Grace Reveley: A Day in the Life
When I think of the perfect school ski trip destination in Europe, Andorra always comes to mind. After spending two years there working in ski operations, I got to know the heart of this small, enchanting country nestled in the Pyrenees mountains. It’s easy to see why it has become one of our most popular destinations for ski school trips. The beginner-friendly ski areas are immersive, the alpine views are simply breathtaking, and the locals bring a warmth that feels like you’re coming home.
So, when I recently got the amazing opportunity to return to Andorra, I said “yes” instantly.
Join me on a day in my life as a Regional Sales Manager, where we explore the ski areas of Andorra, savour delicious local cuisine, and connect with suppliers. This your chance to have a sneak peek into all that Andorra has to offer for your next school ski trip.
Morning
Nothing sets you up for a day of exploring Andorra like a good breakfast, and that is exactly what Krissy (our Ski Contracts Manager) and I got. The views from our Alpine hotel paired with a hot coffee, were the perfect start to a day in the mountains. Today’s plan was packed full of meetings with suppliers, touring some of our fantastic hotels, and of course spending time in the stunning Pyrenees.
I was excited to use my previous knowledge of managing ski hotels/chalets in Europe, mountain operations in New Zealand and ski/snowboarding for over 10 seasons to investigate some of our current and new properties in Andorra. I was keen to learn why they are so successful with our school ski trips and get the inside scoop from our suppliers. I knew Andorra extremely well from living there previously but viewing it from the perspective of school ski travel, I would be seeing it in a different light. Spoiler alert, I was extremely impressed!
We set off from Llavorsí, a small town in the province of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. As we drove through the beautiful wide-open roads to Andorra, we were treated to 360° mountain views. Lingering on the mountainside as we drove, were an array of animals making these mountains their home from beautiful wing-spanned birds to shaggy-haired cows tucking into their breakfast. We hadn’t even hit 9 am yet and the day was shaping up to be spectacular.
After the road meandered further around mountain bends, we reached the first of the smaller towns that held the Catalonian charm of large cream and red buildings. Small independent cafes were bustling with locals and fresh fruit was on display outside family-run supermarkets, all with the heavy backdrop of towering mountains.
As we approached the border of Spain and Andorra, the mountains started to appear on the horizon. As soon as we crossed the border, we were greeted by a small town packed with shops and restaurants, you could already tell the difference between Spain to Andorra through the architecture. All the memories of my time in Andorra started to flood back, with the impressive landscape and funky buildings becoming visible, it was like I hadn’t ever left.
Hotel Inspection Visit
Our first stop on our visit was to see an hotel in the ski area of Grau Roig, the Hotel Austria. We gradually drove up through the main road into Andorra passing the capital city Andorra Le Vella. We carried on driving up the mountain road passing the quaint resorts of Soldeu, El Tarter and Encamp as we approached the first signs of the Hotel Austria.
This property sits on the main mountain road in the Grandvalira ski area. As soon as we pulled up, I couldn’t stop staring out into the mountains. They captivated my attention once again; I was transported back to my previous years in Andorra. I felt like I was returning home.
As we stepped inside the Hotel Austria, the wonderful hotel staff greeted us, with friendly smiles and a very warm welcome. The hotel boasts a large reception area with modern décor, natural light spilling in from the windows and mountain views. As we toured the hotel, we saw their spacious rooms, wonderful dining facilities and amazing bar area that doubles as an après space. The team showed us where schools could have movie, quiz and disco nights. We were very impressed with the hotel’s quality, facilities, staff and location. It’s a fantastic Andorran option for groups who want convenience, and quality all set within a beautiful alpine setting.
It was time to explore Grau Roig, which is nestled within the Grandvalira ski area. I know this resort very well after skiing and snowboarding here for 2 winter seasons. I remember sunny days in Grau Roig, enjoying a hot chocolate at the Llac de Pessons restaurant and taking guests all over the ski area to some of my favourite runs. It was wonderful to see all the improvements the mountains had made for school ski trips. Like a wide ski school area, on-the-mountain hot lunches and the hire shops next to the slopes. They have invested in infrastructure, quality and accessibility.
One of my highlights was seeing a pack of wild horses, It was like a scene from a film. Krissy and I took a moment to appreciate the nature around us and bask in the sunshine.
Encamp & Andorra Le Vella
Next up on our itinerary was to spend some time in Encamp and Andorra Le Vella. This area of Andorra offers fantastic skiing with a sprinkle of a city escape. Driving back down the mountain, our first stop was Encamp. This beautiful area offers city vibes in the heart of the mountains. However, before we headed to see more hotels, it was time for a coffee break.
We stumbled upon an independent coffee shop offering delicious coffee and pastries with some lovely outdoor seating right in the mid-morning sunshine. We sipped scrumptious coffee and basked in some sunshine, reflecting over the beautiful area of Grau Roig.
After a well-earned coffee break, it was time to head to the first hotel. The Hotel Coray, situated in the heart of Encamp and only a short walk away from the Encamp Funicamp gondola. Packed full of activities for school ski trips and of course lots of delicious food, this hotel has clean and comfortable rooms and a huge dining area perfect for large groups. The staff made our visit extra special, showing us all the facilities school groups could use on an evening. Out the back of this hotel, the town of Encamp was on its doorstep offering après galore and a short walk to the gondola. Talk about perfect location!
We visited 2 further hotels in Encamp, each with gorgeous Andorran charm, and great facilities. I was really impressed with how Encamp has progressed over the years, it has this unique blend of fantastic skiing in the heart of a charming city. I know this is one that many party leaders will fall in love with, and it will become their go-to for their school ski trips.
Driving a further 5 minutes down the mountain, our next stop came into view; Andorra Le Vella. Officially Europe’s highest capital city, sitting at 1,023 meters; 3,356 feet above sea level, this city is packed full of history, culture and of course adventure.
We visited some fantastic properties including the Hotel Panorama, a superb 4* hotel with top notch facilities and fantastic access to both the city and of course Grandvalira ski area. Leaving the car behind, we made our way into the city of Andorra Le Vella. We strolled through the old town to reach the Sercotel Delfos, another 4* property in the heart of the city. From its fantastic location to its recent renovation, we were impressed by another great school ski hotel in the city.
The last hotel stops included the Hotel Jaume, a beautiful family-run hotel packed full of sensational views, Andorran charm and large rooms perfect for students. We had seen such a variety of hotels in and out of the city, each offering something different. They all had one thing in common though: fantastic access to the Grandvalira ski area.
I have loved skiing and snowboarding in Grandvalira, there are huge confidence-building slopes for beginners and leg-burning km’s for intermediates to earn their turns. And of course, black runs, off-piste and Snowpark’s galore for those who are after a challenge. What more could you ask for?
Dinner
As the sun dipped behind the mountains after a productive day in Andorra, it was time to check into our apartment for the night. The day’s final task? Finding a good spot for dinner. We headed to a local pizzeria with a warm, cosy atmosphere that felt perfect after the day’s adventures. The delicious pizza and pasta were the ideal way to wind down and wrap up a memorable day in the Pyrenees.
After our fill of carbs, it was time to head to bed. We reviewed the next day’s itinerary which was set to take us to La Molina ski resort, tasting more incredible food and connecting with more wonderful suppliers. Just another day on the job with Inspireski, and it truly felt like living the dream.
Does Andorra sound like the perfect destination for your students? Contact us today to discover how we can make this adventure a reality for your group!
