Even in the summer months, the gondola ski lifts in Andorra are still in use. That’s because these enclosed cable cars don’t just bring skiers up the Andorra ski slopes during the winter, as they can also carry passengers to the top of the mountains in the Andorran summer. The Andorra summer lifts offer spectacular views on the way up to the summit, and the image of these little cabins climbing through the air has become a typical sight in the summer months in the European microstate.
Andorra summer lifts: What are the routes of the Andorra gondola lifts?
There are a few different areas of Andorra where you’ll find summer lifts. For example, you can take the Canillo gondola lift to access Mon(t) Magic Family Park, a site with various Andorra summer activities on the premises, from archery to mini golf to zip line to pedal cars. There is fun for all the family at the top of that gondola lift to Canillo, while there is even a pedestrian pass available for those who only want to use the gondola lift without access to the activities.
There are summer lifts at Grandvalira at El Tarter, Soldeu and La Massana, while you can also experience a gondola lift ride at Ordino to visit Creussans in summer. That is one of the nerve centres of the Ordino Arcalís resort and a hub of different hiking routes.
Funicamp: The most epic of the Andorra summer lifts
Perhaps the most famous of the Andorra summer lifts is Funicamp, the six-kilometre long cable car that takes you up the Cortals Valley to an altitude of 2,502 metres. It takes around 25 minutes from bottom to top and, while it is used in the winter to connect visitors with the ski resort, Funicamp is also popular in summer since it marks the starting point for many walks and 4×4 excursions.
Take one of the Andorra summer lifts to play golf
Did you know? Andorra is home to the highest golf course in Europe, as Golf Soldeu is located 2,250 metres above sea level. Since it is so high up, you access this Andorra golf course by taking one of the summer lifts, the eight-seater Soldeu cable car.
Jeremy Pern, the renowned British designer who put this course together, even remarked on the thrill of taking one of these summer lifts when he described this golf course on his website. He stated: “At 2,250m above sea level, Grandvalira Golf Club is Europe’s highest course, the creation of which posed several interesting technical challenges. Access by cable car leads to some stunning Pyrenean views from each and every hole. The golf course was developed by the local authorities specifically to encourage summer visitors to this ski resort.”
Summer lifts around Europe: There are summer lifts in Andorra, but where else?
The phenomenon of taking gondola lifts to explore the mountains in summer isn’t just exclusive to Andorra. Elsewhere in the Pyrenees, for example, there is the Baqueira-Beret ski lift in the Spanish Pyrenees, which also opens in summer. Or, over in the Alps, the Morzine and Paradiski ski lifts in France are similarly famous for the summer experience.
So, if you’re visiting Andorra in the middle of the year, it is well worth checking out the summer lifts as these not only lead you to hidden-away activities like golf or 4×4 excursions but they also offer sensational views as you’re ascending through the air, perhaps even better views than those on offer during the winter months.