Grandvalira, the largest ski area in Andorra and in the Pyrenees, has reported a 12% growth in business last season compared to 2006-7. The ski area reported 1,512,000 skier days were taken.
Periodic snowfalls combined with extensive snowmaking operation enabled good conditions for snow sports throughout most of the season.
Grandvalira’s positive results could be put down to a long and successful season according to resort managers. The resort opened ahead of schedule on November 24th as early snow came in, and closed with great conditions thanks to a row of snowfalls since the early Easter in March.
By closing weekend, skiers and snowboarders had a metre (over three feet) of snowpack and powder snow covering most of the resort. Although snow falls were again not huge, it did arrive at the right time. Snowmaking efforts also helped maintain snow conditions and allowed the resort to claim the most terrain, 95% of slopes and 100% of lifts, fully operational in the region. Grandvalira is planning to continue investing in its artificial snowmaking.
The focal point of the season was Pas de la Casa - Grau Roig’s 50th anniversary, the original Andorran ski area now integrated in to Grandvalira with neighbouring Soldeu El Tarter and other linked resorts. There was a full programme of events to celebrate this achievement. www.grandvalira.com