Grandvalira records 46,800+ ski days over Puríssima weekend as season starts strongly

Grandvalira Resorts recorded more than 46,800 ski days over the long Puríssima weekend, with Sunday the busiest day at about 18,000 skiers across Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís. Operators described the weekend as one of the strongest season starts in recent years.

A night-time storm from Thursday to Friday brought 15–30 cm of fresh snow, enabling up to 150 km of groomed pistes to open. Sunny, mild weather over the weekend further improved on‑piste comfort and visitor experience.

David Ledesma, Grandvalira’s marketing director, said the combination of fresh snow, favourable weather and strong demand prompted many visitors to travel without advance reservations. He added that Christmas bookings are running ahead of last year, and that maintaining snow quality and piste conditions will be key to sustaining momentum.

Après‑ski and musical events proved popular. Abarset’s Brunch Electronik featuring Nina Kraviz and Quest sold out in advance, and its Saturday session with Syreeta and Calvin Clark reached capacity. In Pas de la Casa, CBbC Costa Rodona opened its après‑ski season with the Super Snow Bowl event presented by Pit Viper, featuring DJ sets, a costume contest, prizes and other promotions.

Complementary mountain activities reported strong uptake. Offerings included mushing in El Tarter and Grau Roig; the Mon(t) Magic Family Park in Canillo; igloo building and guided snowshoe outings across Grandvalira; snowshoe excursions to Port del Rat and the Mirador Solar de Tristaina in Ordino Arcalís; and the Big Zip zipline, tubing and sled runs in Pal Arinsal. The Winter Bike Park operated at full capacity with all five mountain‑bike circuits active.

Accommodation and retail sectors also benefited. Hotel occupancy averaged around 90–95% for the weekend, with many properties fully booked on Friday and Saturday nights, particularly in central Andorra. Retail avenues such as Meritxell and Carlemany were busy and several shops reported strong sales, although activity eased on Monday as many visitors returned home.

Traffic management recorded heavy arrivals and congested returns: mobility authorities reported about 55,800 vehicle entries between Friday and Monday, and queues of several kilometres on main return routes were reported during the peak exit. Authorities have warned of a much larger influx expected over the Christmas and New Year period.

Resort managers closed the weekend optimistic about the weeks ahead but emphasised that continued snowmaking and piste maintenance will be essential to keep the positive trend into the Christmas season.