Soldeu is a very lovely and pleasant village of Andorra, an ideal destination to spend unforgettable enjoyable holidays in a place very famous to practise Winter Sports in the Pyrenees and much more in a resort which offers all around its boundaries and immediate surroundings great sites to visit and a multitude of things to do.
The visitors once there can fill their stays with several outdoor activities, a historic cultural tourism, radial excursions crossing wonderful valleys, it is heaven for climbers, trekkers and cyclists in a magnificent natural environment and well known to be a famed climatic resort thanks to its uncontaminated atmosphere.
Part of the municipality of Canillo in the beautiful Principat D´Andorra that small but very attractive Principality enclosed between two big Nations as France and Spain, that tiny western European State is a magnificent mountainous boasting everything to attract and conquer at first sight every visitor and Soldeu is certainly one of its gems.
That Andorran centre lies at an altitude of 1,710 metres at just 20,0 kilometres from the attractive capital of the Principality Andorra la Vella,(Andorra the Old) via Encamp another splendid site well known to be another great winter sports resort, highlighted by its more than spectacular geographic position inside a magnificent wide natural area corresponding to the the fabulous Nature Park of Sorteny, a nature reserve highly recommended to visit for its superb beauty boasting intact forests at the feet of towering scenic peaks.
With its approximately 1000 inhabitants that Pyrenean resort is a little shining jewel of Andorra which despite its a country with a reduced size is a mine of beautiful things offering the chance to admire a large variety of stunning medieval stoned Churches certifying a relevant artistic and historic past.
Wonderful mountains in marvellous succession crowning charming tiny centres,fantastic landscapes formed by high verdant plateau, a vast territory covered by woodland in a land crossed by wild rivers and streams which with many other marvels complete a a fairytale scenery .
All that is very visible in Soldeu, and for those reasons it is a destination highly suggested for all those who love Alpine Ski, trekking, mountaineering, cycling, rowing, art, photography, ideal for people who desire to know a culture very rooted in its old traditions, a heaven for the visitors who want to be delighted by a delicious cuisine also a Mecca for shopping, well known furthermore to be a notable Spa destination offering the most trendy therapies and treatments in modern and advanced establishments.
For the visitors who love to enjoy a calendar of important events apart the locals, Soldeu is a seat hosting relevant international appointments such as stages of Alpine Ski World and Europe Cups and often inserted in stages of the prestigious cycling competitions as the Tour de France and Vuelta España.
The local history is pretty young but it is linked to that of Canillo and the other small communities of the Pyrenean Principality. Inhabited since the prehistoric era the development started of the first small settlements are dated the Middle Ages with landlords who established a pretty rigid feudalistic system with a population mainly devoted to agriculture and pasture.
The Moors invaded that south European territory during their their campaigns in the Northern Iberian Peninsula also reaching the Pyrenees but they were defeated by the Franks, who established in that mountainous land one of their domains incorporating Andorra in the Holy Roman Empire.
The successors linked to Carolingian dynasties continued to govern the Principality which was also a land of the French Counts of Languedoc-Rousillon who left in inheritance the territories to the Counts of Barcelona who ruled for a long period leaving important cultural and linguistic marks as the Catalan, which is the official language of Andorra.
Despite some French occupations in different periods, that little state has kept its autonomy and independence living for long time isolated as a remote enclave between two important countries but the advent of the tourism in the contemporary era changed the reality of the Principality and it is today a destination very appreciated by many tourists.
Soldeu its part of that huge complex called Grand Valira, an immense ski resort network which with its 205,0 kilometres of slopes is the largest of the Pyrenees area elevated since some decades ago as a Top destination for the many facilities and services it offers.
The Sunday Times, that notorius British newspaper founded in 1821 declared the resort as one of three best budgets ski resorts in the European Continent, a detail which in its kind a notable incentive for all those who decide to spend a stay in that place enjoying all what that very complete and huge area boasts offering excellent accommodations full equipped and providing all the comforts with excellent rates.
