weather and ride along mountain paths and mountain passes. If you love two wheels, you’ve come to the right place! Cycling in Andorra has a lot to offer you whether you like cycling on tarmac or on dirt.

Enjoy cycling in Andorra

Summer is for enjoying outdoor activities, nature and the mountains. And what better way to do it than practising sport and cycling in the company of the whole family.

– Road cycling in Andorra

The Principality has no less than 21 mountain passes of different levels with countless routes spread throughout the country. When the good weather arrives, it is very common to see other enthusiasts emulating the riders of the great cycling events by cycling up the mountain passes on road bikes. Els Llacs Mountain Apartments is located in the perfect place to start super interesting routes and just a short distance from the Envalira Pass (2,409 m), the highest pass in the Pyrenees and the stage for the 2021 Tour de France. And best of all, with a bit of luck it won’t be difficult to come across one of the professional cyclists who train regularly in the country. Can you imagine?

– Mountain biking brings you closer to nature

In Andorra you can practise all mountain biking disciplines with your mountain bike on more than 200 kilometres of mountain trails. But also in the Vallnord Bike Park, which hosts the MBT world championships. Enjoy with the whole family, even with small children, as you can choose the route depending on the level of difficulty you are looking for. From spectacular descents to easier and quieter routes that will allow you to get deep into nature. 

– Cycle touring with an electric bicycle

For some time now, e-bikes have also been a permanent fixture in Andorra. It’s a fun and enjoyable way to discover Andorra’s most beautiful landscapes and take mountain trails at your own pace. And all this without being extremely demanding, allowing you to enjoy every minute of your cycling trip, even if the gradient is steep.

 

Accommodation with cycling offers in Andorra

Make the most of your summer holidays to cycle along mountain trails or test yourself on the mountain passes that have seen the fastest cyclists in the Tour de France or the Vuelta a España.

At Els Llacs Mountain Apartments you can book the flat with the bike included in your stay. Choose from our offers if you prefer road bike, MTB or e-bike. Of course, your bike won’t sleep with you, because although our flats are spacious, we also have a cycling room where you can store it in total comfort.

Cycling events in Andorra

In summer the country hosts a multitude of competitions and races, and many of them feature cycling as the protagonist. Here are some of the most important events:

– The Andorra 21 Ports by Ironman: from 24 to 26 June 2022, a road bike race takes place through the most important mountain passes in Andorra.

– Andorra MTB Classic: an MTB competition from 29 June to 2 July.

– The MTB World Cup: Vallnord hosts a new edition of this championship from 12 to 17 July.

– Multisegur Volta Als Ports 2022: this is the most traditional cycle-tourist race in the country and will take place on 24 July.

– La Purito: the routes through Andorra’s most demanding mountain passes will be back on 6 and 7 August.

Andorra is cycling territory and hosts stages of both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.

If you want to enjoy cycling in Andorra this summer, come to Els Llacs Mountain Apartments and book a flat with a road, mountain or electric bike.

 

 

cirque-du-soleil

In July 2022, Cirque du Soleil is back in Andorra with a new show

with children,  Andorra apartments offers,  events in AndorraPosted on

By now, you’ve probably heard that Cirque du Soleil is coming back this summer with a new show. It’s called MŪV and it will only be available in Andorra. It’s one of the most eagerly awaited big events of the season, especially because we haven’t been able to enjoy it for two years. So we are already counting the days to see the new production of the Canadian company.

In this article we tell you everything we know about MŪV.

 

Relive the magic of Cirque du Soleil

Music is the storyline of the new show created by the Canadian company through the adaptation of great pop and rock hits. The story revolves around two worlds that are separated from each other, until one of their citizens decides to bring them all together by using music as a link. The audience will be an important part of the show and will be involved in the plot.

Of course, MŪVwill offer the great performances of acrobatics and impossible pirouettes we are used to from Cirque du Soleil. In this edition we will be able to see break dance and hip hop choreographies combined with skateboarding, aerial pole dance, bungee with ropes, slackline and parallel bars.

And that’s all we can say for the moment!

 

MŪV’s incredible staging

To make us relive its magic, Cirque du Soleil has an incredible set design that will make you part of the action. The set is inspired by the atmosphere of big cities. The two worlds will be separated and placed one on each side of the audience to end up linked by a circular walkway, on the central stage, creating the sensation that the audience is part of the story.

The lighting is also a very important element of the show’s scenography and will feature lighting reminiscent of nightclubs. The changes of light will follow the rhythms of the songs, adapting the colour, intensity and energy.

The costumes will be in keeping with the staging, with an urban and eccentric style. Each world will be dressed in a different one, with different colours. 

 

When will Cirque du Soleil take place?

As usual, July is the month chosen to enjoy Cirque du Soleil in Andorra. A total of 22 performances will take place from Tuesday to Saturday, from 2 to 30 July, with a special show on Sunday 31 July.

MŪV starts at 10pm and lasts one hour, although you can arrive early to avoid last-minute queues, as the venue will open earlier and there will be a 1-hour pre-show.

