El Tarter – Grandvalira

Prices in tax-free Andorra are appreciably lower than in the Alps – and possibly even than in the rest of the Pyrenees – with everything from food and drink to accommodation coming in cheaper than average. This doesn’t mean that you miss out on the skiing or snowboarding front however. El Tarter is a gondola or chairlift away from the heart of the interlinked area, a ski area famed for its intermediate terrain and the ability to cruise from end to end on well-groomed slopes. At the end of the day, there are both blue and black options, with the gondola providing a download alternative if snow conditions are challenging.

In terms of the village itself, don’t expect the party vibes of nearby Pas de la Casa, but do expect some nice accommodation located right at the foot of the slopes and a good selection of restaurants – plus you have the option of heading to Soldeu a short hop on the bus along the valley.

Getting here is a little bit more of an effort, requiring long (3 hour) transfers from Toulouse or Barcelona, but both airports have the advantage of being quieter than airports such as Geneva or Zurich during the winter months.