Severe Winds and Snow Cripple Andorra Ski Resorts, Prompt Extended Alerts

Heavy snow and winds gusting over 120 km/h continued to batter Andorra on Sunday, forcing full closures at Ordino-Arcalís and Naturland ski areas, while Grandvalira restricted access to lower sectors only and Pal-Arinsal operated just seven low pistes in the Pal area. The Servei Meteorològic de Andorra extended its orange alert for violent winds until 6pm, shifting to a nationwide yellow alert until Tuesday at 9am. A yellow warning for snow accumulation up to 30cm in northern peaks ran until 3pm Sunday, with avalanche risk elevated until Wednesday in the north.

Overnight and morning snowfalls increased base depths to more than 3.5m at Ordino-Arcalís, 2.5-3m at Grandvalira, and over 2m at Pal-Arinsal. Grandvalira shut all Encamp and Peretol sectors, plus 20 pistes in Soldeu, 10 in Canillo and Pas de la Casa, 13 in Tarter, and 28 in Grau Roig. Inter-sector connections halted due to wind, with buses providing skier transport. The Pal-Arinsal cable car remained closed, as did Funicamp. Low visibility and high winds limited operations to lower elevations across resorts, with many lifts inoperative.

Road restrictions stayed at yellow phase on CG-2 from Meritxell and Escaldes northward, CG-2 from Tarter to Pas de la Casa, CG-3 from Serrat, and CG-4 from Pal. Envalira pass and Coll del Pimorent closed under black phase. France-bound RN-22, RN-20, and RN-320 barred vehicles over 19 tonnes. Retentions built between Meritxell and Tarter, and Canillo-Meritxell. Police checked vehicles near Canillo after skids on icy sections without winter tyres.

A Saturday night collision on CG-2 between Bordes d’Envalira and Soldeu saw a French-registered car strike a Pas de la Casa L4 bus amid heavy snow. The 24-year-old driver suffered minor injuries, treated on-site by Canillo traffic services and two ambulances before hospital transfer; the road closed for 20 minutes with an alternative route provided.

Temperatures lingered below freezing at -14°C in Pas de la Casa, -5°C at 1,500m, and -1°C in Andorra la Vella, amplified by north-easterly gusts. Friday winds peaked at 20.7 m/s in Borda Vidal, toppling parked motorcycles without injuries. Firefighters removed a loose metal panel from Serradells sports centre around noon Sunday.

Monday looks sunnier initially with low clouds building in the north, possible afternoon snow above 1,700m, winds to 50 km/h in valleys and 90 km/h at height, and temperatures rising slightly: minima 1°C Andorra la Vella, -3°C at 1,500m, -11°C Pas de la Casa; maxima 14°C capital, 9°C at 1,500m, -2°C Pas.

The Erminio low pressure system will deliver widespread rain Tuesday evening, turning to snow Wednesday with falls intensifying at high elevations before spreading. Northern yellow snow alerts begin Tuesday 6pm (orange there), central yellow from 9pm, lasting to Thursday morning. Snow levels hit 1,200m Wednesday morning and Thursday night, rising to 1,600m evening; major build-ups expected above 1,500m, starting as drizzle or rain then snow. Wednesday brings north winds gusting 80 km/h valleys, 120 km/h peaks—its strongest day. Temperatures steady: Wednesday minima 4°C Andorra la Vella, 0°C 1,500m, -9°C Pas; maxima 8°C capital, 3°C 1,500m, -3°C Pas. Accumulations could reach 40cm at 1,500m, 55cm at 2,000m, 65cm+ above 2,500m, up to 70cm in 24 hours and 100cm in 48 at peaks. Northern avalanche risk rises to level 4/5 (high).

Protecció Civil remains on pre-alert, urging secured outdoor objects, sealed buildings, minimal travel—prioritizing public transport for vulnerable groups—mountain caution within ski areas only, winter tyres, and mobility app checks. COEX monitors roads for potential avalanche control blasts. Visit www.meteo.ad for updates.