Strong Winds Prolong Ski Closures and Road Shutdowns in Andorra

Strong winds sustain closures at high ski elevations and key roads in Andorra

Intensifying winds on Sunday have prolonged shutdowns at upper ski resort areas across Andorra, disabled multiple chairlifts and cable cars, and forced a complete closure of Port d'Envalira on the CG2 road. Mobility services maintained black-phase restrictions there, banning all traffic due to the risk of extended immobilization during gusts exceeding forecasts. Motorists trapped on the route should ration fuel, remain in vehicles without guaranteed shelter, and avoid obstructing snowplow access. Yellow-phase alerts persist from the Sorteny junction in Canillo and at Coll de la Botella, where passage remains difficult.

Ski resorts limited operations to lower slopes, with all stations advising constant checks of websites and apps for updates as conditions shift. Grandvalira deactivated several mechanical links, using buses to connect sectors. Ordino Arcalís opened only base areas. Naturaland kept its 2,000m level closed. Pal remained accessible up to Pla de la Cot, with plans for gradual higher openings depending on wind trends. Arinsal ran lower zones and aimed to activate Port Negre and Fonts, though the Orriols chairlift and Pal-Arinsal cable car stayed offline. The Snowrow event canceled all Sunday activities amid the weather.

Access to Andorra from France grew challenging again, complicating commercial operations in Pas de la Casa. Overnight from Saturday, black blizzards led to vehicles skidding and blocking roads near Incles and Soldeu, often due to poor equipment. Gusts peaked around midday Sunday, drifting heavy fresh snow at altitude before a projected decline in intensity. Saturday snow depths reached 37cm near Envalira antennas, 29cm at Fontverd and Solana, 26cm at Fonts d'Arinsal, 25cm at Sorteny, and 4cm at Perafita. Negative temperatures continued nationwide, with snow confined to higher peaks.