Canillo is a charming ski resort nestled in the heart of Andorra's expansive Grandvalira ski domain. It blends the tranquility of a picturesque mountain village with family-friendly facilities, offering gentle slopes and premium ski schools ideal for beginners and families seeking both relaxation and winter fun.
Known as one of the most tranquil ski resorts in Andorra, Canillo offers a peaceful yet exciting experience for all ages. Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Canillo ski holiday. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to grab a bite or unwind after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Canillo is located in Andorra, in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain, and it is part of the larger Grandvalira ski domain.
Nearest airport
Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport (45 km)
Transfer time
Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport (1hr)
Canillo the resort
Resort altitude: 1526 m
Resort permanent residents: 4826
Canillo serves as the gateway to the expansive Grandvalira, offering a tranquil and scenic retreat. This picturesque parish, one of the highest in the principality, blends contemporary amenities with the serene beauty of untouched nature. Its environment, filled with breathtaking valleys and mountains, invites you to explore its network of lakes and mountain trails. As a ski haven, the village provides a quieter alternative to more bustling resorts, making it ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful holiday. Despite its modern tourist facilities, Canillo retains a charming alpine character, evident in its traditional stone houses, wooden structures, and the iconic Canillo Clock Tower that punctuates the village skyline. The town also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with captivating landmarks and cozy eateries that showcase local flavors and hospitality. Visitors can enjoy the village's calm, enhanced by its lack of traffic and the pure mountain air, making it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the rush of daily life and immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Pyrenees.
Canillo offers a delightful skiing experience ideal for families and beginners with seven well-groomed pistes. These are easily accessible via a quick lift from the village, ensuring a stress-free start to the day.
For those seeking more adventure, the resort is seamlessly integrated into the wider Grandvalira ski area, which includes additional resorts like Encamp, Ordino-Arcalís, Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu and El Tarter. This integration allows skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to explore a vast range of terrain, from serene blue to challenging red runs, as well as exhilarating black runs for expert thrill-seekers. The entire area is supported by a comprehensive network of lifts that ensure smooth travel between different sectors. For off-piste enthusiasts and freeriders, Canillo offers several high-altitude freeride zones with fresh powder and untouched slopes. While Canillo lacks a snowpark, nearby El Tarter provides snowboarders with a snow park just a few kilometers away. It features diverse obstacles and a long route, over a kilometer in length, equipped with various modules and jumping areas suitable for all levels.
Skiing in Canillo
Beginners
The Canillo ski school, perched at the summit of the bubble lift, offers a mix of group and private lessons, making it ideal for both children and adults. The gently sloping nursery area, equipped with a few drag lifts and a chairlift, allows beginners to comfortably gain their footing before venturing via the Portella Chairlift to explore the interconnected runs toward El Tarter.
Intermediates
Strategically positioned at the gateway to Grandvalira’s extensive ski network, Canillo serves as an excellent starting point for intermediate skiers. From here, three chairlifts escort you to the highest accessible points, offering routes toward Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, or El Tarter. It's important to note that the last return lift to Canillo via Portella closes at 16:30 daily. For those who linger longer, regular ski buses provide returns from El Tarter to Canillo.
Advanced
From the peak’s drag lift, advanced skiers quickly reach El Tarter’s renowned freeride terrain. Multiple challenging freeride zones await on both sides of the Portella chairlift, offering steep descents and sprawling open snowfields to carve through.
Night skiing
A brief 10-minute drive from Canillo, the Le Peretol area, situated at an altitude of 1,960 meters, lights up the night from Tuesday to Sunday, 17:00 to 22:00, with its 500-meter long ski piste, providing a unique nocturnal skiing experience under the stars.
Canillo ski season dates
The ski season in Canillo for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 2nd and run until April 14th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Canillo this season, be sure to explore our Canillo ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Canillo snow history
Canillo offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 12 cm and 18 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases with 16 cm of snowfall but it occurs more frequently, averaging 2.6 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the fourth week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Canillo, with an impressive 27 cm of snow over 2.9 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 12 cm of snow over 2.2 days.
La Cuina del Forn: This self-service restaurant offers a convenient and quick dining option for skiers on the go. Located directly on the mountain, it's perfect for refueling without missing much time on the slopes.
Roc de Les Bruixes: Specializing in mountain cuisine, this restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere where skiers can enjoy traditional dishes made from local ingredients, all while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding peaks.
Resort restaurants
Restaurant El Solà: Situated in the town of Canillo, El Solà is known for its excellent grilled meats and delicious paella, making it a favorite among visitors looking for a hearty meal after a day on the mountain.
Restaurant Moli del Peano: This restaurant offers a warm and inviting setting to enjoy traditional fondue. It's a great spot for those seeking a taste of local flavors in a rustic, comfortable environment.
Borda Pi: Near the Mirador del Roc del Quer viewpoint, Borda Pi is a rustic farmhouse restaurant that offers not only a charming dining experience but also shares the spectacular views of the viewpoint. It's an ideal place to enjoy lunch while immersed in the beauty of Andorra's landscapes.
Things to do in Canillo
For non-skiers, or simply for off-slope fun, Canillo offers:
Swimming pool
Ice skating
Ice karting
Squash
Snowshoeing
Dog sledding
Tibetan bridge
Shopping
Cultural tours
Canillo apres ski and nightlife
Canillo's après ski and nightlife are relatively quiet. If you're seeking more vibrant night action, you might prefer heading to El Tarter or Pas de la Casa. However, Canillo still offers a few relaxing options for unwinding after a day on the slopes:
Blót: This bar provides a stylish and refined atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy craft beer in a chic setting. Its interiors, designed with alpine elegance, offer a cozy place to relax.
Boca Negra Loungebar: An upscale venue celebrated for its sophisticated decor and expertly crafted cocktails. It offers a tranquil setting for those looking to unwind in style, accompanied by a selection of fine wines and smooth tunes.
Dagda Irish Pub: Bringing a taste of Ireland to Canillo, this pub features a traditional atmosphere and a broad selection of international beers. It's a welcoming place where good company and cheer abound, enhanced by live sports and hearty meals.
