Pyrenees Ski Resorts Open 280km Pistes for Christmas with Record Snow

Pyrenees ski resorts, including Andorran stations under Grandvalira Resorts, are opening more than 280 kilometres of pistes for the Christmas holidays—80 kilometres more than last year—thanks to recent snowfalls that have dumped up to half a metre of fresh powder in prime spots.

Andorran resorts are approaching near-100% capacity with ideal conditions. Grandvalira reports steady precipitation over the past days adding 25-40 centimetres of new snow, surpassing initial forecasts and hitting nearly 50 centimetres in favoured areas. This enables over 190 kilometres of linked terrain across all sectors, with base depths of 40-70 centimetres and further expansions expected soon. Pal Arinsal is running at full strength, with every piste and lift operational—including the inter-sector cable car—and snow depths reaching 50-90 centimetres. Ordino Arcalís is also fully open, offering top freeride off-piste zones with accumulations up to 120 centimetres or more at altitude.

Across the Pyrenees and Lleida region, accommodation forecasts exceed 70% occupancy for Christmas, New Year's and Epiphany, nearing 100% from December 30 to January 2. Baqueira Beret hotels are already fully booked for peak dates, where reservations typically start in early autumn; Pyrenean hotels project 90-100% over the four-day New Year's bridge, though lower in Ponent counties. Bungalows target 80-100%, and rural houses around 95%. Baqueira expects to sell more than 190,000 ski passes, drawing waves of families through St. Stephen's Day on December 26, mid-period arrivals to New Year's, and groups near Epiphany on January 6. Some 90% of visitors come from elsewhere in Spain, mainly Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country, followed by Asturias, Galicia, Aragon, Valencia and the Balearic Islands.

Lleida Provincial Council's Tourism Board vice president Juan Antonio Serrano highlighted skiing as the key attraction after the latest dumps. Andorran stations are boosting the festive mood with torchlight and light descents: Soldeu's New Year's Eve torch run at 6pm for skiers aged 6+; its January 3 light descent for children up to 12; Pal Arinsal's January 4 light event at 6pm; and Pas de la Casa's January 5 torch descent at 6pm. Additional draws include Santa Claus visits to snow gardens and ski schools, Three Kings parades, fireworks, snow-encircled dinners, snowmobile outings and après-ski parties, capped by a New Year's bash at L'Abarset.