The second winter season with all Andorra's ski resorts under the Grandvalira Resorts brand has ended with a total of 2,230,604 ski days sold, a figure slightly below the accumulated data from the previous season. The lack of precipitation in the initial stretch of the season and during key periods has affected the overall winter occupancy figures, which ended up being 5.5% lower compared to the previous season, where 2,364,359 ski days were sold across the three Grandvalira Resorts stations.
Despite the slight decrease in occupancy, Andorran domains have once again solidified themselves as a reliable snow destination thanks to investments made in recent years in modernizing and expanding the snowmaking network. This has allowed for the widest ski offer in the Pyrenees and Southern Europe throughout the winter. Additionally, all three stations concluded the winter season without a single day of total closure from the official opening to the end of the season. “The investments we've made in recent years in improving the snowmaking network have been key, along with the excellent work of the ground teams, who have once again proven to be the best specialists in treating the slopes, especially in adverse conditions”, explains the managing director of Grandvalira Resorts, Juan Ramón Moreno. It's worth noting that the accumulated snowfall this winter has been slightly higher than the previous season, but most of it arrived towards the end of the season.
Furthermore, Moreno believes that the overall offer of Andorran stations has also positively contributed to the season's results. “The comprehensive management model of Grandvalira Resorts, encompassing lifts and slopes, as well as restaurant businesses, ski schools, activities within ski areas, and alternative proposals like après-ski, allows us to be more resilient in seasons like this one, where we have continued to increase average spending per customer”, he notes.
Slight decrease in ski days sold at Grandvalira with a total of 1,653,417
The Grandvalira resort has recorded a total of 1,653,417 ski days sold, representing a slight decrease of 5.4% compared to the winter of 2022-2023. However, it should be noted that this season lasted for 125 days at Grandvalira, 11 days fewer than the previous one. The average daily visitors at Grandvalira were higher this year, with 13,228 skiers per day compared to 12.848 last winter. Monday, February 12th saw the highest influx with a total of 23,493 people, while across all Grandvalira Resorts, there were 32,526 skiers on that day.
In this regard, the nearby markets have once again taken the spotlight, as has been the case in recent years. Visitors from Spain (53.6%) remained the largest segment of Grandvalira's clientele, but noteworthy is the continued positive performance of the British and Irish markets, accounting for 12.1% of Grandvalira's clientele, as well as the French (9.4%). Additionally, there has been significant growth in strategic markets such as Latin America, with a particular focus on visitors from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, as well as North Americans, especially from the United States. In this regard, the commercial agreement with the Ikon Pass, providing access to over 50 resorts worldwide, has played a key role, with over 3,500 skiing days recorded this year from visitors holding this pass from the United States.
Furthermore, the dynamic prices strategy has continued to solidify, leading to an 8.51% growth in online sales at Grandvalira compared to last winter, which already saw a significant increase of 34.7%.
Late precipitation
Grandvalira has recorded up to 337 cm of accumulated snowfall this winter, compared to 320 cm in the previous season. It's worth noting that the majority of accumulated snowfall occurred in the final stretch, especially in March, whereas in the earlier months, the snowmaking network played a more prominent role. In total, 1,495,000 m3 of water has been transformed into artificial snow, ensuring skiing during many key periods throughout the winter, thanks also to the excellent work of the ground teams.
World Cup and World Championships 2029
The female World Cup held on February 10th and 11th in Soldeu marked the last major test hosted by Grandvalira before the selection of the venue for the 2029 World Championships, which will take place on June 4th at the annual FIS gala in Reykjavík. Andorra's candidacy presentation is encouraging, and one of the strong points to demonstrate the country's readiness to host this event is the accumulated experience in top-level competitions: from this year's World Cup, through the two organized Finals, the European Cups, and numerous FIS events, with a total of 14 races held this year in Grandvalira. Moreover, it is necessary to consider the meteorological challenges that had to be overcome in this edition, as well as in previous years. It is worth noting that Andorra has been the only venue for the World Cup that has been able to fulfil the program throughout the month of February. This fact, along with the positive feedback received from teams and the FIS, reflects the great organizational success achieved once again in an internationally renowned event.
