PlanetSKI Hits the Pyrenees

7th January 2024

Last modified on January 20th, 2024

We’re in Europe’s other main mountain range for most of January – skiing the French Pyrenees, Andorra and then the Spanish Pyrenees. First stop was Ax-3-Domaines in France, now we’re in Andorra. UPDATE

Saturday 20th January

FWT in Baqueira Beret in Spanish Pyrenees Cancelled

“The FWT is disappointed to announce that the first event of the season – the Baqueira Beret Pro – has been canceled due to snow conditions,” said the organisers in a statement.

“Despite recent snowfalls and good conditions on-piste, there is insufficient snowpack off-piste to safely conduct a freeride competition.

“Conditions in the backcountry will likely deteriorate further, given the warm weather forecast in the coming week, with no precipitation expected.”

It was due to take place next weekend.

Image c/o FWT

“Well, that’s a shame but these things happen,” said PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, who was planning to be in the resort for the event.

Maybe James will head to the resort anyway as the pistes are all open.

“Even with the recent snowfall, there are currently inadequate conditions to run a premier freeride competition,” said the Commercial Manager at Baqueira Beret, Xavi Ubeira.

“All lifts at the resort are in operation, opening up more than 120 km of slopes.

“Therefore, there is still high-quality skiing on offer but, unfortunately, not enough for a FWT Pro event”.

Freeride World Tour. Image © PlanetSKI

“We are sad to have to cancel the FWT Baqueira Beret Pro, especially as events here over the last two years have delivered such great starts to the FWT season,” said the FWT founder, Nicolas Hale-Woods.

“As always, weather and snow conditions dictate our decisions, which is a part of the outdoor sports world. Although this is disappointing, we can’t wait to return here next year in January.”

Wednesday 17th January

Andorra Travel Service Takes On & Beats the Big Boys

The small independent company started operating in Andorra in 2005.

Almost 20-years on it is still independent, but has grown somewhat.

It is the leading independent operator for the UK, Irish and international market in terms of size and expertise and second only to TUI overall as an operator in the UK and Irish market.

It brings around 10,000 per year to Andorra mainly for 7- night durations, and with stays of 4, 5 and 6 days growing yearly.

It is owned by husband and wife team of Iain and Gemma Archer.

“We have a team of 7 staff, all are Andorra full residents thus creating an expert call centre, sales team, service centre and admin function for our flexible holiday model,” said Iain.

“When people call, email, chat, or what app, they come through to our Soldeu office and are serviced by a us here on the ground in Andorra.”

Iain Archer. Image c/o Andorra Travel Service.

The main operators (some no longer here) Crystal, Neilson, Inghams, Topflight, and previously Panorama, First Choice, Airtours had dominated the country with the charter flight model.

As the low-cost model grew and the traffic to Barcelona expanded Iain and Gemma saw that it was possible to get skiers and snowboarders to Andorra without the main operators.

It began matching hotels, the airport shuttle timetable and packaging with lift passes, ski hire and lessons.

At that point there were 3 services per day from Barcelona and 2 services per day from Toulouse.

The accessibility was the key to be able to grow and attract a new market and educate an existing market.

With its partners Andbus, it now has a program that runs from Barcelona to Andorra 8 times per day, every 2 hours between 9am and 11pm

From Toulouse it is 4 times per day, every 4 hours from 10am to 10pm.

These services run between the airport and the resort itself with either door to door or nearest bus stop drops.

It runs every day of the year , except 25^th December and 1^st January.

“We have helped to develop and shape the independent market for Andorra and over all it now rivals and potentially exceeds the charter market,” said Iain.

“Our brand identity is aligned with our transport partners Andbus which gives customer the sense of reassurance that although an independent traveller, they are being taken care of by us each step of the way.”

See here for full details of Andorra Travel Service.

Iain Archer. Image c/o Andorra Travel Service

Monday 15th January

We have just posted out first main article on Andorra.

It covers the skiing in the main Grandvalira area, and much else besides.

Where to Stay in Andorra
Holidays in Andorra
Eating & Drinking
Snowsports Events

Those that have skied recently in Andorra will know what it offers.

Those that haven’t may have a slightly wrong view of the ski area high up in the Pyrenees, sandwiched between France and Spain.

Do check out our full report:

There’s Much More to Skiing in Andorra than meets the eye

Grandvaliria, Andorra. Image © PlanetSKI

Sunday 14th January

For many people no visit to Andorra is compete without a sport of shopping in the capital, Andorra La Vella.

With its tax-free status some prices are considerably cheaper.

We picked up the latest i-phone 15 Pro for £300 less than we would have paid at an Apple store in London.

We were not the only ones out for a Sunday bargain.