Encamp is a picturesque gateway nestled within Andorra's vast Grandvalira. Known for its authentic Andorran atmosphere and direct access to a broad range of ski terrain, Encamp combines the charm of a traditional village with exciting ski opportunities for all skill levels. Its strategic location and local cultural offerings make it a unique spot for those seeking to immerse themselves in the native lifestyle while enjoying extensive winter sports.
As one of the most authentic Andorra ski resorts, Encamp offers a blend of tradition and adventure. 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 Encamp ski holiday. You're going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing. But that's not all! At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some really handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Encamp, Andorra - overview
- Where is Encamp?
- Encamp the resort
- Encamp ski area
- Skiing in Encamp
- Encamp ski season dates
- Encamp snow history
- Restaurants in Encamp
- Things to do in Encamp
- Encamp après ski, and nightlife
- Encamp resort map
- Practical information
Where is Encamp?
Encamp is nestled in the Eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain. It is one of the parishes of Andorra and is situated along the Valira d'Orient river.
For a detailed view of Encamp's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
- Perpignan - Rivesaltes Airport (158 km)
Transfer time
- Perpignan - Rivesaltes Airport (2hr 50 min)
Encamp the resort
- Resort altitude: 1238 m
- Resort permanent residents: 11233
Encamp offers ski holidaymakers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. As a gateway to the expansive Grandvalira ski area, it provides effortless access to some of the Pyrenees' best slopes via the Funicamp cable car. Beyond skiing, Encamp is rich in cultural heritage with sites like the Torre dels Moros and several museums, including the Casa Cristo Ethnographic Museum located next to the town's charming old quarter. The culinary scene offers hearty, traditional dishes in cozy, rustic bordes, perfect for refueling after a day on the slopes. For those interested in exploring beyond skiing, Encamp features opportunities for snowshoeing and ski mountaineering, with both guided and self-guided excursions such as the beginner-friendly Camí de les Pardines trail, which offers stunning views. Additionally, the nearby village of Les Bons showcases the region's Romanesque art with historical landmarks like the church of Sant Romà de les Bons, which displays impressive frescoes, and the church of Santa Eulalia de Encamp, reflecting architectural evolution from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Best for beginners and intermediate skiers | Limited après ski scene |
| Great value for money | Limited advanced and expert ski runs |
| Easy access to the slopes | Quieter than some of the other resorts |
| Interlinked access to the Grandvalira ski area | Limited non-skiing activities |
Here is how Encamp looks like
Watch Encamp on YouTube .
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Encamp ski area
- Highest lift: 2600 m
- Lowest piste: 2040 m
- Vertical drop: 560 m
- Ski lifts: 29
Encamp offers a superb skiing experience, ideal for families and beginners, with easy access provided by the TC Funicamp bubble lift. This lift quickly transports skiers to the prime slopes and panoramic views at Solanelles, ensuring a seamless start to the day. As part of the vast Grandvalira ski area, Encamp acts as a gateway to an extensive network of slopes connecting to resorts such as El Tarter, Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, and Grau Roig. This connectivity allows skiers and snowboarders of all levels to explore over 210 km of ski runs, from beginner-friendly tracks to challenging courses for advanced enthusiasts. The area is especially popular with intermediates and beginners, offering a wide variety of easy runs and ensuring fresh experiences daily. For adventure seekers, Encamp provides ample opportunities for off-piste skiing and freeriding on untouched snow and challenging terrain. While Encamp lacks a snowpark, the nearby resort of El Tarter boasts a large snowpark popular among snowboarders, featuring diverse obstacles and courses suitable for all skill levels, from novices to pros.
Skiing in Encamp
Beginners
The combination of top-notch coaching from the Encamp's ski school and comprehensive lift network fosters a supportive environment for new skiers. The Funicamp gondola, stretching 6 km, swiftly whisks beginners to a variety of gentle slopes, ensuring a smooth and broad introduction to the vast Grandvalira ski domain.
Intermediates
Positioned strategically with the efficient Funicamp gondola at its doorstep, intermediate skiers have easy access to challenging red pistes and more demanding slopes in areas like Grau Roig and Soldeu. This extensive network offers a satisfying ski experience with diverse slopes and stunning panoramic views across the ski area.
Advanced
With access to over 200 km of marked pistes and numerous freeride zones via the Funicamp, advanced skiers can explore high-altitude sectors and tackle demanding runs. The region also boasts facilities for pros and freestylers, including well-designed fun parks, FIS racing tracks, and boardercross runs, making it an ideal playground for those seeking a high-octane skiing adventure.
Encamp ski season dates
The ski season in Encamp for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 30th and run until April 6th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions.
Encamp snow history
Encamp offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 8 cm and 14 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 1.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases with 12 cm of snowfall but it occurs more frequently, averaging 2.4 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the fourth week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Encamp, with an impressive 22 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 7 cm of snow over 1.4 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|
| December | 8 cm | 1.6 days |
| January | 14 cm | 2.3 days |
| February | 12 cm | 2.4 days |
| March | 13 cm | 2.4 days |
| April | 7 cm | 1.4 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
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Restaurants in Encamp
Mountain restaurants
- El Raco de Solanelles: Located at the top of the Funicamp gondola, this restaurant is a favorite for those wanting to dine with a view, serving traditional Andorran cuisine with a modern twist.
- And Burger Zero: This spot offers gourmet burgers and is located conveniently on the ski area, making it a great pit stop for lunch.
Resort restaurants
- Borda Vella: Nestled in the heart of Encamp, Borda Vella specializes in local Andorran dishes, cooked with a homestyle touch.
- Los Calvi: This restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and offers a menu filled with international and local dishes.
- Malandra: Located near the center of Encamp, Malandra provides a warm, welcoming environment and serves a mix of Mediterranean and local cuisine.
- Restaurant Can Pere: A staple in the Encamp dining scene, Can Pere offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on refined Andorran cuisine.
Things to do in Encamp
For non-skiers, or simply for off-slope fun, Encamp offers:
- Snowshoeing
- Walking trails
- Fitness center
- Squash
- Swimming pool and sauna
- Shopping
- Cultural tours
- Museums
Encamp après ski and nightlife
Encamp, while more subdued than neighboring villages, remains a favorite among locals and features a variety of après-ski venues, including:
- Bar Restaurant Funicamp: Located right at the base of the Funicamp gondola, this bar provides a welcoming atmosphere and serves a variety of local brews alongside hearty traditional dishes.
- SIGNUM: This venue combines a modern chic ambiance with a robust selection of craft beers and signature cocktails, making it a stylish spot for evening relaxation.
- La Moreneta Brewpub: A relaxed haven for beer lovers, featuring a selection of in-house brewed ales and lagers in a laid-back atmosphere.
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Encamp resort map
Download Encamp resort map here
