Live your own winter tale visitandorra.com Press Kit / Winter 2019 2 TO ALL THOSE WHO DREAM OF RETURNING TO ANDORRA 3 ANDORRA IN FIGURES Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra, is a mountain destination in the heart of the Pyrenees (between Spain and France). Its age-old culture and history, spectacular natural surroundings, cultural heritage and dynamic leisure offer, make this small country a must visit destination at any time of the year. Population (2018): 77,281 inhabitants. Life expectancy (2018): 91.2 Average age of population (2018): 38.9 CPI (2018): 1.9% National minimal wage (2016): 1,017.47 euros. Area of 468 km2 72 mountain peaks above 2,000 m high. El Comapedrosa, is the highest peak in Andorra at 2,942 m. Valle del Madriu-Perafita-Claror covering 4,247 hectares, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. Two nature reserves: Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny (1,080 hectares) and the Parc Natural Comunal de les Valls del Coma- pedrosa (1,542.6 hectares). The lowest point in the country is 840 metres, on the border of the Runer River. The annual average temperature (2018) is 12.3 degrees. 8,239,837 visitors: 51 % from Spain, 41 % from France and 8 % from other nationalities (2017). 45,712 hotel rooms in 363 tourism accommodations (2018). 303 kilometres of slopes with 65% skiable area guaranteed with artificial snow (Grandvalira and Vallnord). 5 ANDORRA A LAND FULL OF HISTORY 6 Charlemagne founded Andorra in 850recognition of the support provided by the local people in his campaign against the Moors. 1278The Principality of Andorra was-1288 created after the signing of the first Paréage, a charter granting joint sovereignty over the territory to the Archbishop of Urgell and Count of Foix, the future King of France. The Andorra Constitution was signed,1993 making the Principality a parliamentary democracy. Andorra joined the United Na- tions, signifying international recognition of the country. 2010Through its efforts to align itself to European legislation it was re- moved from the blacklist of OECD tax havens and far-reaching financial reform was implemented. The Foreign Investment Act was2012 passed, which enables companies with 100% foreign capital to set up in the Principality. 2014The Personal Income Tax Act was passed, completing the coun- try’s tax reform in 2015. 2015Agreement to avoid double - taxation 2016 with several countries. This agreement came into force in July 2015 with France and at the beginning of 2016 with Spain. Andorra has its own political and legal system: it is a co-prin- cipality. The two ceremonial heads of state are the Bishop of Urgell and President of the French Republic. Andorra is divided geographically into seven parishes: 1.Canillo. · 2.Encamp. El Pas de la Casa is the last town on Andorran soil before reaching French territory. 3.Ordino. · 4.La Massana. · 5.Andorra la Vella. Andorra La Vella, is also the name of the capital of Andorra. 6.Sant Julià de Lòria. Lying on the border with Spain. · 7.Escaldes-Engordany. The newest parish (June 1978). 7 SUMMARY 01. The many faces of Andorra’s ski slopes 10. 02. Family fun in the snow 12. 03. Enjoy the snow with friends 14. 04. Enjoy the snow as a couple 16. 05. Andorra, a place where you can unwind surrounded by snow 18. 06. The flavours of mountain cuisine 20. 07. Shopping up high 22. 08. Andorra, a small country with a great historical and cultural heritage 24. 09. The potential of business tourism in Andorra 26. 10. Did you know... 28. 11. Key sporting and cultural events 32. 9 THE MANY FACES OF ANDORRA’S SKI SLOPES When winter comes the Andorran ski resorts of Grandva- lira and Vallnord kick off the season with new additions to the ski runs and amenities, seeking to deliver a 360˚ renewed experience. 10 GRANDVALIRA VALLNORD ORDINO-ARCALÍS This year Grandvalira has improved the snow coverage This year, SAETDE enters to Vallnord Ordino-Arcalísa as a equipment throughout the area in order to guarantee snow in new main shareholder. Furthermore, Vallnord Ordino-Arcalís 66% of the skiable surface. In terms of infrastructure, a new starts a modernization plan of the ski station for the next 10 14,000 m2 skiable platform has been presented at the foot years, investing both in instalations and in the expansion of the Avet ski slope, with parking places with a capacity of of the activities. In addition, the new Tristaina lift, which 450 cars. In addition, the ski school has been completely joins the base of the station to the Coma sector, has been renewed with the incorporation of the Freeride expedition, inaugurated. for the most daring who wish to ski off-piste, as