That giant space is nowadays considered a sort of paradise including apart Soldeu also other distinguished resorts such as Pas de la Casa,El Tarter,Canillo,Grau Roig and Encamp. (I wrote a post about the latter in the case you are interested)
The formidable local network provides outstanding facilities such as 18 ski lifts,1 funicular,3 cable cars,over 30 chairlifts services and several ski tow points for skiers with several options to reach in a very easy way the tracks and furthermore changing in a very short time slopes moving from one to another fairly quickly.
Snowboarding and Freestyle lovers furthermore will find in the resort a fantastic place to enjoy those trendy activities thanks to the presence of relevant spaces more than suitable for those kind of specialities. That stunning Eden in the last decades gained a relevant importance thanks to the great development inside the the Ski Tourism Industry also with the establishment of prestigious Ski Schools.
The area of Soldeu in the last decade and half was mainly frequented mainly by French and Spanish tourists and skiers due to the proximity of the borders of those two countries but it also attracted many winters sports lovers of other nationalities thanks also to the presence of English speaking Ski Schools.
The opportunity to take lessons following the teachers in a language many people can speak or understand is certainly a great advantage so many skiers in particular from Great Britain since some years ago flocked on the slopes of the magnificent of Grand Valira complex finding in the Pyrenees and Soldeu a notable alternative to the prestigious resorts of the Alps and including cheaper due to the good rates the hospitality establishments of Soldeu offer.
The tracks of the resort are very technique ,they have not in many points steep stretches compared to the Alpine slopes but they are very challenging, ideal for excellent giant slaloms with several series of great curves, different coefficients of gradient and in some sections notable compressions and those features offer the brilliant opportunity for skiing at high level.
It is also for that Soldeu hosted in the last seasons competitions of Alpine Ski World Cup when for the first time due to some the problems which had the famous French resort of Courchevel in February 2012 cause the strong wind and the Andorran resort was inserted in the official calendar.
The progress and development of the Grandv alira reached its consecration in 1985 when the complex installed 450 artificial snow machines able to cover all the area providing fresh snow alongisde its vast area reaching its top in the 90's, years that were the start-up of the golden ages with the construction and development of the major part of facilities you can see nowadays.
That large number of gun-machines placed along all the tracks permit to have fresh snow every time and that is another important aspect. The snow which covers the local slopes is perfectly prepared and never too soft causing clutches and arrests. That is relevant factor when is created a perfect condition of smoothness of the ski sheets material on the surface and the ski does not sink at all finding a perfect adherence and sliding in the best way.
The development of Soldeu thanks the great work of the local operators increased year by year its incoming tourism flows thanks also to the establishment of restaurants,bars,shops all them in proximity of the main ski facilities offering an ample network in terms of leisure, leisure,shopping and services very appreciated by a multitude of people.
That brilliant idea to arrange those structures close to the slopes was undoubtedly a further attraction calling new visitors. Many people found that very enjoyableto spend pleasant times,v skiing on the pistes and immediately after having a good warm coffee or a cool drink with friends and family without long replacements with furthermore the brilliant options to plan a a lunch or also shopping in a very short time immediately the activity.
The resort also provides a Gondola service from the centre of the village to its Ski pistes reaching its highest point at 2580,0 metres of altitude and from that point apart skiing the visitor can enjoy a beautiful views of El Tarter.
El Tarter is very suggested in the case you want to change area during your ski sessions or spending a full day there. It has a bug parking at 2250.0 of altitude, very well linked to Soldeu it has a immediate access to the funicular leading to one the most famed and loved tracks space called Gall de Bosc.
In that large section of the Gran Valira there are two of emblematic pistes such as the Llop and Miquel and in that resort you can find some restaurants, bars, a pretty lively atmosphere and a famous Snowboarding School.
Soldeu and El Tarter together form an outstanding bipolar network providing 92 kilometres of downhill pistes, 23 Black tracks for experiences skiers, 37 red slopes for skiers with an intermediate level, 32 Blue pistes for beginners and other 18 classified in Green slopes to move the first steps on ski. All those numbers mean the great opportunity for skiing at every level for everyone and they are dates undoubtedly very relevant.
