Andorra Completes €1.12M Renovation of Comapedrosa Refuge for Year-Round Use

The Andorran government has completed a comprehensive renovation of the Comapedrosa guarded refuge, located at 2,260 metres in the heart of the Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Comapedrosa and along the Coronallacs trail. The project, which began in 2021, involved an investment exceeding €1.12 million to enhance comfort, energy efficiency and safety, positioning the 48-person facility as a year-round hub for hiking, mountaineering and nature tourism.

The third and most extensive phase wrapped up this year, following earlier work in 2021 and 2023-2024. Recent upgrades included reinforced thermal insulation on roofs and floors using specialised materials, installation of three pellet stoves with hot air distribution, reorganisation of interior spaces for better functionality, new showers and sanitary facilities, and a fire protection system to boost overall safety.

Previous phases laid essential groundwork. In 2021, two dry toilets were added to cut water use and waste treatment needs, the diesel generator was replaced with a propane model slashing CO₂ emissions by 50%, and a lifeline was fitted on the roof for worker safety. From 2023 to 2024, the kitchen was upgraded, propane boilers renewed, a 1,000-litre potable water tank and pressure group installed for improved water management, original windows swapped for efficient PVC triple-glazed units, and the photovoltaic system plus energy storage batteries fully overhauled to increase power generation and capacity.

Minister for Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Guillem Casal, who inspected the site this week alongside Territory and Urbanism Minister Raul Ferré, said the upgrades reflect the government's commitment to safeguarding natural heritage while providing modern, sustainable facilities tailored to users' needs. He added that they enable a pilot scheme to test winter openings, responding to rising hiker demand and the growth of backcountry skiing, with the ultimate aim of year-round operations.

The initiative forms part of a broader push to strengthen Andorra's network of guarded refuges as key sites for promoting outdoor activities and environmental awareness.