Andorra, whole for the residents of the Principality.
It was an unusual day. Faced with the impossibility of skiers from Catalonia and France arriving, the ski resorts of Andorra chose the first weekend of January to start up some ski lifts and slopes for residents, aware that it was impossible to amortize the start-up cost, but also returning some movement with the arrival of snow and the season.
IN NEIGHBORING CATALONIA
The small Principality has been practically without activity for months. The borders are open and there are no mobility rules within the territory, but the situation of the neighboring countries does not improve and, therefore, there are no tourists. Something unusual at this time of year, like almost everything that has happened since the arrival of the coronavirus.
The Mobility restrictions in Catalonia have tightened and they will remain, for now, from January 7 to 17 with a municipal closure from Monday to Sunday, to prevent the number of people infected by the virus from increasing after the Christmas holidays. It is not possible to leave the municipality in case of having a second residence or to visit relatives. Only for justified reasons: educational, health or professional.
Grandvalira station, in Andorra.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PYRENEES
In the case of France, the situation right now is more flexible. The French, who have undergone a second confinement, since December 15 can move without restrictions between the different regions and can freely enter Andorran territory as long as they respect their curfew, established between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
However, the French have been warned by their government that if they visit the Principality, they should refrain from going skiing. The authorities are very attentive to see who has the skis in the car, and if they find them, they send them back.
At the moment in Grandvalira only residents of Andorra can ski.
STATE OF THE SKI RESORT IN ANDORRA
Andorra has waited a long time to open its slopes and, if It has not done it before, it has been to remain loyal to France that it has kept its winter centers closed until 2021. The situation of the Principality is good. Since there are not many cases of coronavirus, shops are open, restaurants are open at night, and there is no curfew.
On January 2, the first non-holiday day of the year, Andorra started the ski season, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty, several date changes and a lot of pressure from all sectors that live from this time of year.
Everything has been prepared perfectly. On the slopes, the facilities are disinfected regularly, There are hydroalcoholic gel dispensers in the boarding area of the cable cars and in the buildings and restaurants. Ski pass sales and collection machines have also been incorporated to reinforce self-sale without going through the ticket offices.
Skiers must follow some rules, such as wear face masks when using the lifts or standing still somewhere in the facility. The images are worth remembering, as they also wear hats and large ski goggles, leaving them completely unrecognizable.
Non-residents who are in Andorra can enjoy mushing.
In Grandvalira resident skiers had free access on January 2 and 3 to make their first descents and it was one of the few times on the weekend that there is not a queue of between ten and fifteen minutes to get on the lifts. Starting Monday, January 4, local skiers have a special price per person and per day of 20 euros, which will last, at least, until January 8.
Right now only one part is open between El Tarter and Soldeu, where the slopes are in perfect condition and with a good volume of snow, since at the end of December it has snowed much more than other years at this time. Hardly anyone there first thing in the morning. The tourist office does not know when the slopes will open for non-residents, since everything will depend on the situation of the countries and the conversations of the governments.
The non-residents who are in Andorra for some reason, for the moment, we can enjoy other activities, such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing, or mushing, a dog sled race. The ice skating rink of the Palau de Gel de Canillo is operational, as well as the well-known thermal center of Caldea, which currently has the Inúu facility open and the opening of the other spas will continue when tourists arrive in Andorra.
Also there is the possibility of going up to the ski slopes by acquiring a pedestrian pass to enjoy the snow and sit on some of the open terraces (almost all of them, except the ones that usually have an atmosphere and serve drinks).
WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE PASS?
Not everything is lost and there are several months ahead to be able to ski in Andorra, when the situation improves and the restrictions allow it. Since this year is so exceptional, Grandvalira has explained to us that it offers a guarantee in the event that the station greatly delays its opening for non-residents or has to close earlier than expected due to the coronavirus.
In case that the ski pass purchased in the early-booking period has not been used, they will refund the full amount and, if it has been used, a part will be refunded according to the use and the closing month. If the pass has been purchased during the promotional price period and has not been used, The Ski Guarantee will be applied and, if used, a compensation voucher will be delivered which can be redeemed the following season.