The most challenging pistes for masters are in the area of Tosa dels Espiolets and the track Avet while for the intermediate in the first mentioned space there are some good red slopes while others are situated in the sections corresponding to Canillo-El Forn and Riba Escorxada where there are some easy blue pistes for beginners.
That territory is great to explore also in spring, summer and autumn, it is an enjoyable Mecca for those who are fond of mountaineering, trekking with a vast choice of routes and itineraries in the Pyrenees with several chances of beautiful excursions and a paradise also for mountain bikers.
Very interesting is also to know how born the project to develop the Grandvalira complex started over 60 years ago. The idea was by three gentlemen fond of mountains and winter sports such as Bernat Boixeda,Francesc Viladomat and Agusti Albareda who started to build a kind of pioneer ski tow in the area of Pas de la Casa.
The curious and peculiar history of that former system created to provide a first service to reach the slopes was originally an electric tow alimented by the engine of a truck ad it had as start-up with interesting results because despite that operation was rudimental worked pretty well conquering the interest of a good number of people.
Four years later Francesc Viladomat had another idea to establish a further ski tow at the foot of the Coll Blanc and in that occasion that work was furthermore better than the previous providing an excellent service permitting the transport of over 400 skiers a hour reaching the tracks.
The resort apart winter sport is also a relevant destination to enjoy in other seasons thanks to the Natural Parc of Sorteny, an Eden boasting stunning natural corners packed by several interesting paths very suitable for trekking lovers and also providing a multitude of trails for mountain bikers thanks to a notable network of spectacular mixed trails moving from roads to dirt sections enjoying an uncontaminated nature.
For cyclists on road there are also excellent routes starting from Soldeu and leading to Ordino cycling in the middle of the Pyrenees with very challenging climbs or also descending across the Route CG1 until Encamp,Les Escaldes and the Capital Andorra la Vella places which apart their notable historic patrimony is also a hub for shopping.
Absolutely great and enjoyable is also the chance of a more than interesting cultural tourism discovering the local historic beauties in a country which has a lot to offer thanks to relevant medieval monuments erected all around the territory of the Principality.
I suggest you to visit on the other side of the river Valira D´Orient in Canillo a wonderful Romanesque Church dating back the 11th century,the Esglesia de Sant Joan de Caselles,a superb stoned Church erected in the Middle Ages dedicated to St.John, greatly highlighted by a beautiful bell tower and splendid arched windows.
The aspect of that Religious building developed on an irregular rectangular plan perfectly reflects the medieval architectural style very rooted in those times in Andorra and Catalonia with masters who developed constructions sometimes sober but with great marked fine lines
Those details are particularly visible in the facades and in correspondence of the doorways very similar to some Churches you can see today in Northern Italy and including same materials used for the construction and that Church shows all those special features.
Another historic highlight is undoubtedly the Santuari Mare de Deu de Meritxell . It is a notorious sanctuary dedicated to St.Mary considered for its value one of the most important Religious Christian Temples of Andorra and a devoted destination of several pilgrims.
The Virgin venerated in that Holy site is also the National Patron and it is since long time ago a relevant Marian stage in the Principality and you will notice that the construction is pretty similar to the previous with several architectural details in common.
Its construction is dated the late 11th century and it was declared in the late 19th century Historic Patrimony of the Principality of Andorra and also for that it is something you can not miss if you are planning enjoyable holidays in Soldeu and surroundings with the opportunity to admire also that kind of historic jewels of art.
The structure consists in a majestic stoned building erected on a rectangular plan with ample and high windows placed on the facades and highlighted by a splendid wide arched doorway.The current aspect had some mutations and reforms in 1972 and those works started after a sad event corresponding to a fire which partially damaged the front side and other elements of the main body of that Sacred building.
The author who managed the refurbishment of that Religious construction was the famous architect Ricardo Bofill from Barcelona well known all around Spain and very active with different works in Southern France especially in Montpellier.
