Andorra Ski Resorts and Hotels Achieve Best Season in Eight Years

Andorra's ski resorts and hotels wrapped up 2025 with strong occupancy figures, marking the best performance in eight years for several months, including January, February, May, July, September, October, and November.

Unió Hotelera d'Andorra data show annual hotel occupancy averaged 61.24%, up 0.79 points from 60.45% in 2024. December reached 62.85%, a 2.77-point increase over the previous year's 60.08%. The key Reis period from December 29 to January 4 hit 94.05%, well above 2024's 89.33%, while New Year's weekend peaked at 96.93%. Unió Hotelera director Albert Mora called the results "clearly superior" to last year, with the highest rates from January 2 to 5. He noted sustained visitor inflows, good service despite staffing issues, and satisfied guests, adding, "We are very satisfied with the work done."

Ski resorts also thrived during the Christmas holidays. Grandvalira Resorts logged over 336,000 ski pass activations across Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal, and Ordino Arcalís from December 24 to January 6, exceeding last winter and the best since 2019-2020. Grandvalira offered more than 190km of slopes with up to 80cm snow depths; Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís ran at full capacity with 100cm and 135cm respectively. The busiest day was December 29, with 34,523 skiers total—25,412 at Grandvalira, 6,088 at Pal Arinsal, and 3,023 at Ordino Arcalís (its peak was 3,348 on December 28).

Grandvalira marketing director David Ledesma called the season "very positive, especially given the extraordinary snow conditions." Advance bookings for January and February stayed robust amid snow forecasts.

Neighbouring Alt Pirineu stations sold over 285,000 passes, topping 2010's record of 275,000. Baqueira Beret saw about 190,000 skiers; Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat's Pirineus365 brand drew over 195,000 visitors with full piste access. Spot Esquí recorded more than 19,200 skiers, Port Ainé over 27,000, and Boí Taüll above 32,200.

Allotjaments turístics reported 85-97% occupancy across parishes like Andorra la Vella, Canillo, and Encamp, with full capacity in spots. Associació d’Empreses d’Allotjaments Turístics president Àlex Ruiz highlighted demand from December 26, despite French farmer protests blocking access via Bordes d'Envalira and Pas de la Casa.

Staffing shortages lingered, with 400-500 vacancies in roles like reception and cooking, linked to the EU Entry/Exit System. Mora said hotels maximised service levels and are pursuing origin-country hiring and new seasonal models. Operators expect solid occupancy through March, with January at 60% booked.

Naturland in La Rabassa had 7,660 visitors from December 20 to January 5, down slightly due to early weather but with 4.3% higher per-person spend. Nightlife boomed, as Abarset in El Tarter hosted over 25,000 for events like Brunch Electronik, a New Year's party, and a charity drive raising €3,000 for Fundació Nostra Senyora de Meritxell.

Sector figures remain optimistic, citing reservations into March, competitive pricing, and stable weather aiding pistes. Lleida Turisme Patronat vice-president Juan Antonio Serrano noted near-full Pyrenees hotels over New Year.