Andorra, and so on . . .

So, all you snow snobs who have been snubbing those lower-end resorts in Andorra, read on: reality there has changed. An assortment of resorts with little in common but geography and mistrust now enjoys an expensive, extensive redo and a new cooperation for lift passes. Apparently the centuries-long grudge the villages of Pas de la Casa and Soldeu have enjoyed has been smoothed over in the interest of mutual benefit, or it has been smothered in venture capital as part of the redo.

Either way, the two villages and their neighbors El Tarter, Canillo, and Encamp have joined together in the Grandvalira ski area. Not to be outdone, resorts on the other side of the tiny country have linked to create the single lift pass zone Vallnord.

The resorts themselves are in the midst of physical upgrades, with more in the works.  Arsinal, in Vallnord, has not only built itself a glitzy hotel, it has allied itself with Gstaad, complete with reciprocal lift pass discounts for season pass holders. For a ski area long known for bargain basement prices and aesthetics to match (to say nothing of rowdy vacationers spending very little to drink vast amounts) that’s quite a leap forward. And while the Alps have been having a low-snow year, the same is not true in Andorra.

Unfortunately, upping the tourist appeal has also meant upping prices.  It’s always something, isn’t it?