enjoy an improved product.
Panorama ski product manager Corri Boyle, who has reported strong sales to Andorra this year, said: “The duty-free prices mean the pound always goes that bit further. A litre of Gordon’s gin, for example, costs as little as £3.90. Everything is good value – you can get a four-star hotel here for the price of a two-star chalet in France. And in the resort of Soldeu, lift passes cost £70, compared with £100 in France or Austria.”
At around £160 for 15hrs of ski lessons, ski schools are also typically £50 cheaper than in France. The rates – especially those for ski schools – are a real bonus for first time skiers and beginners, the major market for Andorra.
For intermediates and advanced skiers, there is little in the resorts of Pal or Arinsal to test their skills, but Soldeu El Tarter and Pas de la Casa have 24 black runs between them.
Links between these two resorts are good, and there are plans to offer a joint lift pass in time for next season.
Initiatives such as this will be key for Andorra if it is to develop beyond the beginners market. Ski Andorra, an association that brings together the five main ski resorts, has already invested substantial amounts to ensure it offers value for money rather than a cheap, no-frills product.
Ski Andorra director Martha Rotes said around £47m has been spent over the last couple of years on new lifts and new pistes opening in time for the 1999/2000 ski season.
Developments include wider beginner slopes in Arinsal; a new four-seater chairlift in Pal; a new blue run in Ordino-Arcalis plus the opening of a new area in Creussans with four-seater chairlifts; a new restaurant and beginners’ area in the Funicamp area of Pas de la Casa; and six new chairlifts and additional ski areas in Soldeu el Tarter.
The investment means that crowds and queues on the piste will be less than ever this season despite the destination’s growing appeal.
Rotes said: “The numbers of British skiers are increasing. With the added benefit of no-frills carriers such as Ryanair, and EasyJet flying into Barcelona, Toulouse and Carcasonne for direct access to Andorra, we look forward to a record ski season from the UK – up to 7,000 pax per week from Britain and Ireland.”
AGENTS who are booking ski holidays for clients on a budget should look no further than Andorra.
The tiny principality, nestled between France and Spain, is renowned for offering extremely good value for money and recent investment in pistes, lifts and accommodation means this season’s skiers will enjoy an improved product.
Panorama ski product manager Corri Boyle, who has reported strong sales to Andorra this year, said: “The duty-free prices mean the pound always goes that bit further. A litre of Gordon’s gin, for example, costs as little as £3.90. Everything is good value – you can get a four-star hotel here for the price of a two-star chalet in France. And in the resort of Soldeu, lift passes cost £70, compared with £100 in France or Austria.”
At around £160 for 15hrs of ski lessons, ski schools are also typically £50 cheaper than in France. The rates – especially those for ski schools – are a real bonus for first time skiers and beginners, the major market for Andorra.
For intermediates and advanced skiers, there is little in the resorts of Pal or Arinsal to test their skills, but Soldeu El Tarter and Pas de la Casa have 24 black runs between them.
Links between these two resorts are good, and there are plans to offer a joint lift pass in time for next season.
Initiatives such as this will be key for Andorra if it is to develop beyond the beginners market. Ski Andorra, an association that brings together the five main ski resorts, has already invested substantial amounts to ensure it offers value for money rather than a cheap, no-frills product.
Ski Andorra director Martha Rotes said around £47m has been spent over the last couple of years on new lifts and new pistes opening in time for the 1999/2000 ski season.
Developments include wider beginner slopes in Arinsal; a new four-seater chairlift in Pal; a new blue run in Ordino-Arcalis plus the opening of a new area in Creussans with four-seater chairlifts; a new restaurant and beginners’ area in the Funicamp area of Pas de la Casa; and six new chairlifts and additional ski areas in Soldeu el Tarter.
The investment means that crowds and queues on the piste will be less than ever this season despite the destination’s growing appeal.
Rotes said: “The numbers of British skiers are increasing. With the added benefit of no-frills carriers such as Ryanair, and EasyJet flying into Barcelona, Toulouse and Carcasonne for direct access to Andorra, we look forward to a record ski season from the UK – up to 7,000 pax per week from Britain and Ireland.”