Despite its tiny footprint and rural charm, El Tarter is among the more eventful spots in Grandvalira.
Whether you’re after gnarly slopes, a casual ski sesh, or some good old-fashioned après fun, this tiny village resort has something for everyone.
Families and couples will love El Tarter for its laid-back, home-away-from-home character. The Romanesque architecture, bijou flats, and cobbled walls only add to the rustic mood.
Locale and Landscape
El Tarter is located on the slopes of Grandvalira at an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters, with the highest point at a lofty 2,590 meters. The average altitude here measures higher than some of the best-known European resorts.
It falls under the parish of Canillo and is often grouped with the nearby village of Soldeu as it’s only 1.5 km away, in the direction of Andorra la Vella and Spain.
El Tarter Ski Holidays: Boarding and Other Activities
El Tarter is home to one of the best native English-speaking ski resorts in all of Europe. There’s ample diversity for varying skill levels here. Experts, intermediates, and beginner skiers will find themselves adequately entertained.
Of the 26 slopes, most are green and blue, with some of the gentler blue runs reserved for beginners. You’ll also find long and wide reds higher up with ample tree-lined black runs for the experts. The latter is a big draw in El Tarter.
The resort is designed with extreme winter sports in mind, which explains why it’s a popular venue for competitive skiing events like the European Cup and World Cup Finals in 2019 and 2023. It’s best known for the Àliga slope which is FIS-approved as a downhill slope.
Non-skiers can indulge in paragliding and even dog sledging, although you will require a ski pass for that which is something we can help you with.
Younger members of the family will find plenty to do here, especially the Bababoom Circus where they can enjoy a mini-slope with several engaging but safe obstacles.
Restaurants and Après
There’s nothing better than unwinding after a long day at the slopes. Whether you prefer to do so over conversation at a cosy gastropub or by dancing the night away, El Tarter has you covered.
You’ll find a handful of restaurants and pubs scattered across the village with plenty more options in Soldeu which is right next door.
Some restaurants here are dedicated to specific styles of food. For instance, Burger Brothers does only hamburgers, Trattoria San Pietro specialises in Italian cuisine, Manacor is known for its dry-aged grilled beef, and Dylan’s makes exceptional vegan food.
Pubs such as Sa Terrasseta and Placeta El Tarter 25 are known for their excellent cocktails with equally impressive restaurant-quality food.
If you’re keen on a zero-compromise après-ski evening, then Terrassa IQOS, L’Abarset, and Snow Club El Tarter are the places to be. Heated terraces, ice-cold champagne, and gastronomic decadence are to be expected.
These places also know how to throw a proper party — occasional events featuring seasoned DJs aren’t uncommon. Expect to hear tasteful house, techno, and other four-on-the-floor styles of electronic music.
For those who prefer genres such as rock, indie, jazz, and reggae, there are other options, such as El Nemo sports bar.
Accommodation
El Tarter sports a perfect mix of modern and traditional accommodation options, with everything from chic upmarket establishments to cosy little flats and hostels on offer.
Higher-end accommodation here will afford the luxury of slope-side access, while the more affordable ones are mostly self-catering.
For advice on what type of accommodation is right for you considering your itinerary, feel free to get in touch with us.
Book With Us
Andorra Escapes is your go-to booking partner for all things skiing. Whether it’s ski hire, purchasing lift passes, transfers from the airport, or booking ski lessons, we’ve got you covered.