well as the Top Class, which offers the possibility of skiing and driving Also, the season passes consolidate themselves with the Me- on ice on the circuit. teorological Guarantee that allows to a test descent and, if the conditions are not the desired ones, it can be changed For families, the new attraction Màgic Gliss, a 555-metre for another day. Due to the success of last season, this year downhill toboggan, and the new 646 metre-long Yokai you- Ordino-Arcalís doubles the transporting clients service, ta- th circuit located in the Soldeu sector, will be inaugurated. king them from the door of their hotel or car park to and from the ski slopes. Regarding gastronomy, the Encamp Base located in the Fu- nicamp lobby opens its doors with the new exclusive gas- At the Coma, a new Moritz brewery has been inaugura- tronomic spaces. Moreover, several terraces of the 60 res- ted at the foot of the Creussans chairlift with a different and taurants that the area owns have been renovated, such as daring format, La Borda de la Coma, which redistributes the Cabana Espiolets or the CBbC Costa rodona, betting the space to provide a better service to customers with an on new brands that offer unique experiences to costumers. enhanced offer of fondues, grilled meats and mountain rice accompanied by good wines. VALLNORD PAL-ARINSAL Vallnord Pal-Arinsal continues with its strategic plan of last year with the great construction of the Coll de la Botella buil- ding, snow cannons, the infraestructure ampliation such as the Arinsal Ski School or the Pal picnic room. In addition, at the bottom of the Arinsal sector, a new ski slope has been created has, the Comallemple, which will have a blue level slope as a beginners’ area to unclog this part. Furthermore, in the Pal sector, five new snowshoeing circuits have been inaugurated, making a total of 14.5km, as well as a new 18.4km for ski mountaineering. As for the restaurant area, the Coll de la Botella building adds to the offer surprise dinners with activities such as yoga classes or cooking workshops. 11 FAMILY FUN IN THE SNOW Mushing, snow shoes, snow snake, quads on ice… Andorra is a paradise for kids, full of unique attractions, activities for visitors of all ages and a host of adventures to discover. 12 by the emblematic bird, capercaillie, that inhabits the fo- rests of the area. Naturlandia, a place specially designed for kids Another of the top family attractions is Naturlandia, in Sant Julià de Lòria. It’s an adventure park where you can see na- tive flora and fauna from the Pyrenees at the Wildlife Park or ride on two of its main attractions. For adrenalin fans, Naturlandia offers Tobotronc, the longest alpine toboggan run in the world and Airtrekk, the biggest sky trail attraction in Europe. Palau de Gel, activities on the ice rink Ski resorts, an adventure Children can also enjoy activities like petrol karts round The Vallnord resort runs an exciting array of activities the ice rink, as well as skating, curling, ballon-balai and in the snow, apart from skiing, for kids (and big kids!): ice hockey. mushing (dog sledding), ski bike, tubing (ride a giant doughnut down the slopes), snowshoe walks, pony ri- 360º Extrem des… Besides, the Pal-Arinsal ski station runs two clubs for young kids, Babyclub and Pekepark, where the little An indoor freestyle centre for freeskiing, snowboard or ones can discover the snow through sledges and games, skateboard fans who want to enjoy their favourite sport accompanied at all times by qualified monitors and their any time of the year. favourite characters like Pocoyó when they take their first steps in the snow. In Grandvalira, El Mon(t) Màgic stands out in the Canillo sector as an experience for parents and children based on legends from Andorra and which owns the longest chil- dren’s track in southern Europe. In addition, the youngest children will be able to learn to ski in the most fun way at Bababoom Circus, based on the magic of the circus, or at the Bosque Encantado circuit, where they will be able to discover the secrets hidden in the forest. In addition, this season the children have an obligatory appointment, in the sector of Soldeu with the new circuit Yokai. The main character of this new thematic attraction is inspired 13 ENJOY THE SNOW WITH FRIENDS There’s nothing like having fun and sharing a great time with friends. Getting away for a few days to Andorra with friends during the snow season is fantastic, as the ski resorts offer a host of sports and leisure options over the winter: ranging from restaurants serving excellent cuisine to après-ski bars and clubs where you can party after an intense day on the slopes.