Nestled in the heart of the majestic Pyrénées, El Tarter is a tranquil village renowned for its part in Andorra's largest ski area. Elevated at 1,710 meters and a stone's throw from Soldeu, this resort is an ideal destination for families, groups, and solo travelers alike.
As one of the best ski resorts in Andorra, El Tarter offers a serene and scenic winter getaway. 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 El Tarter ski holiday. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
El Tarter is located in Andorra, in the parish of Canillo.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for a family ski holiday | Limited non-skiing activities |
| Great for first time skiers | Smaller than Soldeu |
| Linked by chairlifts to Soldeu, Grau Roig, and Canillo | Limited for expert skiers |
| Some hotels and apartments located very close to the slopes | N/A |
(Ref: Roca Visuals)
El Tarter, renowned for hosting one of the top-rated snowparks in Southern Europe, boasts 50 km of skiable terrain. The area features a diverse array of 26 pistes (3 greens, 12 blues, 8 reds, and 3 blacks), served by approximately 4 ski lifts. El Tarter is divided into three main sectors, including:
El Tarter is welcoming to those new to the world of skiing. By taking the TC10 El Tarter gondola, beginners are ushered to a specialized area where experienced instructors introduce them to the basics on the gentle green runs. As they gain confidence, they can progress to the serene blue slopes like Pi de Migdia and Esquirol, with the latter offering a scenic path back to the resort.
The vast terrains above El Tarter, mainly above the tree line, are a delight for intermediate skiers. They can revel in the rolling reds, especially from the summit of the Llosada chairlift or take on the tranquil blues heading towards Canillo. The area's crowning jewel for intermediates is the 7km Gall de Bosc - the longest run in Grandvalira, winding through picturesque forests back to the heart of El Tarter.
Expert skiers have their fair share of excitement with steep red and black slopes, primarily near the Pas de la Casa region. For those seeking a blend of adventure and challenge, mogul fields await, surrounded by vast expanses of pristine off-piste terrains.
El Tarter is an off-piste haven. Skiers can navigate between six dedicated off-piste routes stretching between El Tarter and Canillo. Alternatively, the Grau Roig area is just a short distance away, offering a plethora of off-piste opportunities coupled with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees.
El Tarter is a snowboarder's dream. Novices can benefit from the outstanding ski school and the strategic layout that minimizes the need for drag lifts. The El Tarter snow park, the largest in Grandvalira, beckons snowboarding enthusiasts to showcase their skills on an array of jumps, rails, and the imposing halfpipe. At 1.3km, it stands as one of the most extensive setups in the Pyrenees.
Families visiting El Tarter are in for a treat, with specialized circuits for children and the enchanting Bababoom Circus, ensuring that even the youngest members are immersed in the joys of winter sports.
The ski season in El Tarter for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 30th and run until April 11th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to El Tarter this season, be sure to explore our El Tarter ski deals for the best ski offers available.
El Tarter 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 slight decreases with 17 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 El Tarter, with an impressive 27 cm of snow over 3.0 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 2.1 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 12 cm | 2.0 days |
| January | 18 cm | 2.5 days |
| February | 17 cm | 2.6 days |
| March | 18 cm | 2.9 days |
| April | 12 cm | 2.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Below are some of the best venues for après ski and nightlife in El Tarter:
Download El Tarter resort map here
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