The history of that Sanctuary is also linked to a legend which says that a shepherd walking in a winter in proximity of that Church found an image depicting the Virgin Mary under a rosebush and he decided to take her at home.
Legend or miracle nobody exactly knows that sacred image called in local language Mare de Deu de Meritxell which translated means Mother of God of Meritxell giving the name to that SAcred site mysteriously came back three times under that rosebush and due to all that the inhabitants decided to build a shrine later transformed in Sanctuary in sign of devotion and veneration.
Thanks to the development of Winter Sports in Andorra Canillo is also well known to host in its boundaries the Ice Palace, a great place to enjoy ice skating.It is a big building of over 8000 square meters and furthermore the municipality also provides a ice rink track which is certainly a great attraction for all the lovers of that kind of activity.
In Soldeu as in other sites of the Principality you will have the brilliant chance to taste an exquiste cuisine with a marked culinary identity rooted in a secular tradition but at the same time with strong French and Catalan influences due to the geographic proximity and historic links which left important gastronomic marks.
Despite Andorra is a mountainous country one of the great specialities is fish with main protagonist the Trota, the trout with a notable presence in the local rivers and streams in the Andorran valleys.It is prepared in different styles such as fried, boiled, au vapeur, baked with the addition of sauces, spices and aromatic herbs served with potatoes, mixed salads and vegetables.
Very famous is a traditional plate called Costellas a la losa consisting in pork ribs cooked with butter,oil and garlic .Well known is also an old plate pretty common in all the country, the iconic Arròs i llenties consisting in a mix of lentils and rice, pioneer of the former local gastronomic traditions since a long time ago using those two ingredients in remote periods as traditional meal of the first settlers in the Middle Ages.
A typical speciality of clear Catalan heritage is the notorious Escudella, a soup made with different vegetables and very traditional and appreciated is also the Rostes al Mel consisting in pork fillets cooked with honey and seasoned with salt, a bit of pepper and a good touch of vinegar.
Worth a mention also the excellent quality of beef and lamb meats, grilled, baked or fried and very popular are also some plates with protagonist the wild boar in the famous Civet a typical recipe preapred with that meat, different kinds of vegetables adding wine,cognac and vinegar.
The excellent organisation in terms of hospitality and structures permitted Soldeu to be today a very demanded destination among the most loved of the entire Principalty, a great destination to spend enjoyable holidays all year highlighted by winter season in which Winter Sports in the Pyrenees is something unique to try but the other seasons equally excellent with a lot of things to do.
The resort has a fantastic geographic position situated at 166,0 kilometres from the captivating French city of Toulouse and at 199,0 kilometres from the magnificent Barcelona second city of Spain and major centre of Catalonia.
Those two options with the chance to land on one of two relevant International airports also permits to organise stunning tailor made tours in an unfergettable Fly & Drive combining several destinations and including Soldeu in your route discovering something simply beautiful.I added below some links with some suggested hotels that can support your plans if you are thinking to spend holydays in that fantastic place.
Andorra is a tiny shining treasure of Europe,a land for several people a little bit unknown but offering a multitude of surprises and conquering the visitors at first sight who generally after an experience there want to return without hesitations..
That small country but rich of history has wonderful places all to discover,natural marvels hidden in an unforgettable natural scenery and many interesting little towns and villages as Soldeu, a little gem for all skiers but also for all people who want to discover and enjoy 12 months a year something of special and absolutely enjoyable in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accommodations in Soldeu
Sport Hotel Hermitage Village
Hotel Euro Esqui
Hotel Roc de San Miguel
Hotel Himalaia Soldeu
Chalet Casale
Recommended Restaurants in Soldeu
Restaurant La Palmera de Soldeu
Restaurant La Llar de L´Artesá
Restaurant The Merlot
Useful links
www.andorra.ad
www.turismoandorra.com
www.soldeu-andorra.com
www.soldeuonline.com
www.hotelvillage.sporthotels.ad
www.hotel-roc.com
www.hotelhimalaiasoldeu.com
www.hotansa.com
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Thanks a lot to read and note.