Grandvalira Launches Expanded Summer Season with MTB World Cup and Family Parks

Grandvalira Resorts has launched its summer season with an expanded range of family, sports, and cultural activities across its domains, aiming to exceed last year's 176,000 visitors and encourage longer stays.

The season opens this Saturday at Ordino Arcalís with access to the Mirador Solar de Tristaina, which has drawn over 460,000 visitors since 2021 and now features WiFi for the first time, a digital forfait system, and QR code photo downloads. Officials expect to surpass half a million visits there this summer. The main activities at Pal Arinsal and Grandvalira will start on June 20, coinciding with the ANDbike Festival and the Mon(t) Magic Family Park in Canillo, along with Golf Soldeu and most e-bike offerings. The Funicamp sector begins operations on July 11.

Marketing director David Ledesma described the lineup as the most varied and extensive in history, targeting families and leveraging support from local councils. Key additions include the "Petjades Enlairades" route from Funicamp to a new viewpoint near a three-metre sculpture of the Ossa d'Encamp by the Racó de Solanelles, where visitors can learn about local wildlife, flora, traditional farming, and the legend. Other family draws are the new Laberint de Soldeu, an interactive nature trail with orientation challenges, and the Big Jump Park at El Tarter, an 800-square-metre inflatable outdoor area with jumps and obstacles.

Mountain biking remains central, with Pal Arinsal—hailed as Andorra's cycling capital—hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup from July 9 to 12, alongside the Andorra Epic (July 2-5), Andorra MoraBanc Clàssica (June 21), and Copa Catalana de descens Trofeu Warriors 2.0 (June 20-21). Improvements include new tracks like Blavet (blue level), Green Gravity Descent for beginners and families, and Commencal upgrades. The e-bike network expands to 114km with three new routes, including Cabirol Loop and Tamarro Flow Trail. Two 21-seat off-road buses will offer distinct routes, and old bike trails are being revived.

Ordino Arcalís focuses on calmer nature experiences, highlighted by the August 6-8 alignment when dawn sun passes through the Pic d'Arcalís hole. Digital forfaits, available via QR codes like in winter when over 150,000 sold online, aim to boost convenience. Summer revenue accounts for 5% at Grandvalira, 8-10% at Pal Arinsal, and 25% at Arcalís.

Staffing poses no issues this summer, with the team fully assembled using fixed and returning seasonal workers. Ledesma noted winter challenges from the Entry Exit System and training gaps but expressed confidence for next season. A marketing push targets northern European cycling markets.