Taiwanese Tourists Stranded in Snow Near Andorra Ski Slopes After GPS Mishap

Three Taiwanese tourists renting a Mercedes SUV became stranded on a snow-covered track near the Bordes d'Envalira ski area after following GPS directions, prompting a three-hour rescue involving three tow trucks.

The women, lacking experience driving on snow and unfamiliar with Andorra's mountainous winter conditions, ignored warnings and drove into an impassable path despite having snow chains in the vehicle that they had not fitted. The black SUV ended up stuck just metres from the Grau Roig ski slopes around 10:45am, surrounded by alpine scenery and a snow cannon, in what rescuers described as an unusual and striking scene.

Assistance operators from a local roadside service mobilised quickly, deploying three specialised tow trucks to free the car. The operation stretched until 1:30pm, turning the mishap into a memorable anecdote for the smiling tourists, who posed for photos beside the stranded vehicle as help arrived.

The incident underscores the risks of blindly trusting GPS in Andorra's high-altitude areas, where devices may not account for snow, ice or closed routes. Officials repeatedly advise drivers to check road conditions and verify paths manually, especially near ports like Envalira. Similar mishaps worldwide, from a Belgian driver lost across countries to vehicles plunging into rivers or ravines, highlight the technology's pitfalls. No injuries were reported, and the tourists continued their journey after the rescue.