Music, skiing, and après-ski, the magical combination of Grandvalira
L’Abarset has concluded another successful season. Over 100,000 people have visited the iconic venue in the El Tarter sector of Grandvalira, which has closed the winter season while remaining the reference après-ski in Southern Europe thanks to its commitment to offering a comprehensive experience of leisure and dining and a top-notch musical proposal with the most renowned international DJs of the current scene. L’Abarset has also consolidated its alliances with major international promoters such as Brunch Electronik, which has attracted more than 10,000 people during the season with the celebration of five parties, selling out tickets on each occasion, or Bresh, “the most beautiful party in the world”, which this year has had two editions. The venue has also resonated with headliners from the best international festivals such as Andrea Oliva, Joseph Capriati, John Digweed, DJ Gordo, or Paco Osuna. Other notable names that have passed through L’Abarset this season includes emerging talents like Layla Benitez, Franky Rizardo, Miss Monique, and Eli Brown, among many others, contributing to a rich musical diversity throughout the season.
On the other hand, the Snowrow festival has been another major success in musical experiences at Grandvalira. The prestigious immersive festival by the elrow brand has held its second edition in the snow, bringing in more than 6,000 daily attendees with a unique proposal in the world that combines snow activities, music, games, and daytime competitions for the whole family with evening parties reserved for over 18s in the mythical pink tent characteristic of elrow festivals. Snowrow has featured performances by over 40 globally renowned guest artists and emerging talents, headlined by Marco Carola, the acclaimed Neapolitan DJ and producer, the Swedish Adam Beyer, and the Livorno-born DJ and producer, Ilario Alicante.
Highly notable ratings from customers in Grandvalira
The resort has once again recorded highly notable ratings in satisfaction surveys conducted with customers by an external consultancy firm. Specifically, visitors have rated Grandvalira with an average score of 8.29 out of 10. The ski and snowboard school has seen an increase in the average rating score, with 8.73, while the catering service has received an average rating score of 7.75, acknowledging the efforts devoted to these two business units of the resort. Furthermore, 91.4% of the surveyed individuals have indicated that they would recommend the resort to their acquaintances.
Summer season
With the closure of the slopes, Grandvalira begins to prepare for the summer season, which will start on June 22nd. This year, it will once again feature over 94 km of electric bicycle circuits, the Mon(t) Magic Family Park in Canillo, the golf course in Soldeu, the iconic Llac de Pessons Restaurant in Grau Roig, the operation of the Funicamp to access 4x4 excursions, as well as the lifts in Pas de la Casa to reach Estany de les Abelletes.
Pal Arinsal, with 377,857 ski days sold
The Pal Arinsal resort has closed the season with 377,857 ski days sold, a figure that falls short of the goals set at the beginning of the season and represents a decrease of 11.7% compared to the previous winter. La Massana domain has been affected by the effects of late snowfall, as well as other meteorological factors such as wind, especially in the Arinsal sector. However, it should be noted that the accumulated snow depths at the end of the season were significantly higher than in the 2022-2023 season. Specifically, the Pal sector recorded a total of 275 cm of accumulated snow, compared to 176 cm the previous year, and Arinsal received up to 344 cm, compared to 279 cm in the previous campaign. Although the main snowfall occurred towards the end of the season, Pal Arinsal offered a minimum of 70% of the slopes open for practically the entire season, largely thanks to snowmaking production that transformed 388,352 m3 of water into snow and the great work of the ground teams, which were particularly important this season. The debut of the new Port Negre chairlift in Arinsal was also very relevant, the 6-seat detachable lift by Doppelmayr that represents the first step in the future modernization of the resort. It is also worth noting that on the 124 days of the resort's opening, the day with the highest influx in Pal Arinsal was Monday, February 12, with a total of 6,250 skiers.
As for the origin of the skiers in Pal Arinsal, this winter has seen the consolidation of loyal customers, mainly from Spain, accounting for 47.5%, and Andorra, with 15.5%. Additionally, the representation of the British and Irish market has increased, accounting for 20.6% of the total clientele. On the other hand, the dynamic pricing strategy has also had a positive impact on Pal Arinsal's online sales, which have experienced a growth of 10.54% compared to the previous season, which already saw a considerable increase of 28.3%.
Comapedrosa Andorra World Cup
On the sporting side, the ISMF Comapedrosa Andorra Ski Mountaineering World Cup was one of the highlights of the season. The event welcomed nearly 100 athletes from 17 different countries for the two races, the Vertical Race and the Individual Race. Both circuits received praise from athletes and the ISMF, and along with favourable weather conditions, they led to an excellent 13th edition of the event, which took place in the Comapedrosa Natural Park and was a great opportunity to showcase Andorra's natural heritage internationally.
