Andorra Faces Severe Winter Storm Disruptions on Roads and Ski Resorts

Andorran road authorities maintained black alerts on the CG-2 at Port d'Envalira and the CS-260 at Coma de Ransol through Sunday amid persistent snow and high winds, while yellow alerts lifted on other national routes. French border crossings on the RN320 and RN22 reopened briefly Sunday morning for light vehicles around 8:30 a.m. before closing again due to worsening forecasts. Heavy vehicles over 19 tonnes remained banned, and Coll de Puymorens stayed shut.

Saturday saw full border closures from Friday 10 p.m., with light vehicle access resuming briefly before deteriorating around 8 p.m. The Mobility Service reported mandatory winter equipment on RN20, RN22, and RN320. Overnight Saturday around 10 p.m., a collision at El Tarter involved a car and bus, with no injury details released.

Pas de la Casa merchants drove personal vehicles to L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre Sunday morning to collect stranded train passengers intending to shop in Andorra. Initial border closure announcements led shuttle operators to cancel services even after roads reopened for cars, leaving visitors waiting at the station. Streets stayed largely deserted, with some skiers turning back due to poor morning visibility. Business owners expressed frustration over empty cash registers and emerging group cancellations in tourism accommodations, calling it the worst winter in a decade amid storms, farmer protests, and the ongoing RN20 landslide between Mérens-les-Vals and Ax-les-Thermes, shut since late January with disruptions expected for three months.

Encamp's deputy consul Xavier Fernàndez noted Friday's Pas Economic and Social Council meeting went well, highlighting French stabilization efforts on unstable slopes with 300 and 1,200 cubic metres of rock. He acknowledged the "frustrating" situation despite high snow levels boosting skiing potential, and confirmed ongoing contact with the Foreign Affairs ministry for better France links. The parish stays in touch with French authorities to maximize operations despite the Mérens cut.

Ski resorts faced severe Saturday restrictions: Ordino Arcalís closed entirely due to adverse weather, snow, and avalanche risk at 4 out of 5, with non-operational sector links like Arinsal-Pal, Encamp-Soldeu, Tarter-Encamp, and Tarter-Canillo, plus the Peretol area. Grandvalira's high elevations shut, though some lifts reopened as winds eased, with caution signs for variable conditions. Affected visitors receive vouchers from Grandvalira Resorts for future use.

By Sunday, conditions improved after storm Oriana, with most stations resuming near-full operations. Grandvalira and Pal-Arinsal opened nearly all domains, while Arcalís ran 10 of 27 pistes and 6 of 16 lifts, closing sledding, kids' circuits, freeride zones, and most skimo except Hortell. COEX crews worked overnight with snowplows, avalanche shots on CG-3 to Arcalís, Bordes d'Envalira, and Ransol, reducing risks now at 3/5 south-central and 4/5 north. Naturland struggled with snow-blocked activities like Tobotronc at 1,600m.

Friday's €2 million aid package from government and Encamp parish includes €1.5 million monthly grants for businesses, plus 50-100% rebates on registration taxes and hygiene fees for 25%+ turnover drops versus last year. Free shuttles to L'Hospitalet, with 12 daily round trips, began Saturday, split-funded. Ministers Ramon Lladós and Raül Ferré outlined French anchoring and netting works prioritizing safety before a detour. Businesses welcomed steps but requested ERTO furloughs, rent relief, and redirecting €30 weekly Occitanie fuel vouchers locally; government deferred ERTOs and rent aid pending review. Opposition PS called it a positive start, urging extraordinary credits if needed. Encamp's Laura Mas encouraged local support visits. Authorities urge checking updates and vehicle preparation.