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Complete ski equipment guide: What you need for your ski trip to Andorra and Grandvalira

All the ski equipment you need for skiing

If you’re planning a ski trip to Andorra, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, choosing the right equipment is a must for maximum enjoyment in the snow and, above all, on the ski slopes of Grandvalira, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees.

Having the right equipment will not only make you feel comfortable, but will also improve your performance and safety on the slopes.

Below, we offer you a detailed guide on the ski equipment and gear you need, along with some recommendations that we believe will be useful for your trip to Andorra.

Skis: How to choose the right ones

Skis are, without a doubt, the most important piece of equipment. There are different types of skis depending on your skill level and the type of skiing you want to practice (piste, freeride, freestyle, ski touring…).

  • Piste skis: Perfect for those who prefer to glide smoothly on the well-prepared slopes of Grandvalira. These skis offer good grip on hard snow and are easy to control.
  • All-mountain skis: Ideal for those who want a bit of everything. They offer versatility on different types of snow.
  • Freeride or off-piste skis: These are wider and designed for those who enjoy skiing on untouched snow and untracked terrain.

In Grandvalira, you can practice different disciplines, so it’s important to choose the right skis. If you don’t have your own, don’t worry! Andorra has several specialized stores offering high-quality ski rentals, and a team of professionals who will advise you based on the discipline and your skill level.

Where to rent or buy skis in Andorra

In Andorra, you can find specialized stores that offer both rentals and sales of equipment. Some of the most well-known are:

  • Skiz1700: Ski and snowboard rental offering the best brands on the market.
  • Viladomat Esports: One of the largest stores in Andorra, with a wide selection of skis for all types of skiers.
  • Shusski – Pic Negre: Specialized in skis and snowboards, with several stores in different sectors of Grandvalira.

Ski and boots

Ski boots: comfort and control

Ski boots are crucial for your comfort and performance on the slopes. Poorly fitting boots can make your days on the snow painful, while well-chosen boots will provide you with stability and control. Make sure they fit your feet properly, and if you don’t have experience in choosing boots, consult an expert at a store.

Technical clothing: protection against the cold

Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so wearing the right clothing is essential. When skiing, the key is to dress in layers:

  • Base layer (thermal underwear): Keeps you dry by wicking away sweat.
  • Mid-layer: Provides insulation, usually with fleece or wool garments.
  • Outer layer (ski jacket and pants): This layer should be waterproof and windproof to protect you from the elements.

Technical clothing is specifically designed to retain heat while allowing for breathability, which is crucial during long ski days at Grandvalira.

Skier with helmet

Helmet and goggles: safety and clear vision

Safety comes first, and a ski helmet is essential to protect you from potential falls or collisions. In addition, in Andorra, it is mandatory for minors and highly recommended for all skiers, regardless of their experience.

Ski goggles protect you from the sun’s reflection on the snow and improve your visibility in low light or snowy conditions. Make sure to choose goggles with UV protection and a lens suitable for different weather conditions.

Essential accessories: gloves, poles, and more

Don’t underestimate the importance of accessories. A good pair of quality gloves or mittens will keep your hands warm, which is crucial in sub-zero temperatures. Ski poles are also essential for maintaining balance and speed, especially on more challenging terrain like that offered by Grandvalira.

Other useful accessories include:

  • Sunscreen: In the mountains, solar radiation can be more intense due to the reflection of the snow.
  • Neck gaiter or balaclava: Helps protect your face from the wind and cold.
  • Ski backpack: Ideal for carrying water, snacks, and any additional gear.

Equipment Rental in Grandvalira

If you prefer not to buy all the equipment, Grandvalira offers several rental shops within the ski area, where you can rent everything from skis and boots to helmets and poles. These shops are located in all sectors and close to the lifts, so you can easily pick up and return your equipment.

In conclusion, it’s important to choose the right equipment, from skis to accessories, to ensure your safety and comfort. Whether you decide to buy your gear or rent it from the specialized shops in Andorra, make sure you are well-equipped to enjoy the more than 210 km of slopes at Grandvalira.

See you on the slopes! Book now!

This summer escape of the mass tourism; come to Mountain Hostel Tarter.

10 reasons to book Mountain Hostel Tarter this summer.

Travelling this summer without crowds seems like mission impossible. People everywhere, hot and crowded cities, overcrowded beaches with no place to put your towel, hotels fully-booked, restaurants with no availability, exorbitant prices…

Our proposal: avoid mass tourism.

