Storm Deborah's High Winds Shut Most Andorra Ski Lifts and Pistes

Strong winds from Storm Deborah have kept most high-altitude ski lifts and pistes closed across Andorra's resorts on Sunday morning, with Ordino Arcalís and Naturland fully shut due to gusts reaching 120 km/h at elevation.

Grandvalira has closed all pistes in Encamp and Peretol, along with about 20 in Soldeu, 10 in Canillo and Pas de la Casa, 13 in El Tarter, and 28 in Grau Roig. The Funicamp remains unopened, and inter-sector connections are down, prompting shuttle buses to ferry skiers by road. Only lower slopes are operational, with many red and black runs unavailable amid poor visibility. In Pal Arinsal, the Arinsal sector and its cable car are closed; seven pistes remain open in the Pal sector, limited to lower areas.

Operators report constant checks on conditions, with lift statuses changing as winds shift. The nationwide alert for intense gusts lasts until afternoon.

Fresh overnight snow has deepened bases: over 3.5 metres at Arcalís, 2.5-3 metres in Grandvalira, and more than 2 metres at Pal Arinsal. Roads face challenges too, with police checks requiring winter equipment, especially from Meritxell and Escaldes northward. Phase yellow is active in those zones, black phase at Envalira pass with truck bans on key routes to France, and Coll del Pimorent closed. Vehicles slid on uncleated tires overnight, particularly near Canillo and in Orient valley, where snow lingers at higher points. Temperatures below zero and northeast winds have made conditions bitterly cold.