Canillo

Canillo is one of the seven parroquias (communes) of Andorra with an administrative center of the same name. Canillo is known to travelers primarily as a ski resort. The town is located in the north-east of the country, 12 km from the capital Andorra la Vella, at an altitude of 1530 meters above sea level. The area of Canillo is very picturesque, thanks to the amazing mountain landscape and its location on the two banks of the river that divides it in half. The population of Canillo is 4,133. The town has preserved old buildings and small charming streets.

Canillo doesn’t have its own ski area, but it doesn’t need one. The town is surrounded by major ski areas such as Soldeu-El Tarter, Encamp and Ordino, to which it is connected by a convenient highway and a system of high-speed elevators with a single ski pass. Every year the town welcomes about 20,000 athletes of various levels of fitness.

.

Tourists

The main peak of the area is considered to be the Pic de la Portella with a height of 2,465 meters. Getting here from Canillo is easy, with an elevator bringing skiers to El forn station and on to the peak. Around it there is a large number of groomed ski slopes of varying difficulty. Soldeu and El Tarter are designed for intermediate and beginners, for whom the area has a large number of wide and gentle “green slopes” and several serious training schools. A special pride of the area is the longest piste with a length of 8 km in the Canillo area. The total length of the trails is 193 kilometers.

.

In Canillo you can buy a GrandValira ski pass, which allows you to ski in the ski areas: Paz de la Casa – Groupe Rog and Soldeu – El Tarter. Another option is to buy a SuperSki-pass and ski all the slopes and resorts in the Principality. In the GrandValira region there are two snow parks where you can improve your snowboarding skills. There are also some interesting slopes for snowboarders.

.

By the way, if you are used to vacationing with the whole family, you can safely take your children with you. Babies from 1 to 3 years old can go to the nursery, and older children – in the ski kindergarten.

.

Town Fun

Although Canillo gives the impression of a small, quiet town, with neat cottages, friendly residents and a measured pace of life, we recommend leaving a little energy after skiing on the slopes, because there really is a lot to do here!

The main attraction of Canillo is the Pala de Gel, Andorra’s most popular ice palace. The palace often hosts world-class sporting events, and on non-event days everyone can enjoy ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, swimming, calisthenics and tennis. There is also a wellness center with saunas, massage rooms, spa salons and gyms. And most importantly, don’t miss the famous night disco on ice! In the evenings young people from all over the country come here!

.

If you still couldn’t tear yourself away from the mesmerizing ski slopes, don’t get upset – there are hotels, cafes and stores in close proximity to them, so you won’t lose time on the way to the elevators. In addition, the additional lighting of most of the slopes allows you to ski them until dark!

.