Grandvalira Sells 160K Ski Passes in Record Easter Week Despite Early Weather Woes

Grandvalira Resorts sold more than 160,000 ski passes from April 28 through Easter week, with a peak of over 22,500 skiers on Good Friday, as milder weather from that day onward enabled near-full access to pistes and lifts across the domains.

The holiday period began with heavy snow and northerly winds that prompted partial closures, high-altitude restrictions, and logistical challenges, limiting early turnout. Conditions improved sharply on Good Friday, bringing sunshine and warmer temperatures that boosted attendance in the final stretch. Marketing director David Ledesma described the week as pivotal in solidifying a "good" season overall, rating Pal Arinsal as "very good." Grandvalira's full assessment will follow the April 12 closure of Ordino Arcalís, which benefits from solid snow reserves and cooler forecasts ahead.

Traffic figures aligned closely with projections, as the Special Traffic Device tallied 66,200 incoming vehicles—46,900 from Spain and 19,300 from France. The busiest days were April 4, with 14,507 vehicles, and April 5, with 12,449.

Pyrenees ski stations under Lleida's jurisdiction expect to surpass 1.4 million passes for the season, fueled by snow depths exceeding three meters in spots. Baqueira Beret topped the list with 1.05 million passes over 129 days—its second-best performance—lifted by strong international growth, including tripled visitors from Brazil and the US, alongside gains from Portugal and Scandinavia. Nordic ski outlets sold 95,000 passes since March 27.

Hotel occupancy showed varied strength. Lleida Tourism Board data indicated an 80% average in Pyrenees hotels from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday, meeting forecasts but below last year's 85%; bungalows reached 90-95%, rural houses 90%. Andorran hotels often outperformed, with Art Hotel and Andorra Center hitting 100% on peak days, Diplomàtic at 87-95% overall, and Camping Valira full in bungalows Thursday to Sunday. Ordino's Hotel Babot varied from 56% on Wednesday to 100% Friday, while Sant Julià de Lòria's Coma Bella and Sol Park also peaked at full occupancy. The Hoteliers' Union called results "very good," with many establishments at 100% over the weekend, exceeding earlier expectations of around 66%.

Central valley retail presented a bittersweet close, with high footfall on avenues like Carlemany, Meritxell, and in centres such as Illa Carlemany, but sales below hopes. Shop workers reported crowds browsing more than buying, citing tighter budgets, narrower price gaps with Spain, early exits to avoid queues, and fewer repeat visits. Tobacco and drinks outlets fared better Thursday and Sunday, though Friday and Saturday lagged. Overall, traders noted a multi-year trend of reduced spending despite steady traffic.