Our solution: come to Mountain Hostel Tarter.

Mountain Hostel Tarter is one of those few places in this globalised world where tourists do not arrive en masse. Where you can relax, rest, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature, the intense green, the pure air and the fresh mountain air during the summer.

Here are 10 reasons to book Mountain Hostel Tarter this summer:

1 We are in a small mountain village

We are in El Tarter, in Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees, in a small and quiet mountain village. Easily accessible by car or bus.

2 Few people and quiet atmosphere

Our hostel is small and family-friendly, and in summer there is room for everyone. You can choose the room you want. Also, the pace of the hostel in summer is very leisurely and we enjoyed the open-air hostel as much as possible.

3 You will enjoy our swimming pool, one of the most exclusive in Andorra.

You can enjoy our outdoor swimming pool, one of the most exclusive pools in Andorra, with panoramic mountain views. Open from 12h to 21h every day and only for you, for our guests. In addition, the pool terrace with sun loungers, table and chairs and umbrellas is an ideal place to take a nap, read, and let yourself go while listening to the birds sing.

4 “Sa Terrasseta” our beach bar in the middle of the mountains.

“Sa Terrasseta”, our open-air beach bar in the middle of the mountain will transport you to a real beach bar. Honouring our Balearic origins, we have been inspired by the beach bars of the islands to create “Sa Terrasseta”. Here you have all your meals covered, drinks and cocktails, also to take them to the pool,… come on, a real holiday!

5 Mountain walks and hikes

If you want a bit more action, you can sign up for our mountain bike tours. From the hostel. Easy. You will breathe fresh air and enjoy incredible mountain scenery. Maximum disconnection. Here are some hiking trails.

6 Mountain bike rides

If you want a bit more action, you can sign up for our mountain bike tours. To go further, to enjoy the bike, the landscapes, the forests and the trails and to have spectacular views over the Pyrenees from the top of the mountain. However, we strongly recommend renting an electric mountain bike. Here, in our trusted local shop near the hostel.

7 Road bike? Yes, of course!

Andorra is a paradise for road cycling lovers. So if you are one of them, from the hostel you have access to the iconic mountain passes of Andorra, on safe roads and with incredible views. And we have all the services for cyclists, free of charge, in the hostel: bike storage, basic tools, pressure washing, etc. and all free of charge.

8 Pure adrenaline, in the middle of the mountain

We offer you a thousand mountain activities to get your adrenaline pumping: via ferrata, canyoning, zip-lines, slides, etc. We put you in contact with the best mountain guides in Andorra to enjoy our mountains with more adrenaline and in total safety.

9 We are locals

We know our mountains like the back of our hand and we help you to organise your days with us. We will share with you our favourite places in Andorra and the experiences we are passionate about. Discover a bit of our DNA, we are sure we agree on many things.

partners mountain hostel

10 A cool summer? Unbelievable but true

Although we live on an increasingly warmer planet, here, at an altitude of 1,700 metres, the summer is very mild. It is fresh and green. Although the sunny days are hot, we hardly get above 25ºC and the nights are cool, even for a little warmth. An absolutely privileged temperature.

If you’re wondering: Where to go this summer that isn’t overcrowded? You already have the answer: Mountain Hostel Tarter.

If you feel like it, you know where we are!

BOOK NOW

|Esquí Grandvalira Andorra|||||||

9 best things to do in Andorra in Easter

Practical guide to enjoy your ski Easter Holidays 2023 in Andorra. The 9 best things to do in Easter in Andorra

April in Andorra is synonymous with good weather, sun and good temperatures, but also snow. So here is our proposal for  a ski Easter Holidays in Andorra.

1. Skiing and snowboarding in Grandvalira-Andorra during Easter 2023

Surely you’ve heard of Grandvalira-Andorra, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, with more than 210km of slopes at your feet, with modern, high-capacity ski lifts and high-quality facilities and services.
Whether you are an expert skier or snowboarder, or it’s the first time you ski in your life, this is an experience you cannot miss if you come to Andorra in winter or Easter. At Mountain Hostel Tarter we have everything ready and we make it very easy for you. We are also right in front of Grandvalira, in the sector of El Tarter. A stone’s throw away.

