Skiing with children in Grandvalira: circuits, ages and sectors

To ski with children in Grandvalira, what matters most is choosing the right service for their age and the right sector for your family’s plans. The resort offers childcare from the age of one, snow gardens for ages 3 to 5, courses up to age 11 and free children’s circuits for youngsters up to 12. Book ahead and everyone in the family can enjoy the mountain at their own pace.

Which service to choose by age

Grandvalira’s children’s programme is organised by age group. Some official pages differ on the exact limits, so confirm your child’s case when you book.

Ages 1 to 3: nursery in Grau Roig

Grau Roig is the only sector with a nursery for this age group. It is open every day from 9:30 to 16:30, is booked online and does not include meals. This is childcare, without skiing, designed so that adults can make the most of the day with peace of mind.

From age 2: kindergarten

Canillo, El Tarter and Soldeu have kindergartens for children over 24 months, also from 9:30 to 16:30. Lunch is booked directly at the school before 10:30.

Ages 3 to 5: snow garden

This is the first real taste of skiing. At age 3 it works as an introduction to the snow, with lessons, games and activities; at 4 and 5, as lessons in areas suited to their age. Educación 3.0 also cites this 3-to-5 age range as a good time to begin, always with a specialist instructor.

Three conditions are worth knowing in advance: children must no longer wear nappies, they need a valid ski pass (the beginner pass is not accepted) and they must arrive with their own equipment, as it cannot be hired on the slopes. Canillo, El Tarter and Soldeu also offer an introduction to snowboarding; in Encamp, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa, the garden is for skiing only.

Ages 3 to 11: Kids Program

If you are looking for a full, well-organised day, the Kids Program combines lessons, lunch and activities. Each area has its own character: Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa add outdoor options such as sledges and mini snowmobiles, while Canillo, El Tarter and Soldeu build the experience around each sector’s theme.

Ages 6 to 11: group courses

From age 6, children’s group courses offer three hours of lessons a day in every sector. Multi-day courses usually start on Mondays and, in Soldeu and El Tarter, on Saturdays too. The school also plans a special start on 27 December, useful for the Christmas holidays. Group snowboarding for children is limited to Soldeu, El Tarter and Canillo.

From age 12 and season programmes

From 12, young skiers move into the adult-junior groups. For those who ski regularly, Màgic Ski (Grau Roig) and Avet Center (El Tarter) run as programmes for the whole season.

Private lessons: the most flexible option

Private lessons are available in all sectors and at all levels, in blocks of two to four hours, with a maximum of six people per instructor. The school recommends them if you want to guarantee the language of instruction. They work particularly well for siblings of a similar level or when a child needs a little more confidence. You can also book Top Class, for a half or full day, with added services such as private lockers and lounges. Check available times well ahead, as they can sell out on key dates.

The children’s circuits, sector by sector

The themed circuits are decorated runs, with characters and small obstacles, that children ski with their parents or instructors. They are the main draw for those who can already make their way down with some ease:

• Mon(t) Magic (Canillo): based on Andorran legends, it is billed as the longest themed children’s run in southern Europe. The area includes the 555-metre Màgic Gliss toboggan and a zip wire.
• Kids Forest (Encamp, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa): Mona the marmot, Bo the capercaillie, Vulpi the fox and Nae the chamois represent the different levels, from first turns to more assured skiing.
• Turbo Snow Explorers (El Tarter): presented by the resort as a new addition, it stars Meri, a young mechanic, and the resort’s machines.
• Yôkai (Soldeu): 646 metres with samurai, dragon arches and other obstacles, inspired by the capercaillie.

Which sector to choose for a family trip

Grau Roig is the choice if you are travelling with babies or young children and prefer the mountains to a village atmosphere. It brings together the nursery, Kids Forest and Màgic Ski, and it is the only sector without a residential area: you can practically ski off from the car park. For those staying here, the day does not begin with a transfer.

Canillo is, according to the resort, perfect for families and beginners, with easy slopes for a first experience. Soldeu, which Grandvalira describes as the ideal location for families, combines a kindergarten and a circuit with ski-in hotels, while El Tarter offers courses that can start on a Saturday. Encamp and Pas de la Casa round out the choice with their own Kids Forest and snow garden. To get to know the terrain, see our guide to ski slopes in Andorra.

How to organise the trip

• Book the school early. Do this before finalising the rest of the day, particularly at Christmas, Carnival and Easter. Bear in mind that services depend on the weather and that cancellations may incur charges.
• Be clear about what each service includes. Lesson prices do not include the ski pass or equipment hire, although combined packages are available. See our guide to ski pass prices.
• Reserve equipment in advance. Grandvalira does not have its own rental shops but works with partner shops where you can book. Take your time checking boot and helmet sizes the day before.
• Pack the full kit. For the snow garden you will need a helmet, goggles or sunglasses, gloves and a hat, as well as clothing suited to the weather. A change of clothes and mountain boots are highly recommended.
• Think about your own day. With the children in lessons, you will have time to ski at your own pace. Agree pick-up times and a clear meeting point in advance.

More ideas for children during your stay

Three or four hours on the snow are usually enough for the youngest. If you are heading to Grau Roig, you will find more detail in our guide to the sector’s children’s ski school. In the afternoon, you can set some time aside for other activities:

• At Hotel Grau Roig, featured in the MICHELIN Guide, the Kids Club is a space for games and activities for younger guests after the slopes.
• Away from the slopes, Naturland is a much-loved outing for a different kind of family day.

If you are planning your arrival, our guide to airports near Andorra will help you choose the most comfortable route with children. The 2026-27 season is scheduled from 4 December to 4 April, snow permitting; it is best to confirm the dates and conditions of each service on the Grandvalira website when you book.