Skiing in Andorra with kids is straightforward if you pick the right base: Canillo (Grandvalira), Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís all offer snow gardens, ski schools by age group and crèches designed for families. At Grandvalira, children up to 5 ski on a free Baby pass with proof of age, and for the 2026/27 season all three resorts plan to open from 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027, snow permitting.
This family guide covers which area suits your children’s ages, how the Snow Garden and Kids Program work, which lift pass categories apply, what kit a child actually needs and how to plan a day on the mountain without logistics eating up the holiday. Everything is based on official 2026/27 information.
Quick summary
- 2026/27 season at Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís: 4/12/2026 to 4/4/2027, with slopes open 9:00 to 17:00 (snow permitting).
- Canillo is Grandvalira’s area for families and beginners, home to the Mon(t) Magic kids’ circuit.
- Grandvalira Snow Garden: ages 3 to 6 (introduction at 3, lessons at 4–5). Kids Program for ages 3 to 11 at all three resorts.
- Crèches for ages 1 to 6 in Canillo, Soldeu, El Tarter and Grau Roig; at Ordino Arcalís, ages 1 to 3.
- Grandvalira lift passes: free Baby pass up to age 5 (proof of age, collected at the ticket office), Child 6–11, Junior 12–17.
- At Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís, check the exact paying age on their official websites.
- Emergency numbers in Andorra: 112 (general and rescue), 116 (medical), 110 (police), 118 (fire).
In this guide
- Best areas for skiing with kids
- Snow gardens and ski schools by age
- Crèches for the little ones
- Kids’ lift passes: categories and ages
- What kit kids need and how to get the size right
- Why hotel delivery changes a family trip
- A day on the slopes with kids
- Family packing checklist
- Safety and emergency numbers
- FAQ
Best areas for skiing with kids in Andorra
Andorra has three resorts under the Grandvalira Resorts umbrella: Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís. All three have dedicated children’s areas, but each has its own character. To choose, think about three things: your children’s ages and ability, where you are staying and how much travelling you want to do each morning.
Canillo (Grandvalira): the family area
Grandvalira describes Canillo as its area for families and beginners. It is home to Mon(t) Magic, a themed kids’ circuit where children learn through play, plus a Snow Garden and a crèche. Another plus: a gondola runs straight up from the village, and bus lines L3 and L4 stop there. If you stay in the village, ski rental in Canillo with delivery means you can walk out of the hotel fully kitted and head straight to the gondola.
Soldeu and El Tarter: families whose kids already ski
Soldeu has wide, steep runs (the Avet piste hosted the FIS World Cup Finals in 2019 and 2023), yet it also has a family feel, 4 and 5-star ski-in hotels and the Yôkai themed kids’ area. It suits families where parents want challenging skiing and the children have a school and crèche nearby. Soldeu is well known to British and Irish skiers, and its après-ski scene is part of the appeal. El Tarter has the Turbo Snow Explorers kids’ zone, a Snow Garden, a crèche and a free 850-space car park, which is handy if you drive. If you are staying along this stretch, look at ski rental in Soldeu and ski rental in El Tarter.
Encamp, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa: Kids Forest
Encamp is the first access point to Grandvalira when arriving from Spain and the closest area to Andorra la Vella and Escaldes. You go up on the Funicamp, and there is a free Park & Ride, which helps when you are juggling buggies, rucksacks and small children. Encamp, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa all have Kids Forest areas. If you are based in the capital, ski rental in Encamp is the easiest gateway.
Pal Arinsal (La Massana): manageable size, plenty of easy runs
Pal Arinsal has 63 km of slopes and, according to its resort dossier, 7 very easy and 20 easy runs, plus two Fun Cross courses that children with a bit of experience love. Gondolas run from La Massana and from Arinsal village, there is a free bus in La Massana and free parking at each area. It is more manageable than Grandvalira, which counts for a lot with kids in tow. If you are torn between the two, our comparison Grandvalira vs Pal Arinsal will help you decide. If you are staying in the parish, see ski rental in La Massana.