Mountain Hostel Tarter, a pie de pistas de Grandvalira-Andorra
Mountain Hostel Tarter, 500 meters far away from Grandvalira- El Tarter

If you are an expert, you can choose any of our ski packages at Grandvalira, which include accommodation and ski pass at Grandvalira, also in Easter. It’s our star package: SLEEP & RIDE, which includes accommodation at Mountain Hostel Tarter and Grandvalira ski pass for as many days you want.
If you are new with this matter, don’t worry, we will prepare a customized Grandvalira ski pack to make it all very easy and you can enjoy it to the fullest: accommodation at Mountain Hostel Tarter, ski pass at Grandvalira, ski or snowboard lessons with private instructor or group classes, lunch on slopes, ski equipment rental … everything you want, we have it.
We love to ski in Grandvalira…and don’t miss your ski Easter Holidays in Andorra.

 

2. Snowshoeing through the Vall d’Incles in Andorra

It is not the adrenaline, but it’s the majesty of the landscape that makes this an unforgettable experience. You do not need to have experience or a great physical form. It is only a walk, but through a splendid, monumental valley, and beautiful in winter. It’s a must be.

Vall d’Incles in winter

The Incles Valley is a few meters far away from the Mountain Hostel Tarter, very easy access from the hostel. If you want to go your way, you only have to rent snowshoes for € 10 a day. Or if you prefer to sign up for one of our outings, with a guide, you can do it from € 45 per day. + INFO HERE

 

3. Cross-country skiing or splitboarding in Andorra

If snowshoeing is a small thing for you, and if you have a medium-high level of skiing or snowboarding, then yes or yes you have to try cross-country skiing in Andorra, or go for a walk with the splitboard.

Cross-country skiing in Andorra from Mountain Hostel Tarter

If you do not have much knowledge about snow, types of snow, and the risk of avalanches, or do not know the area, we recommend going out with a guide. And we know the best guides in Andorra. Just tell us and we’ll arrange it. To reach the highest peaks of Andorra and to run by virgin faces, is a gem. + INFO HERE

 

4. “Sa Terrasseta”, the best terrace in Andorra

After an exahusting day in the mountains, we recommend you stop by “Sa Terrasseta”, the hostel’s terrace.

Our food truck serves the best hamburgers in ttown. The best place to get your strength back and have a drink, in the open air, in the middle of the mountain with wonderful views of Grandvalira and the mountains.

In addition, this Easter 2023, coincides with the “closing” of the winter season in Sa Terrasseta, with some special events and live music. Here is our Insta to keep you updated; Sa Terrasseta

It’s an important part of a ski Easter Holidays in Andorra.

 

5. Whirlpool session in the outdoor hot tub of Mountain Hostel Tarter, with hot water and mountain views.

A picture is worth a thousand words:

Outdoor swim spa at Mountain Hostel Tarter with mountain views

It sounds good, right? Well, it will be better when you explain to your friends that you have taken a whirlpool bath in our outdoor hot tub in the mountains. Yes, as you hear it. At Mountain Hostel Tarter we have an outdoor pool-hot tub, on the upper terrace, with spectacular views of the mountain and the Grandvalira ski slopes. And of course with hot water, to enjoy it even on snowy and cold days. But beware! We warn you: it will be easy to enter, but not to leave, you will want to stay-in there all day …

And the jewel in the crown is the new Finnish sauna with real wood fire. A unique experience.

6. The best après-ski party in Andorra, in L’Abarset

L’Abarset and its large terrace is undoubtedly the best après-ski of Grandvalira and Andorra. Every Saturday, starting at 4pm, the party begins in L’Abarset, on the outdoor terrace, with artists and DJs of international renown throughout the season.
An appointment that cannot be missed. The best way to end a good day on the slopes, and among friends. And this 2 minutes’ walk from the Mountain Hostel Tarter …

El mejor Après-ski de Andorra, en L'Abarset
The best Après-ski in Andorra, in L’Abarset

 

7. Afternoon relaxing in the warmth of the fireplace in the chill area of Mountain Hostel Tarter..

We understand very well if you want avoid parties and shopping. Because as at home, nowhere. And in our chill area, in Mountain Hostel Tarter, with comfortable bean bags and sofas, television, reading, board games,… it is very easy to be enchanted with the fire and the heat of our fireplace that we light every evening during the winter. After an intense day on the mountains, after a swim in our outdoor pool-hot tub and a good hot shower, relax in one of our bean bags, chatting with friends or reading a book, the warmth of the fireplace is more than recommended. It is food for the soul. 