 

Where can you see MŪV in Andorra?

This year a new covered space has been set up, close to the old one. Specifically in the Prada Casadet car park, in front of the Government building in Andorra la Vella. The venue has a capacity for 5,000 people, both seated and standing. It also has a restaurant area where you can buy drinks and food.

 

Els Llacs Mountain Apartments with Cirque du Soleil offer

To see MŪV you only have to book our offer with the night in one of our mountain apartaments and the ticket with reserved and numbered seat. In addition to the show, you can also enjoy beautiful views from the balcony of the accommodation. As well as the spa which is included in the price.

Combine your visit to Andorra to see Cirque du Soleil with excursions to the mountains or with the activities of the summer adventure parks. At Els Llacs Mountain Apartments we manage and process your bookings so that you don’t have to worry about anything.

 

This summer will be very special, because the most awaited show is coming back.

Don’t miss it!

escapada-de-primavera

Top 5 activities for your spring break in Andorra

with children,  hiking, mountain and summer sports,  nature in Andorra,  our apartments,  pet friendlyPosted on

While waiting for the big summer holidays to arrive, take a break and treat yourself to a spring break in Andorra. After winter, make the most of the spring season to get to know the country more calmly, spending a few days disconnecting with trips to the mountains, spas, shopping and eating well…. but very well!

 

Read on and take note of the plans we recommend to enjoy spring in our Pyrenean country.

 

Hiking in Andorra

When the snow melts, it’s time to swap your ski boots for hiking shoes to explore the paths and trails that lie beneath the snow. In Andorra you’ll find trails of all levels of difficulty: to do with children, with your pet and for more experienced mountaineers. There are excursions to lakes and high mountain peaks, as well as more accessible itineraries with hardly any gradient to make the most of a well-deserved spring getaway. Discover the landscapes of Andorra’s 3 natural parks: Comapedrosa, Sorteny and the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, the only one in the Pyrenees declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Els Llacs Mountain Apartments are well located in Bordes de Envalira to enjoy hiking in Andorra.

 

Shopping in the centre

In the afternoon, change your mind and head down to the shopping streets in the centre to take a stroll around the shops. Discover the spring-summer fashion trends, the latest in technology and, why not, make yourself a nice present. Take advantage of the “mid-season” sales in many shops between April and May. Above all, take it easy and relax on an outdoor terrace to regain your strength and continue your afternoon of shopping.  

 

Relax at the spa

After a day of so much activity, complete your spring break in the best way in the free spa in our tourist flats. You don’t even need to leave the building, as here you will have a spa with indoor and outdoor jacuzzi with views of the mountains. It also has a sauna and hammam and you can book massages and treatments.

If you want more, stop by the Park Spa Mountain Wellness Club, a design wellness centre open on weekends in spring. It is the spa of the Park Piolets hotel, which belongs to the same group as Els Llacs Mountain Apartments, and is located in Soldeu (just 5 minutes from our holiday apartments

 

Eating well in Andorra

A gastronomic experience is a must on your spring getaway. In Andorra you will find an endless number of restaurants with different types of cuisine that offer you the chance to try new dishes and flavours. If you haven’t already done so, discover Andorran cuisine in a typical “borda” or book a table in a restaurant with international cuisine. We recommend the Kao Soldeu restaurant where you will be delighted by the delights of haute Chinese cuisine.  Among many other dishes you can try their assortment of Dim Sums, their imperial egg and their star dish: Peking duck. You’ll want to come back for more!

 

Spring Break at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments

All year round you are guaranteed comfort and convenience in your accommodation in Andorra in front of Grandvalira. Our holiday flats can accommodate up to 11 people and they are fully equipped with everything you may need. You can also come with all the members of your family as we are a Pet Friendly accommodation in Andorra. And as we like to take care of you, breakfast on the first day is on us: we will prepare a varied welcome pack for you. In addition, if you wish, you can do your shopping in advance at the online supermarket, so that your shopping is ready for when you arrive.

 

Book your mountain accommodation at Els Llacs Mountain Apartments and discover the best of Andorra on your spring getaway. 

semana-santa

5 Easter plans to enjoy with your family in Andorra

with children,  nature in Andorra,  ski and winter sportsPosted on

We’re already looking forward to the Easter long weekend and we’re sure you are too. There are 4 days off to disconnect from routine and enjoy family experiences. And what better way to make the most of them than in the snow and end the ski season in style.

We have 5 fun snow activities for you that you will love to do with your family and that you can complement perfectly with your ski day on the slopes.

1. Become an igloo builder

Have you ever wondered how igloos are made?

During the whole season, including Easter, Grandvalira offers you an ideal activity for families where, young and old, you will work as a team to build an igloo. You will be taught the different techniques to adapt them to the state of the snow and you will build your own igloo which you will be able to visit inside and feel as if you were in the North Pole. This proposal is available very close to Els Llacs Mountain Apartments in the Grau Roig activity centre.

