Glamour on the snow: what to pack for skiing at Hotel Grau Roig

Discover glamour on the snow: your stay at Hotel Grau Roig

A hotel right in the resort

Hotel Grau Roig sits in the Grandvalira resort, in the Grau Roig sector, and is listed in the MICHELIN Guide. That location shapes much of your packing: you will spend the day on the snow, the afternoon in the spa and the evening in a restaurant, with barely any need to go elsewhere. So there is no need to bring half your house, just to choose well.

This guide tells you what to pack for a stylish ski trip, with winter in mind, the hotel’s main season. If you have questions about anything specific at the hotel, ask before you leave: +376 75 55 56 or info@hotelgrauroig.com.

What the hotel already has

Knowing what is at the hotel helps you avoid carrying what you will not use.

• Spa: heated pool, sauna and Turkish bath. Entry is free for guests.
• Ski Room: a space for your equipment. Ask what it includes when you book.
• Fitness room and Kids Club: useful if you want to keep moving or are travelling with children.
• Restaurants: La Vaquería, El Teatro del Vino, La Marmita, La Fromagerie and Secret Room, plus the Copper Bar.

Activities that affect your luggage

If you plan to do more than ski, bear it in mind when packing. The hotel website lists snowshoeing, mushing, snowmobiles, ski touring and the Imaginarium Ski School as options to enquire about. Technical ski clothing works for all of them, although ski touring requires specific equipment.

How to plan your suitcase

Divide everything into four occasions: slopes, après-ski, spa and dinner. If each item works for at least one and ideally two, half your packing is done.

What clothes to pack for a luxury ski trip at Hotel Grau Roig

The key is the same as at any high-mountain resort: layers. They let you adapt to the early-morning cold, the midday sun and the wind on a chairlift.

For skiing

A thermal base layer, ideally merino wool or a technical fabric, as it dries quickly and does not retain odours. Over that, a mid-layer of fleece or light down. On the outside, a waterproof, breathable jacket and trousers. Take at least two base layers if you will ski several days in a row. Choose whichever brand suits you best: what counts is the fit and how it stands up to water.

For after skiing

A thick wool or cashmere jumper, comfortable trousers and snow boots with a good sole. This is the outfit you will wear most: for a drink at the Copper Bar, a walk or a trip down to Andorra la Vella in the afternoon.

For dinner

One or two items that make you feel well dressed will do: a knitted dress, a shirt, a blazer or dark trousers. If you have a special dinner at El Teatro del Vino or Secret Room, that is the moment to bring them out. Check with the hotel if you are unsure about a particular occasion.

Essential accessories for a glamorous ski trip

Accessories take up little space and they are what makes the difference to your day.

On the slopes

• Helmet: it protects and keeps you warm. Make sure it fits with your goggles.
• Goggles: ideally with lenses for sun and low light, or bring two pairs.
• Gloves: good quality and waterproof. A thin pair underneath helps on cold days.
• Neck warmer: it takes up very little room and gives a lot of warmth.
• Ski socks: thin and technical. A thick sock inside the boot is not always warmer.

Protection

The sun is strong on the snow, so do not forget high-factor sunscreen, lip balm and a moisturiser, because cold and altitude dry the skin. Bring sunglasses for the terraces: goggles are only for the slopes.

Technology

A power bank is a good idea, because cold drains batteries quickly. Take a phone case too and download the piste map before you go out. If you like filming your runs, an action camera and its mounts weigh very little.

Getting around with your lift pass

An easy-to-open jacket pocket saves you taking out your card at every lift. If you do not have one yet, check the lift pass prices in Andorra before you travel.

Tips for packing your suitcase for Hotel Grau Roig

Spa: what you cannot do without

Always pack a swimsuit; it is the item most often forgotten and the one you will miss most. Flip-flops, and a swim cap if you like to use one, complete the kit. The spa is open from 10.00 to 21.00. If you are travelling with under-16s, remember they can use it until 15.00.

Ski equipment: to bring or not to bring?

If you have your own skis and boots, bring them in a wheeled bag and keep the boots in their own bag. For anything else, it is worth asking at the hotel what options there are nearby before carrying it all.

Hand luggage

If you are travelling by car, keep warm clothing within reach, as you may need it when you get out. Also check road conditions and whether your vehicle needs chains or winter tyres.

Children

The hotel has a Kids Club. For children, double up on gloves and socks, because they get wet easily and take time to dry. The Imaginarium Ski School may be a good option if they are beginners; ask about dates and places.

Depending on what you plan to do

Five days of non-stop skiing is not the same as combining the slopes with other activities. Tailor your packing to your plans:

• Snowshoeing: ski clothing is fine, but add a light layer, because you sweat more walking. Poles and a small rucksack will come in handy; ask what equipment is included.
• Mushing and snowmobiles: you will spend time standing still or in cold air. Bring an extra layer, a neck warmer and warm gloves.
• Night skiing: Grandvalira’s floodlit areas are in Pas de la Casa (Sunset Park Peretol and the Tubs piste). It is colder at night, so keep a jumper handy and take goggles with a clear lens.
• An afternoon at Caldea or in Andorra la Vella: a swimsuit and clean snow boots are all you need.
• A day of hard snow or wind: an extra windproof layer takes up little space and can save your day.

If you intend to ski non-stop, prioritise technical clothing. If you are coming mainly to switch off, comfortable things for the spa and dinners matter more. Either way, a few good items beat lots of average ones.

Leave some room

Andorra is a shopping destination. Save some space for what you take home, and if you plan to buy technical gear, compare prices before you leave home.

High-end accommodation: Hotel Grau Roig in the heart of the ski slopes

Convenience at the foot of the slopes

Being in the resort itself changes the logistics. We explain this in more detail in our article on ski-in, ski-out stays, and if you want to organise your days, in the guide to skiing in Grandvalira.

Dining

The hotel’s dining comprises five venues: La Vaquería, El Teatro del Vino, La Marmita, La Fromagerie and Secret Room. If you enjoy wine, the cellar holds more than 300 references, and you can read more about wine tastings in Andorra. Have a look at the hotel restaurants to decide which dinner deserves that shirt.

Spa and recovery

After several hours of skiing, some time in the heated pool, sauna or Turkish bath is the best thing for your legs. If you would like to book a treatment, ask for the menu at reception.

Before closing your suitcase

Run through the list: layers, helmet and goggles, gloves, sunscreen, swimsuit, something for dinner and space for the journey home. With that you are ready for Grau Roig.