Guide to organise the perfect trip to the snow in Andorra
Today we bring you a different kind of blog, as a checklist, so that you can get ready for your getaway or snow trip to Andorra on your own. With this guide, you won’t forget anything important in your suitcase, you’ll come with everything ready to start skiing and have fun without rushing, and you’ll be able to successfully deal with last-minute unforeseen events.We hope you find it useful and get some ideas! How to organise your trip to the snow Good planning will help you prepare in advance and take into account everything you will need. – Who are you travelling with? The first thing to know is whether you are travelling with your partner, friends, family or alone. It won’t be the same. You will have to consider the number of rooms needed, agree on where to ski and choose the après-ski activities you all like. – Choose your dates In summer you have all the options at your fingertips, but as the calendar moves forward it will become more difficult to secure your place when you want it. Besides, it’s not the same to ski at Christmas or at the end of January, for example. – Set a budget First of all, plan for accommodation and ski passes, as these are the items that will take up most of your budget. Remember that you can book the complete package (hotel + ski pass). With this formula, as well as ensuring you get everything from the same place, you will also get better prices than if you book separately. At the Hotel del Tarter we offer attractive offers with hotel and skiing, with breakfast only or half board.Other points to take into account in the budget are: transport, other meals, snow activities or après-ski, equipment rental or ski lessons. – Book in advance Early booking is always an advantage, both financially and in terms of being able to choose the dates and type of rooms. At the Hotel del Tarter we offer double rooms for couples and even a suite for special getaways. We also have triple and quadruple rooms and a family room for 5 people in 2 separate spaces. – Prepare the car and plan the route Most probably you will come in your own car. It is advisable to have your car checked beforehand to ensure safe driving. Plan your route in advance and download it to your GPS, if you use it. Check the weather forecast before you leave and for the days you are going to be in Andorra. Very important: from November to May, it is compulsory in Andorra to equip your vehicle for snow with contact tyres or snow chains. Consult the protección civil website for more details. – Necessary documentation Make sure you have your travel documents in order, such as your passport or identity card. You should also have your booking confirmations to hand so that you can present them on arrival at your hotel, the resort or as required by the suppliers. Remember that The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Andorra. As such, you should purchase comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. Packing your suitcase with everything you need When it comes to packing your suitcase, you either overpack or leave something at home. But with time and our advice, you’ll have everything under control. The best thing to do is to make a list of what you need and break it down into compartments. – Ski equipment It is just as important to prepare it as it is to check it before the start of the season so that it is in optimum condition. See our full article on ski equipment where we tell you all about it. – Ski clothing and accessories It is also very important to get all your clothes and accessories out of the wardrobe and ready in good time to avoid last-minute surprises. Remember that sun cream is a must for the snow. – Technology and other accessories If you like to take photos with your camera as well as your mobile phone, don’t forget your chargers and portable batteries, which are items we tend to forget. – More clothes and toiletries Pack a change of clothes for dinner, an afternoon of shopping or other après-ski activities. Oh, and also your swimming costume, in case you decide to go to Caldea or have fun in the Splash at the Palau de Gel in Canillo. Another important list is the toiletry bag with your creams, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, comb… And make provision for medication, if you take it, and a small first-aid kit. Destination information – Choose the perfect resorts for you In Andorra, all the alpine ski resorts are grouped under the Grandvalira Resorts brand. You can choose between the sectors of Soldeu-El Tarter, Pas de la Casa – Grau Roig, Encamp, Canillo, Pal-Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís. Our hotel is located at the foot of the El Tarter sector of Grandvalira, which is also the access point to the other 6 sectors that are connected to each other. Before coming, it is a good idea to look at the piste map to find out which slopes you want to go down. If you are a beginner, stay in the resort with the most green and blue runs. If you are coming with children, you will be able to choose the snow garden or the courses you want your children to join. Make sure you check the technical characteristics to find out which resort is ideal for you. – Snow activities and après-ski If you are planning other snow activities, après-ski or ski-related services, such as equipment hire or lessons, it is also better to book beforehand to make sure you have a place. We can help you with the booking process. – Find out before you come Follow the official social media profiles of the ski resorts, civil protection or climatology of the destination to keep up … Read more