El Tarter ski resort guide Skiing, après-ski, things to see & do
Overview
El Tarter is a high altitude ski resort on the border with France and linked in to the largest ski area in Andorra with 210km of piste. The ski area is called Grandvalira and is made up of a further 5 villages - Encamp, Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, Canillo and Grau Roig.
Après-ski
El Tarter has a lively après-ski scene so if you like wild and lively then this is the place. There are pllenty of bars and clubs along with a young crowd that keep the resort rocking until the early hours!
Spa & Wellbeing
If the weather is bad or you just don't fancy skiing then a visit to the Caldea spa is a good option. This is reported as being one of the best mountain spas in Europe - perfect for a day out with the whole family. It's in the capital city Andorra La Vella which is 30km away.
Things to see & do in El Tarter
- Heli-skiing
- Snowmobile for kids and adults
- Snoe shoeing
- Sledging
- Ski-bikes
- Swimming and Roman baths at the Caleda spa
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1766m |
| Top lift | 2640m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 210 |
| Longest run | 8 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | km |
| Season | Winter & summer |
| Snowboard parks | 3 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively & fun |
El Tarter ski guide
The resort sits at 1760m although the ski range goes from 1710m up to 2640m. At this height, snow is pretty much guaranteed although if there is a shortage, there are over 1000 snow cannons!
The ski area is the largest in Andorra and compares well to some of the larger resorts in France. With the recent addition of the Estanay chairlift that heads east out of Pas de la Casa, you can now ski in to the resort of Porte des Neiges in France adding a further 60km of runs.
Beginners
The nursery slopes are right in the centre of the resort so ideally located for beginners. After a few days of learning the snow-plough, you can head over the Col Blanc and down into Grau Roig and start to see the full extent of the mountains. However, there is the problem of getting back as the only runs back in to the resort start off as red or black, so most beginners get the free bus back.
Intermediate
A large ski area with a good mix of reds and blues. For touring, it's possible to ski from El Tarter to Encamp and back again in a day.
Advanced
There are 22 black throughout the area to test even the best skiers. The off-piste can be very good and there are some excellent powder spots to be found especially around Grau Riog and on the trail from Els Cortals down to Encamp.
Snowboard
There is a freestyle area at El Tarter and also at Grau Roig between Soldeu and Pas de la Casa.
Featured ski chalets
El Tarter is geared up for the younger crowd who like to have fun skiing and partying at night. Consequently, some of the apartments for rent in El Tarter tend to match the appetite for wanting to spend money on the night life rather than sleeping in fine quarters.
See all rentals
Our view on El Tarter ski resort
We think El Tarter is a great resort if you want to ski and party hard. Seriously good fun and some great skiing.
- For a day off and relaxation, head to the spa at Caleda and do some duty free shopping at the same time
- Lunch at the Refugi llac de Pessons at the top of Grau Riog - it has some of the best views of the whole Grandvalira area
If you like El Tarter, the resorts of St Anton and Ischgl in Austria also have very lively après-ski and superb skiing.
