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- Written by: Roger Fulton
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Every year around 1.7million skiers visit the vast Grandvalira ski domain in the high Pyrennean principality of Andorra. Many of them are Brits, drawn by the excellent English-speaking ski schools, relaxed slopes and value for money when compared with ski holidays in popular resorts in the Alps.
Located in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees, Andorra’s high-altitude terrain (reaching up to 2,560m in Grandvalira) provides an incredible setting for winter sports throughout the winter months, with a reliable season stretching from December through to late April.
Grandvalira ski resort is the largest in the Pyrenees, encompassing seven skiable sectors with a total of 215km of slopes covering all abilities. All the sectors are connected by the slopes, and you can traverse the entire skiable area without ever having to remove your skis – a real boon for families with young kids to shepherd around.
In addition to skiing, you can also enjoy a host of other snow activities with family or friends, while Andorra’s beguiling mix of Spanish and French culture will enhance any holiday getaway.
Why choose Canillo for your next ski holiday?
Canillo, sitting at around 1,530m, joined the Grandvalira family when it was founded in 1964 and is a particular favourite with families thanks to its gentler pace of life, good beginner slopes and the joyful Mon(t) Magic Family Park – a glorious children’s play zone. The village also has its own Palau de Gel ice rink and leisure complex.
Canillo is renowned as one of the best places to learn how to ski in the entire Grandvalira domain. Its slopes are particularly well-suited to families and mixed ability groups, with a layout that feels spacious and unintimidating for those just starting out. The well-established ski school has English-speaking instructors who will guide beginners through their first turns, with natural progression slopes on hand as the basics are mastered.
Meanwhile, with the children in safe hands, intermediate-level parents have easy access to more challenging descents through the upper sectors and wider Grandvalira area.
Off the slopes, Canillo is super-quiet and is the most traditional of the Grandvalira sectors. The village has an authentic Andorran look and feel, with stone churches, welcoming mountain restaurants serving everything from grilled meats and hearty stews to tapas and wood-fired dishes, and a relaxed pace of life.
When you aren’t skiing you can enjoy scenic gondola rides, an adrenalin-boosting descent on one of the longest zip lines in the Pyrenees, or have a go on the 555m long Màgic Gliss toboggan ride, with the option of going down it wearing virtual reality glasses! There are also opportunities to go dog-sledding, snowshoeing, winter hiking, snow-tubing and igloo-building. In Canillo, you’re also just a 15-minute car ride from the capital Andorra La Vella, if you fancy a spot of tax-free shopping.
The Grandvalira ski pass covers all sectors including Canillo, Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, and Encamp. A local sector pass covering just the Canillo area is available for beginners who don’t anticipate venturing further afield.
Canillo is perfect for little ones
In the Mon(t) Magic Family Park, children between 3 and 8 years old can enjoy snowy forests where they will find magic characters like fairies and goblins, inspired by Andorran folklore. Children can also ski a themed slope with activities and 3D characters, including a witch’s house, toboggans and a talking tree!
Take the trip to Canillo
Interski’s main focus in Canillo is the Hotel Font d'Argent. Just 75m from the cable car that takes you to the Grandvalira Family Park, the 4* Hotel Font d’Argent is laid back and very much orientated towards families. It even has some rooms with themed beds for youngsters! The buffet meal arrangements offer plenty of food with a vast choice even for the pickiest of eaters. Add an indoor pool and wellness centre and you have the perfect base for a family ski holiday.
Book your trip now with Interski!
Why choose Interski?
With over 40 years' experience, Interski’s expert team know what makes a ski holiday truly special. Interski is a smaller tour operator offering ski holidays with extremely high levels of service to ensure you have the best time and get the best value. They also specialise in a smaller number of ski resorts across Italy’s Aosta Valley and Andorra where they are truly experts.
Interski holiday packages give you everything you need for an incredible experience. From accommodation and lift passes to expert tuition, they’ve got it all covered, so you can focus on enjoying the slopes.
For Winter 2025/26, over 97% of clients rated Interski as either 'Excellent' or 'Good' when asked about their overall experience and 98% of clients would recommend Interski to a friend or family looking to book a ski holiday.
Find out more about Interski here.
