Grandvalira Resorts Hits Record 336K Ski Days in Strongest Christmas Period in 6 Years

Grandvalira Resorts recorded more than 336,000 ski days across its domains from December 24 to January 6, delivering the strongest Christmas period in six years and slightly surpassing last season's figures—the best since 2019-2020.

The resorts released final numbers yesterday, topping earlier estimates of over 330,000 days. December 29 marked a single-day record with 34,523 visitors since the 2022-2023 unification under Grandvalira Resorts. That day saw 25,412 skiers at Grandvalira, 6,088 at Pal Arinsal, and 3,023 at Ordino Arcalís, though the latter's peak was December 28 with 3,348 visitors.

Exceptional snow conditions fueled the turnout, thanks to early storms, ongoing snowfalls, and intensive piste maintenance. Grandvalira maintained an average of over 190 km of open terrain with depths reaching 80 cm. Ordino Arcalís and Pal Arinsal ran at full capacity throughout, hitting maximums of 135 cm and 100 cm respectively—levels unseen in years.

David Ledesma, Grandvalira's marketing director, called the outcome highly positive, with visitor numbers matching last season but snow quality standing out as extraordinary for early in the season. The period accounts for about 15% of annual revenue. Advance bookings for January and February remain steady, bolstered by forecasts of fresh snow to sustain full operations and high-quality cover. "Advance bookings are progressing well and signal strong weeks ahead, assuming conditions persist," Ledesma noted.

Special events attracted large crowds, including torchlight descents in Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, and for the first time in Pal Arinsal, alongside the Three Kings parade in Pas de la Casa. Restaurants, ski schools, and après-ski facilities operated at peak without significant disruptions.

Hotels and tourist accommodations also posted strong results, with average occupancies between 85% and 97% in areas like Andorra la Vella, El Tarter, Bordes d'Envalira, and Pas de la Casa—some reaching full capacity. Albert Mora, director of the Andorran Hoteliers' Union, reported 85% occupancy from December 24-28, up 9 points from last year, though Entry/Exit System rules limited temporary staffing in roles like receptionists and cooks. Àlex Ruiz of the Tourist Accommodations Association highlighted robust demand from December 26 onward, aided by non-flexible bookings that minimized cancellations despite minor issues like French farmer protests near Pas de la Casa.

Meanwhile, Naturland welcomed 7,660 visitors from December 20 to January 5 over 17 operating days—one more than last season—but below prior-year totals. Variable weather, including early rain and wind, curbed attendance, though conditions improved after December 29 with snowfalls yielding some of the best piste quality in years. Average spend per visitor rose 4.3%, offsetting lower numbers. Naturland described the period as globally satisfactory, emphasizing adaptability and strong snow for those who came.