Fireplace al Mountain Hostel Tarter

 

8. An afternoon of shopping in Andorra, and have a drink in the old town of Andorra la Vella

It’s the topic! Go to Andorra for shopping. The truth is that it does not hurt to take a walk through the main commercial axis of the country. In a single street, you will find everything: fashion, sports, technology, perfumery, pharmacy … whatever you want, you will surely find it. The best? Take a walk through the old town of Andorra la Vella, with pedestrian alleyways, old houses with stone walls and slate roof, historic buildings, etc … It is a neighborhood where new bars and restaurants are opening with a lot of charm to snack and drink

Urban center of Andorra La Vella and Escaldes-Engordany

 

9. Lunch or dinner at NØR RESTAURANT

Our meeting point, both in the evenings for drinks and snacks and for dinner. Next to the Mountain Hostel Tarter. It’s our favourite. You can tell, can’t you?

The NØR RESTAURANT is a new restaurant in Andorra where they cook with wood and smoke. A restaurant concept that combines innovation and tradition in equal parts, where smoke and fire give a unique identity to all the dishes. All the dishes, including the smoked meats, are homemade, with top quality ingredients and meat from the Pyrenees.
And let’s not forget the excellent wine pairing they offer, with carefully selected wines to accompany each dish.
It is an explosion for the senses, where the most important thing is the quality of each dish and enjoying them in good company and with good music! Attention to their playlist!

Nor Restaurant Andorra  NOR Restaurant Andorra

New restaurant NØR RESTAURANT in Andorra, cuisine based on fire and smoke with top quality ingredients and Pyrenean meat.
Here you have their instagram to get you started: NØR RESTAURANT

THIS IS OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU, IN OUR HOUSE, ABOUT THE PREVENTION OF COVID-19

At Mountain Hostel Tarter, your health and the
health of our staff comes first. These are the steps we
take to fulfill our commitment to you in preventing Covid-19.

On Friday the 3rd July 2020 we re-open our hostel, after the forced stop because of Covid-19. Finally, the to meet you again has come and we are already excited. So this is our covid-19 prevention commitment to you.

Although the essence of our hostel is the same,
something has changed in these months, and we want to tell you about it.

At Mountain Hostel Tarter, your health, well-being and safety come first, as does that of our staff. Here, we explain the measures we have taken to fulfill our commitment to cleanliness and well-being in our hostel.

HOW WILL THE HOSTEL WORK NOW?

All the
spaces and services of the hostel will be in operation, except the sauna, for
the moment, following the recommendation of the Ministry of Health of
the Andorra Government.

In addition, we will have a limited maximum capacity, in order to ensure the recommended distance of 1.5 meters between guests who are not from the same travel group. Even so, be sure to bring your mask, since its use is mandatory inside the hostel.

We also ask you,
as far as possible, to make a prior reservation. This way
we can better organize ourselves to apply all the protocols that we introduced
for the prevention of Covid-19. So, when you book, once
the reservation is confirmed, we will send you the instructions for check-in,
so that when you arrive at the hostel we have to exchange as few items as
possible at the reception.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Every day we start our working days remembering
how important cleanliness is to our health and that of our guests.

So we have prepared ourselves in a very
demanding way on cleaning and hygiene protocols for all our spaces. We were
already tough before with cleaning … imagine now! And we continue doing it
day by day, very aware of the covid-19, coordinated with local authorities and
following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Andorra
Government and the World Health Organization.
Our commitment to you in the prevention of Covid-19 is very important to us.

In the rooms

In the rooms, we use effective cleaning and
disinfection products against the virus, and we have developed an even more
exhaustive cleaning and disinfection protocol, if possible, to clean the rooms.
Especially when a guest leaves and before the next one arrives, paying special
attention to frequent contact elements and spraying disinfectant on all
surfaces.

Furthermore, disinfection of bedding is
guaranteed. All bedding is washed above 60ºC and tumble dried at temperatures
close to 100ºC.

Of course, the room key is also disinfected
every time we give it to you, or you return it to us.

In common areas

In common areas we have increased the frequency
of cleaning and use special disinfection products (viricide), especially in the
living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and terrace, paying special
attention to surfaces and elements of frequent contact.

We have also installed disinfection stations,
equipped with disinfecting gel for hands, paper and a disinfecting spray for
surfaces. Even suitable for surfaces and food items such as kitchenware. The
idea is that you can disinfect the furniture, surfaces and utensils that you
use, before and after use, for your own peace of mind.

In our workspaces

Our back office is also important, and we have been stepped up the cleaning and disinfection in our spaces and in our work tools, as part of our covid-19 prevention commitment to you.

WHAT WILL YOU HAVE TO
DO?

