Heavy Snow and 120 km/h Winds Disrupt Andorra Roads and Ski Resorts

Heavy snow overnight blanketed all elevations across Andorra, confirming meteorological forecasts, while winds gusting to 120 km/h at high altitudes created widespread disruptions on roads and ski operations.

The Servei Meteorològic de Andorra extended its orange alert for violent winds until 6pm Monday, with gusts exceeding 90 km/h in valleys and 120 km/h at peaks, before shifting to a yellow alert nationwide until Tuesday at 9am. A yellow warning for snow accumulation—up to 30 cm at northern peaks—held until 3pm Monday, paired with an avalanche risk alert until Wednesday in the north. Temperatures plunged below zero, hitting -14°C at Pas de la Casa, -5°C at 1,500m and -1°C in Andorra la Vella, intensified by north-easterly gusts. Snow persisted at higher levels, causing difficulties in the Orient valley and near Canillo, where vehicles skidded on icy surfaces due to missing winter tyres. Police enforced checks, recommending equipment even where not mandatory.

Road measures included 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 stayed under black phase and closed, as did Coll del Pimorent. France-bound RN-22, RN-20 and RN-320 barred vehicles over 19 tonnes. Retentions built between Meritxell and Tarter, and Canillo-Meritxell. A Saturday night crash on CG-2 between Bordes d’Envalira and Soldeu saw a French-registered car collide with a Pas de la Casa L4 bus; the 24-year-old driver suffered minor injuries, received ambulance and police attention from Canillo traffic services, and was hospitalized after a 20-minute closure with an alternative route provided.

Ski resorts curtailed operations amid wind and poor visibility: Ordino-Arcalís and Naturland shut entirely. Grandvalira closed all Encamp and Peretol pistes, plus 20 in Soldeu, 10 in Canillo and Pas de la Casa, 13 in Tarter and 28 in Grau Roig; sector connections halted, with buses replacing them. Pal-Arinsal ran only seven low pistes in the Pal sector, cable car closed. New snow raised base depths above 3.5m at Arcalís, 2.5-3m at Grandvalira and over 2m at Pal-Arinsal.

Prior incidents included Friday winds peaking at 20.7 m/s in Borda Vidal, toppling parked motorcycles without injuries, and firefighters removing a loose metal panel from Serradells sports centre around noon Sunday.

Protecció Civil maintained pre-alert, urging secured outdoor items, sealed buildings, minimal travel—favouring public transport for at-risk groups—mountain vigilance, mandatory winter tyres and mobility app checks.

Tuesday brings initial sun with northern clouds, potential snow above 1,700m by afternoon and temperatures 3-4°C cooler; yellow wind alerts to 90 km/h north. The Erminio perturbation hits Wednesday with rain and snow to 1,200-1,400m—peaking windy at 80 km/h valleys, 120 km/h peaks—yellow snow alerts from Tuesday evening (orange north at 6pm, yellow central at 9pm) to Thursday morning, avalanche risk 4/5 north. Winds ease Friday midday, maxima climbing to 14°C Andorra la Vella, 10°C at 1,500m, 17°C weekend. Officials advise sticking to ski areas, planning trips and securing objects. Check www.meteo.ad for updates.