Severe Winds and Snow Shut Down Andorra Ski Resorts, Limit Operations to Low Runs

Strong winds and heavy overnight snowfall have severely disrupted ski operations across Andorra's resorts, with Ordino-Arcalís and Naturland closed entirely and only low-altitude runs open at Grandvalira and Pal-Arinsal.

The adverse weather, driven by a front bringing widespread snow and gusts exceeding 120 km/h at high elevations, prompted a temporary road closure on the CG-2 between Bordes d’Envalira and Soldeu late Saturday night after a French-registered car collided with a Pas de la Casa line L4 bus. The car driver, a 24-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. Emergency services, including two ambulances, police and Canillo traffic units, responded, with the road blocked for about 20 minutes before an alternative route opened.

Ski operators limited access to safer lower sectors amid poor visibility and high winds. Grandvalira shut most high-altitude pistes, including those in Encamp, Peretol, Soldeu (20 closed), Canillo (10), Pas de la Casa (10), Tarter (13) and Grau Roig (28), along with inter-sector links and the Funicamp. Replacement buses now connect areas. At Pal-Arinsal, only seven pistes remain open in the Pal sector, with the Arinsal-Pal cable car closed.

Earlier gusts from the north wind episode, which ended Friday afternoon, peaked at 20.7 m/s in Borda Vidal (Sant Julià de Lòria), 19.9 m/s at Tossa Espiolets (Canillo) and 15.6 m/s at Roc de Sant Pere (Andorra la Vella). Firefighters removed a loose metal panel from the Serradells sports centre facade around noon Saturday, and winds toppled several parked motorcycles, with no other injuries reported.

The Servei Meteorològic issued an orange alert for violent winds Saturday morning, downgrading to yellow by 6pm. Snow accumulations reached 30 cm at northern peaks, 15-20 cm at 2,000m, 10 cm at 1,500m and 3 cm lower down, creating winter conditions with temperatures as low as -14°C at Pas de la Casa.

Mobility challenges persisted Sunday, with phase yellow activated on stretches like CG-2 from Tarter to Pas de la Casa, CG-3 from Serrat and CG-4 from Pal. Envalira pass was closed, Coll del Pimorent blocked, and restrictions applied to vehicles over 19 tonnes on RN-22, RN-20 and RN-320 to France. Phase black was declared at Envalira, with queues reported between Meritxell-Tarter and Canillo-Meritxell.

Protecció Civil had issued a pre-alert for Sunday's early hours (3am-12pm), recommending securing outdoor objects, limiting travel—especially for vulnerable groups—using public transport, winter tyres where required and checking www.meteo.ad. Winds of 95 km/h in valleys and over 130 km/h at peaks were forecast, easing after midday.

All departments, including Servei Meteorològic, Protecció Civil, Mobilitat and emergency services, monitored conditions closely. Alerts may extend to Tuesday.