2. Have fun on the Magic Gliss

The Magic Gliss is a giant slide located in the Family Park in the Canillo sector of Grandvalira. With a 555-metre descent and 180 metres of ascent, it can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. If you want to make it even more amazing, try it with virtual reality goggles. As well as enjoying the ride, you’ll be able to see the recreation of typical Andorran animals and the mythological Tamarros. Children will have a great time, but adults will also be surprised.

3. Enjoy new experiences at Easter

Without leaving the Family Park in Canillo, don’t miss the chance to discover the snowy landscapes of Grandvalira from a bird’s eye view as you fly over the Forn Lake. Get your adrenaline pumping on the zip line, where you can slide sitting down, stretched out or in tandem with your child. The route is 550 metres long, at a height of 40 metres and can reach 80 km/h.

Spending the day at the Family Park is also a good option as it has a wide range of activities, especially for children, and a restaurant where you can stop for lunch to recharge your batteries. Access is via the cable car from the village of Canillo.

4. Sledging down the Soldeu slopes

The Snake Gliss is another activity worth trying at least once in your life. You will slide down on an articulated sledge guided by a monitor, from El Pla de Espiolets to the village of Soldeu, crossing the slopes of Astoret, Os and Bosc Fosc. Best of all: it takes place when the resort is closed, from 17:30 onwards. The Easter long weekend is a good time to do this snow activity as the days are longer and we can enjoy more daylight hours.

5. Get your adrenaline pumping with a snowmobile excursion.

This activity is a classic and you may even have already done it. In any case, you’ll never get tired of going through the forests of Grandvalira on a snowmobile. Enjoy it as a couple or with your child (children must be accompanied by an adult) and choose between day or night excursions. For children, the Kids Forest in Grau Roig has a special snowmobile circuit for them, where they can drive their own snowmobile.

Grandvalira’s activities are close to Els Llacs Mountain Apartments. An ideal accommodation for families in its comfortable, spacious and well-equipped flats. Visit our website and book your getaway for Easter.

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Skiing with children in Andorra

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Ski resorts offer numerous options for skiing with children. At the same time as they learn, they have a great time with other children under the expert guidance of professional instructors. In Grandvalira you’ll find ski schools and snow gardens adapted to their level in almost all sectors, so that they can get started in this world or improve their technique.

 

First contact with the snow

For children from 3 to 6 years old, you will find snow gardens in the sectors of Grau Roig, Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, Canillo, El Tarter and Encamp. Here they will be able to discover the world of skiing or snowboarding, the latter only available in Pas de la Casa.

They start with an adaptation to the environment class and the course usually lasts about two hours in the snow garden itself. The rest of the time is spent playing in the snow or indoors. You can choose between a full day or half day.

 

Ski circuits for skiing with children

Grandvalira has the Kid Program, programmes and circuits for children from 3 to 11 years old with different themes. They combine skiing with other activities such as snowshoeing, igloo building, mini tobogganing or mini snowmobiles, among others, depending on the sector where the classes are held.

Your children will learn skiing techniques with specialised instructors together with other children of their level and age. They last all day and you can choose from 1 to 5 days (you will have to take into account the starting days of the classes as each sector has a different programme).

The resort also offers Top Class Kids from 3 years old, a totally personalised and adapted programme. 

 

Group classes for children

Group ski lessons for 6 to 11 year olds are divided by level and can be either skiing or snowboarding. The classes are 3 hours long and the minimum is 2 days and up to 5 days. They can be booked in all sectors, except for snow lessons for children, which are only available in the Soldeu, El Tarter and Canillo sectors. Please note that this season Grandvalira has introduced a one-day course for beginners: this is a 3-hour course exclusively for children who are just starting out in the world of skiing and is available in the Soldeu and El Tarter sectors.

 

Please note that the ski pass and equipment are not included in the price of the ski schools.

 

Childcare on the slopes for children from 1 year old

If you come with children from 1 year old, you can continue to enjoy your favourite sport while they stay in the Grandvalira kindergartens. They are open every day of the season from 9am to 4.30pm. In the nurseries, children do not have lessons. They are indoors or playing in the snow with monitors. In Grau Roig the nursery welcomes children from 1 to 5 years old and in Canillo, El Tarter and Soldeu, there are kindergartens for children from 2 to 5 years old. Pas de la Casa, Encamp and Peretol do not have kindergartens.

 

Els Llacs Mountain Apartments are perfect for families.

Staying in apartaments when travelling as a family with children is ideal for everyone to have their own space and not be so tied to restaurant or breakfast buffet schedules. If you are travelling with small children it is much more convenient as they need to follow their own routines. At Els LLacs Mountain Apartments you will find many options to suit your family, with different arrangements and with capacity for up to 11 people and even connected flats. In addition, to make your arrival more comfortable, we provide you with a welcome pack with everything you need for the first breakfast and if you wish, you can make the purchase online beforehand. All advantages!

 

This winter come to Grandvalira to ski with your children and if you want them to improve their technique or start skiing or snowboarding you can enrol them in the schools. We can help you with the paperwork, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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