Grandvalira Snowmobile Tour at Grau Roig for 1 or 2 People

Grandvalira, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees

Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees, linking the slopes of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Encamp across the eastern side of Andorra, with more than 200 kilometres of runs. The season usually runs from early December to April, depending on the snow, and the high valleys turn into a white playground of forests, rounded peaks and sunny terraces.

A snowmobile tour is one of the most popular things to do in Andorra in winter for travellers who want to enjoy the mountains without skiing, or who want a change after a day on the slopes. Our Grandvalira snowmobile tour takes place in the Grau Roig sector, where marked circuits away from the ski runs keep the activity safe and quiet. It is an easy way to feel the scale of the Pyrenees in a short time, even if you have never driven a snowmobile before.

Grau Roig and its forest valley

Grau Roig sits at about 2,100 metres in a sheltered valley ringed by pine forest, below the Envalira pass on the road between Canillo and Pas de la Casa. Compared with the busier resort towns, it feels like a mountain hideaway, with a handful of buildings, a large car park and wide snowy meadows that catch the sun for most of the day. Behind it rise the peaks around the Pessons cirque, one of the most beautiful corners of Andorra.

The snowmobile circuit starts close to the Cubil car park and follows a trail through the woods, crossing the valley and running beside an ice-cold mountain stream. Snow-laden pines, open clearings and views of the white summits change at every bend. Halfway along, the group stops so you can rest, take photos and, if you are sharing a snowmobile, swap drivers before heading back. Morning sessions often bring the crispest light, while afternoon rides enjoy softer colours.

The snowmobile experience

The tour begins at the activity centre's reception, where you show your voucher and meet your instructor, who speaks English, Spanish, Catalan or French. You receive a helmet and a short safety briefing on how to start, steer, brake and keep a safe distance, then get to know your snowmobile, whose heated handles keep your hands warm in the mountain air.

The instructor leads the group along the circuit and adapts the route and pace to how well everyone drives and controls the machine, so it suits complete beginners as well as confident riders. Each snowmobile carries one or two people. You must be 18 or over to drive, but no driving licence is required, and children aged 5 or more can ride as passengers behind an adult. Accident insurance is optional and can be bought on the day at the centre. The ride lasts about 30 minutes in total.

Getting to Grau Roig from Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra and the highest capital city in Europe at about 1,023 metres, is the natural base for exploring the country, with its shopping streets, old quarter and hotels. Grau Roig is about 30 kilometres north-east of the city along the main CG-2 road through Encamp and Canillo, which usually takes 35 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and snow.

In Grau Roig, follow the road that goes downhill to the Cubil car park; at its end you find the beige tent of the activity centre. Parking is included. Snow chains or winter tyres may be required on the mountain roads in winter, so check the conditions before you set off, and plan to arrive a little early so you have time to park, check in and get your helmet. If you are combining the snowmobile ride with skiing, the centre is close to the Grau Roig slopes.