Very easy, just 4 things! DISTANCE | HANDS | MASK | DISINFECTION

  • DISTANCE

Try to keep the minimum distance of 1.5 meters
between hostel guests who are not in your travel group. Especially in the
common areas of the hostel.

  • HANDS

Remember to wash your hands frequently, between
30 and 40 seconds, all parts of the hand, with hot water and soap. In addition,
we provide hand sanitizing gel at various points within the hostel.

  • MASK

Remember to bring your own mask, since its use
is mandatory in the common areas of the hostel.

  • DISINFECTION

For your safety and your own peace of mind, at
the disinfection station we provide you, 24 hours a day, the necessary products
so that you can disinfect yourself the furniture or utensils in common use,
before and after using them.

Easy, right? In this way, we will guarantee
everyone’s health while we stay together in the hostel. Count on us to prevent
Covid-19. And we are sure that we count on your collaboration for the safety
and well-being of all in the hostel. True?

Welcome home again! Welcome to Mountain Hostel
Tarter!

You can follow the recommendations and advice of the Andorra Government on how to prevent Covid-19, on the official website https://www.govern.ad/recomanacions

If you have any questions you can send us an @mail to info@mountainhosteltarter.com

Your home for your arrival time in Andorra, from €17. Special price for Grandvalira workers.

Mountain Hostel Tarter the best place to stay in Andorra, while you are looking for work and accommodation in Andorra for the winter season.

Mountain Hostel Tarter is the perfect place to stay for your arrival time in Andorra, while you’re looking for rent a flat, or in the process of getting your work visa.

Furthermore, for being a Grandvalira worker, you can take advantage of the best price at Mountain Hostel Tarter. 17€ per person per day. It doesn’t matter if it’s working day or weekend. This offer is available until the 24th November 2016. After that we can offer 10% discount from the official price.

Welcome to Mountain Hostel Tarter!

The Andorra’s hostel situated in El Tarter, 200 meters away from Grandvalira – El Tater.

Mountain Hostel Tarter is a unique establishment in Andorra, designed to offer what we usually look out for when we’re travelling: a comfy and practical place to stay, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. You’ll be staying at a sustainable hostel, where we use solar power, and other energy saving methods, and we contribute to recycling.

Rooms

Your own space, in a shared room

Mountain Hostel Tarter is a hostel where rooms and facilities are shared. There are rooms for 5 people (2 bunks and an individual bed), and rooms for 4 people (2 bunks). Each bed has its own reading light, electric socket and locker. You can bring your own padlock or buy one for 2€ at the hostel. You’ll see the mountains through all our windows… and the sky! And there’s free Wi-Fi in all the rooms!

Services & Facilities

A small universe, at your reach

  • Modern facilities with toilets and showers (also shared, but with individual cubicles). Hot water 24h. We rent clean towels for €2,00.
  • Diner room with modern kitchen, fully equipped, to prepare all meals, and with snack and drink machine. Enjoy tea and coffee for free!
  • Living room with fireplace, sofas, bean-bags, TV, books, board games and free Wi-Fi.
  • Free Wi-Fi available in the entire hostel, rooms included.
  • Laundry service: wash and dry machine (about 4kg for 6€)
  • Ski locker and boot dryer.

It’s the perfect place to stay, in an easy, practical, comfortable and sustainable way, where you’ll meet and share experiences with other travellers, and enjoy a warm and homely stay.

If you want book it with these conditions, write us at info@mountainhosteltarter.com

Andorra’s new hostel, at Grandvalira’s doorstep

We’re proud to present Andorra’s new accommodation concept, for this upcoming season: Welcome to Mountain Hostel Tarter!

We’re actually open all year round. But we’re opening for the first time this November 2012. We’re in El Tarter, at 200 meters from Grandvalira ski resort, via the El Tarter access.

It’s a hostel; some call it a hostel or a lodge, specially designed for anyone who loves mountain sports. It’s a practical and easy way to do your favorite hobbies in the mountains.

By the way, which is your hobby?? Our hobbies are skiing, boarding, randonée skiing, freestyle, freeride, mountain biking, downhill biking, cross country, mountain walking, or something else? It doesn’t matter what you do, the important thing is to enjoy our passions here in one of the best spots of the Pyrenean Mountains: Andorra!

So come and stay with us, it’s easy, comfortable and economic. Just focus on your hobby. There’s where our SLEEP & RIDE comes from; don’t miss out on our irresistible SLEEP & RIDE packages. If you can’t find one you like, call us and we’ll design one just for you!