Ordino Arcalís: the Megaverda Kids Forest
Ordino Arcalís is best known for freeride, but for families it has one very specific draw: its 8.5 km green run, the Megaverda, has been turned into a Kids Forest. It has 8 green runs, a crèche for ages 1 to 3, a Snow Garden for ages 3 to 6 and a Kids Program for ages 3 to 11. The resort is 14 km from Ordino along the CG-3 and has a 1,500-car car park. If this is your pick, ski rental in Ordino Arcalís brings the kit to your accommodation.
| Resort / area | Kids’ area | Snow Garden | Kids Program | Crèche |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandvalira – Canillo | Mon(t) Magic | Ages 3–6 | Ages 3–11 | Ages 1–6 |
| Grandvalira – Soldeu | Yôkai | Ages 3–6 | Ages 3–11 | Ages 1–6 |
| Grandvalira – El Tarter | Turbo Snow Explorers | Ages 3–6 | Ages 3–11 | Ages 1–6 |
| Grandvalira – Grau Roig | Kids Forest | Ages 3–6 | Ages 3–11 | Ages 1–6 |
| Grandvalira – Encamp and Pas de la Casa | Kids Forest | Ages 3–6 | Ages 3–11 | Check with resort |
| Pal Arinsal | Snow Garden La Caubella (Pal) and Comallemple (Arinsal) | Ages 3–5 | Ages 3–11 | Yes (ages per resort site) |
| Ordino Arcalís | Kids Forest on the Megaverda | Ages 3–6 | Ages 3–11 | Ages 1–3 |
Snow gardens and ski schools by age
The key to a child enjoying the snow is starting in the right format for their age. All three resorts follow a similar logic: a snow garden for the youngest, and a lesson programme for those ready to follow an instructor.
Snow Garden: ages 3 to 6
Grandvalira has seven snow gardens and themed kids’ areas. The Grandvalira Snow Garden runs in Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig, Pas de la Casa and Encamp for children aged 3 to 6. At 3 the focus is on introduction, getting comfortable with snow and skis; at 4 and 5 it becomes proper lessons. At Pal Arinsal the Snow Garden is for ages 3 to 5, at La Caubella (Pal) and Comallemple (Arinsal). At Ordino Arcalís the Snow Garden covers ages 3 to 6.
Kids Program: ages 3 to 11
All three resorts run a Kids Program for ages 3 to 11. It is the natural next step once a child can stand up on skis and you want them to progress with an instructor while the adults ski at their own pace. Book ahead for peak dates, as groups fill up over Christmas, February half-term and Easter.
From age 12
Children aged 12 and over can usually ski with the family or join lessons at their level. If it is their first time, have a look at our first day skiing tips, as the basics are the same as for an adult.
| Age | What to do at the resort | Grandvalira pass | Aconcagua kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Crèche (Grandvalira ages 1–6 in 4 areas; Ordino Arcalís ages 1–3) | Baby, free with proof of age | Not applicable |
| 3 | Introductory Snow Garden or crèche | Baby, free with proof of age | Not applicable (Junior range starts at 4) |
| 4–5 | Snow Garden lessons or Kids Program | Baby, free with proof of age | Junior range, helmet included |
| 6–11 | Kids Program | Child (6–11) | Junior range, helmet included (up to 12) |
| 12–17 | Lessons by level or family skiing | Junior (12–17) | Junior at 12; then adult ranges (Silver for beginners) |
Crèches for the little ones
If you are travelling with a baby or a toddler who is too young to ski, the resort crèches let the adults get a few hours on the slopes. Grandvalira has crèches for ages 1 to 6 in Canillo, Soldeu, El Tarter and Grau Roig. At Ordino Arcalís the crèche takes children aged 1 to 3. Pal Arinsal also has a crèche, although the age range varies depending on which page you read, so confirm it directly with the resort before booking.
A practical tip: choose accommodation close to an area with a crèche. That way one adult can drop off the youngest while the other heads up with the older children, with no car journeys in between.
Kids’ lift passes: categories and ages
The question parents ask most is when children start paying for a lift pass in Andorra. The answer depends on the resort.
Grandvalira
According to the official Grandvalira lift pass page, the categories are:
- Baby: up to age 5, free. You need proof of age; the pass is collected at the ticket office and the child must carry it.
- Child: ages 6 to 11.
- Junior: ages 12 to 17.
- Adult: ages 18 to 64.
- Senior: ages 65 to 69 and 70 to 74; free from 75.
The category is set by the child’s age on the first day of the pass, so a birthday mid-holiday does not change it. Day pass prices are dynamic and buying online in advance can save up to 15%, so it is worth checking before you travel. Grandvalira multi-day passes of 2 or more consecutive days are also valid at Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís.
Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís
These two resorts publish their own rules for children. Because their FAQ pages carry no update date, the safest option is to check the exact paying age on the Pal Arinsal website and the Ordino Arcalís website before you buy.
What about “kids ski free” offers?
Some travel agents advertise children’s promotions on certain dates. We have not been able to confirm them in official sources, so if you spot one, check it on the resort’s own website before building it into your budget.
What kit kids need and how to get the size right
A child needs the same kit as an adult, just matched to their body and ability: skis (or a snowboard), boots, poles if their instructor uses them, and a helmet. The boot makes or breaks their day: if it pinches or slops around, a child gets tired, cold and fed up within the hour.
Rental kit
- Skis: short and easy to turn. As a rule, the smaller and less experienced the child, the shorter the ski.
- Boots: the foot should feel held without pressure on the toes. Try them on with the ski socks they will actually wear.
- Poles: younger children often learn without them; ask the ski school.
- Helmet: essential. It is included in Aconcagua’s Junior range.
To get the measurements right, see our detailed guide on how to choose ski and boot sizes. If your child is starting from scratch, also read what ski equipment a beginner needs.
Clothing to bring from home
- Thermal base layers (top and leggings) and proper ski socks, never cotton.
- A fleece or mid layer.
- Waterproof jacket and salopettes.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens (mittens keep little hands warmer).
- Goggles and a neck warmer.
- High-factor sun cream and lip balm: the sun burns at altitude even when it is cold.
Why hotel delivery changes a family ski trip
Anyone who has skied with children knows the hardest part is not the slopes but everything before them: queuing in a rental shop with two tired kids, trying on boots one pair at a time, lugging four sets of skis to the lift and doing it all again at the end of the day.
With kids’ ski rental in Andorra delivered to your door, that part disappears. Aconcagua Ski Delivery delivers and collects the kit free of charge at your accommodation anywhere in Andorra (Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís):
- Delivery the evening before your first day. Kids try on their boots calmly in the room, with no queues and no rush.
- You choose the time slot. Only one order is handled per slot, so that time is yours.
- Junior range for ages 4 to 12, helmet included. One less thing to hunt for or squeeze into the suitcase.
- Collection on your last day. If you are out, leave the kit in the hotel ski room or at the Grandvalira El Tarter car park between 15:00 and 17:00.
- Changes and questions via WhatsApp with your booking reference, or by email at info@aconcaguaskidelivery.com.
For adults there are three ranges: Silver (for beginners on green and blue runs), Gold (intermediate) and Platinum (top level). Each pack includes skis or a board, boots and poles; bring your own boots and the price drops. Adult helmets and damage cover are optional. You can hire for 1 to 14 days (one-day bookings need 2 or more people). For the full picture, our complete guide to ski rental with hotel delivery walks through it step by step, and when you are ready you can book the whole family’s kit online. The ACONCAGUA20 code gives 20% off: type it in manually at the final checkout.
A day on the slopes with kids
With children, the success of the day comes down to planning. Here is a realistic plan that works in any area, with the lifts running from 9:00 to 17:00.
- The evening before: your kit arrives at the accommodation, each child tries on boots and helmet, and you lay out clothes in layers. Buy or collect lift passes (remember proof of age for the Grandvalira Baby pass).
- 8:00 – Proper breakfast. A hungry child does not last long on the slopes.
- 8:45 – Head out. Get dressed at the hotel and go to the nearest lift: the Canillo gondola, the Funicamp in Encamp, the La Massana or Arinsal gondola, or drive up to Ordino Arcalís.
- 9:30 – Ski school or Snow Garden. Leave time to find the meeting point without a mad dash.
- Morning – Adults off the leash. Ski at your own pace while the little ones are in lessons or at the crèche.
- 13:00 – Lunch and a break. After lunch, many young children have had enough. If so, do not push it. Grandvalira also sells a half-day pass from 13:00 if someone only wants to ski in the afternoon.
- Afternoon – Family skiing. If they still have energy, head back to the green runs or the themed kids’ area to ski together.
- 16:00 – Call it a day. Better to finish wanting more than with an exhausted child in tears at the last lift.
If it is your children’s first time on snow, also read our first day skiing in Andorra tips.
