Soldeu

While the resort of Soldeu has little of what we call 'alpine charm', it is none the less a very modern resort with excellent facilities and a large integrated ski area (19 black runs, 41 red, 55 blue and 24 green). The combined Grandvalira ski area has excellent snow parks, children's snow gardens and free-ride facilities. Over the past years the Andorrans have worked hard to provide a resort which caters for different budgets and this is certainly reflected by the choice of cheap and also high-end food on the mountain, and in the village. Recent changes, a result of hosting the World Cup finals, have made the Grandvalira area one to be considered for families.

For the foodies, the style is distinctly Catalan and therefore of a high standard. Amongst the various champagne bars one can indulge in a choice of both expensive and fast-food eateries. The Andorrans rely on tourism and are very friendly and helpful - service is with a smile here in Soldeu. This extends to a bi-lingual ski school which boasts over 500 ski instructors. We cannot think of a better place for beginners to learn, or for intermediates to get to the next level. The ski-school infrastructure is also excellent.

Activities for non-skiers are growing all the time. Pedestrians are welcome and there is a range of things to do such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, mushing, ziplining or Land Rover 4x4 driving on a snow track. Soldeu can be a terrific sun-trap though and sitting in the sun with a glass of wine (alcohol is always cheap) is enough for the rest of us.

Skiing in Soldeu remains a tight-lipped secret. Many Brits go back time and time again and would not like to popularise that fact. Soldeu remains a favourite also for the local French who rather ski in Soldeu than in the French Pyrenees. It also has a longer season than you might think with snow cover lasting well into April.