Canillo Proposes €115K Maze for Soldeu Ski Area to Boost Summer Tourism

Canillo parish council has proposed a €115,000 maze on the Soldeu ski platform to draw families and bolster summer tourism, contributing to efforts for year-round visitor appeal.

The idea surfaced at a Tuesday meeting in Soldeu with around 30 residents. First consul major Jordi Alcobé stressed ongoing investments to enhance living standards and ensure urban planning supports expansion. Related upgrades include a 400-metre stretch of the CG-2 road, tying into Canillo town centre enhancements such as wider pavements, narrowed lanes for traffic calming, and planters to create safer walking zones. This summer's "Vestim els carrers" initiative will decorate Soldeu's historic core with rural motifs chosen by locals, aiming for a lively atmosphere.

Ordino parish council approved campervan parking expansions during Thursday's session to better serve residents and tourists facing increased demand. Rotational spots at Sornàs (six spaces), Prat de Seròs (four), Plana dels Camps (around four, with summer growth planned), Prat de la Molina, Cortinada, and camp del Cerò now allow seven-day stays via annual vouchers, extended from 48 hours. Consul minor Eduard Betriu said the adjustment meets immediate needs while bigger sites come online, noting residents often returned from weekends to find spaces taken by visitors.

New resident-only spaces—four or five, per sources—at Prada del Serrat parking will offer 12-month contracts at €73 monthly. Lacking barriers or surveillance, contracts will hold owners liable for damage. Betriu highlighted the fix for locals parking on streets outside the 8pm-to-8am ban due to shortages.

Further additions total 80 spots: 40 communal overnight spaces at Ordino Arcalís ski station for summer only, in a paved area near the wastewater plant. Coordination with Secnoa covers avalanche risks and a closure barrier, with readiness expected this summer as asphalt and services are in place. A private operator will build 40 resident spots on inland land. Betriu framed the moves as organising supply to guarantee local access amid booming campervan travel. Opposition councillor Jordina Bringué welcomed tourist expansions as fitting for the rural parish, saying the sector had been overlooked and merits focus as it grows. Enric Dolsa raised no major issues.

The session also covered a resident's bid to void a 1997 deal shifting Cal Nicolau communal land to private hands. Dolsa defended its original private status, recalling family wood storage there and offering to testify it was never public. Betriu confirmed procedural adherence with technical and legal input, leaving the Batllia to rule.

In Andorra la Vella, La Comella residents on Tuesday pressed first consul major Sergi González to pause 28 terraced homes in Comella Parc's new phase, flagging tree felling, forest damage, traffic pressure, and service loads from some central permits. Their association sought suspension pending full environmental assessments, independent reviews, impact data, water/sewage analysis, and traffic studies, underscoring the mature forest's role in biodiversity, erosion control, and carbon sequestration. Officials affirmed legal compliance, referred central permits to environmental authorities, and noted surprise over possible communal tree removals for safety. Commitments included a 14-space car park by Bosc de l'Andy, trail maintenance, green upgrades, FEDA substation work, and extra paths if required—though residents viewed responses as vague on contractors and plots.

Thursday's Andorra la Vella meeting added 22 spaces at Serradells sports centre by freeing occupied areas, plus six outside at Club de Tir, targeting peak shortages for users and nursery families. Circulation councillor Xavier Surana introduced 24-hour subscriptions at €40 monthly and 50% discount vouchers for occasional use to boost turnover. New outdoor advertising rules require prior approval for screens and lights, assessing landscape fit, technical standards, brightness limits, hours, and effects on neighbours or heritage, with inflation-adjusted fees—higher for high-impact signs—and a one-year transition post-December's authorisation halt. Tràmits councillor Susagna Mosquera called it vital progress. The council greenlit €630,484 for four-month Plaça Bartomeu Rebés works, renewing water, power, and sewage networks alongside FEDA's substation, with added greenery, paving, furniture, and lighting. Opposition Democrats, led by David Astrié and Miquel Canturri, opposed over unresolved Plaça Vinyes leaks and a lost chance to close parking access for more open space—rebuffed by González and Surana citing 30% ramp usage and side space gains.