Family packing checklist
Print or save this list before you zip up the suitcase:
- Passports for everyone. Andorra is outside the EU, so check your own country’s entry requirements before travelling.
- Proof of your children’s ages (for the free Grandvalira Baby pass).
- Thermal base layers, fleeces and spare ski socks.
- Waterproof jackets, salopettes and mittens (one spare pair of gloves per child).
- Goggles, neck warmer and a hat for off the slopes.
- High-factor sun cream and lip balm.
- Snacks, water and something sweet for energy dips.
- A basic first-aid kit and any regular medication.
- If driving between 1 November and 15 May: winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory.
- A data plan that works in Andorra: the country is outside the EU and EU roaming rules do not apply, which also catches out many UK networks.
What you do not need to pack is skis or kids’ helmets if you hire the Junior range with delivery. See all the options for ski rental in Andorra with delivery.
Safety and emergency numbers
Andorra is a safe destination, but it pays to keep the emergency numbers handy and follow a few basics:
- 112: general emergencies and rescue.
- 116: medical emergencies.
- 110: police.
- 118: fire brigade.
More tips for families:
- Helmets always, adults included: set the example.
- Put your phone number on a note in each child’s jacket pocket and agree on an obvious meeting point in case you get separated.
- Pick runs that match the youngest skier’s level; green runs and kids’ areas exist for exactly that.
- Take frequent breaks to drink and warm up.
- If driving, check road conditions at mobilitat.ad or on +376 1802 1802. In the red phase chains are compulsory for everyone, and in the black phase the road is closed.
FAQ: skiing in Andorra with kids
Which is the best resort in Andorra for skiing with kids?
It depends on your children’s ages and where you stay. Canillo is Grandvalira’s area for families and beginners, with the Mon(t) Magic circuit. Pal Arinsal is more manageable with lots of easy runs, and Ordino Arcalís has a Kids Forest on its 8.5 km Megaverda green run.
At what age do children pay for a lift pass at Grandvalira?
At Grandvalira, children up to age 5 get a free Baby pass with proof of age, collected at the ticket office. From 6 to 11 they pay the Child rate and from 12 to 17 the Junior rate. The category is set by the child’s age on the first day.
Do kids ski free at Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís?
These resorts set their own conditions, and their FAQ pages carry no update date. Check the exact paying age on the official Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís websites before buying a pass.
From what age can a child take ski lessons in Andorra?
Snow Gardens take children from age 3: ages 3 to 6 at Grandvalira (introduction at 3, lessons at 4–5), 3 to 5 at Pal Arinsal and 3 to 6 at Ordino Arcalís. The Kids Program at all three resorts is for ages 3 to 11.
Are there crèches at Andorra’s ski resorts?
Yes. Grandvalira has crèches for ages 1 to 6 in Canillo, Soldeu, El Tarter and Grau Roig. Ordino Arcalís has a crèche for ages 1 to 3, and Pal Arinsal also has one, though you should confirm the age range on its website.
What rental kit does a child need for skiing?
Skis matched to their size and level, well-fitting boots, poles if the ski school uses them, and a helmet. Aconcagua Ski Delivery’s Junior range for ages 4 to 12 includes the helmet and is delivered to your accommodation the evening before your first day.
When do the slopes open for the 2026/27 season?
Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís plan to open on 4 December 2026 and close on 4 April 2027, snow permitting. General slope hours are 9:00 to 17:00.
What is the emergency number in Andorra?
Call 112 for general emergencies and mountain rescue. For medical emergencies the number is 116, for police 110 and for the fire brigade 118.
Keep reading
- Kids ski rental in Andorra
- How to choose skis and boots size
- Grandvalira vs Pal Arinsal: where to ski
- Ski equipment rental for hotels in Andorra
- How much does ski rental cost in Andorra?
Got your dates? Book ski rental delivered to your accommodation and arrive in Andorra with one less thing to worry about.
Sources
- Grandvalira – Canillo area
- Grandvalira – Soldeu area
- Grandvalira – Encamp area
- Grandvalira – Snow Garden and children’s lessons
- Grandvalira – Day passes and age categories
- Grandvalira – Opening times and season
- Pal Arinsal – Snow Garden
- Pal Arinsal – Lifts and slopes
- Visit Andorra – Pal Arinsal
- Ordino Arcalís – Children’s school
- Ordino Arcalís – The resort
- Visit Andorra – Winter mobility