Pal Arinsal excels in ratings
Skiers have rated the resort with an overall satisfaction score of 8.41, nearly reaching outstanding, according to surveys conducted by an external consultancy. Especially noteworthy is the rating of the ski and snowboard school, which received an outstanding average score of 9.16, and the catering service approached high marks with a 7.90. Finally, 94.4% of Pal Arinsal visitors stated that they would recommend the resort.
UCI MTB World Championships
The summer season at La Massana resort will kick off on June 14th with the opening of the prestigious Pal Arinsal Bike Park, accessible with the Andorra Pass and Nord Pass Season Passes, while the Mountain Park and its activities for the whole family will start on June 22nd.
This will be a special summer in Pal Arinsal with the biggest event of the year: the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. From August 28th to September 1st, the world's best riders will compete to win the coveted rainbow jersey in disciplines including Cross-Country, Olympic, Short-Track, Relay, E-MTB, and Downhill.
Ordino Arcalís sets its absolute record with 210.276 passages
The privileged location of Ordino Arcalís, which allows for a greater amount of snow depth and better preservation of snow quality, has once again been key for the Ordino domain to break its occupancy record since its integration into Grandvalira Resorts. Thus, it has totalled 210.276 passages, an increase largely thanks to skiers from other Grandvalira Resorts stations who also took advantage of Ordino Arcalís' favourable conditions. The resort reaches 199.330 ski days sold, 7.5% more than last season, which already reached historic figures.
The domain has once again offered the longest season in the Pyrenees with a total of 137 days of operation, with the peak day of attendance being Saturday, January 13, with 3.565 skiers. Thanks to the late November snowfall, the resort was able to carry out a pre-opening for a few days in the La Coma sector, being the first in the Pyrenees, and likewise has been able to extend its closing one week later than planned.
Ordino Arcalís has also received the most snow, with 379 cm of accumulated snow, once again highlighting its privileged location and reaffirming its reputation as a destination that often boasts the highest quantity and quality of snow, making it a reference in the freeride world. Additionally, snowmaking has also helped maintain the ski offering at key moments of the season, with a minimum of 80% of slopes open and often 100%, thanks in part to the 108,000 m3 of water transformed into snow this winter.
On the other hand, like the other Grandvalira Resorts stations, Ordino Arcalís has experienced growth in online sales, specifically by 17.85%. Regarding the origin of skiers, Ordino Arcalís maintains the great loyalty of local customers, with Spaniards being the most prominent at 68.4% of the total, followed by Andorrans at 24.4%.
Freeride spectacle
For the first time since its first edition, the Freeride World Tour event in Ordino Arcalís could not take place due to the lack of suitable off-piste conditions in late January. However, the 12th edition of the JAM Extreme FWQ 3* took place in mid-March, part of the Freeride World Tour Qualifier (FWQ) circuit, which allows for points to access the Freeride Word Tour, as well as the 2024 YETI FWT Junior Ordino Arcalís, the Freeride Junior Tour event. Both competitions took place in excellent snow conditions for riders and were a great success in terms of participation.
The Borrufa Trophy, a beloved junior alpine skiing competition for children's categories because it offers young talents the opportunity to experience a first approach to international competitions, also held its 32nd edition and contested all races normally. A total of 259 racers from 27 different countries attended the event, including 63 young skiers from Andorra selected, making it the largest Andorran participation following the inclusion of all technically skilled skiers from the clubs.
Good customer ratings and satisfaction
Skiers at Ordino Arcalís have rated the resort very positively, specifically with an overall satisfaction score of 7.92, according to surveys conducted by an external consultancy. The ski and snowboard school was the best-rated area, with an average score of 8.84, while catering received a score of 7.52. Finally, 89.7% of customers who visited Ordino Arcalís this season confirmed that they would recommend the resort to their acquaintances.
Summer season
The last resort to conclude the winter season, Ordino Arcalís, will also be the first to reopen in summer. Starting June 8, access to the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint will be possible via the Creussans chairlift and the Tristaina Gondola, facilitating ascent to one of the most visited points in the country during the summer months, along with the Sorteny Valley and the Refuge, which will reopen on the same dates.