Fresh from the slopes of Verbier, I couldn't resist the silky reds and the
perfectly crisp powder, the long vistas of barely-populated slopes winding
seductively throught the trees, the occasional more challenging black run. I
succumbed to the high altitude adrenalin and overdid it.
After the calf muscle went, I was carried down the mountain slalom-style on
the back of a champion who once led an Olympic ski team to victory and was
now in charge of coaching for the whole area. It was almost worth the pain
for the experience. A few days in the outdoor pools, sipping hot chocolate
with hot water bubbling up against snow banks, and I was back on the slopes,
dog sledging, snowmobiling, snowballing and building snowmen with the
children.
My son, meanwhile, began the holiday by bursting into tears at the mere
mention of a button lift but in no time was flying high above me in chairs
and gondolas while I nursed the injured calf in a mountain restaurant below.
By the end, he had conquered his first red and was showing me how to fall
over painlessly.
We were on a press trip with Inghams, so we spent too little time in each of
the resorts we visited. We'll definitely be going back to enjoy a
less-pressured week at our own expense, in one of the new five-star hotels
with their incredible spas.
Need to know
Inghams offer the resorts of Pas de la Casa, Soldeu / El Tarter, Arinsal and
neighbouring La Massana in Andorra.
La Massana
Stay at the four star Magic Ski Hotel in La Massana for 7 nights on a half
board basis with prices starting at £498 per person including flights from
Gatwick Airport to Toulouse Airport and resort transfers.
Ski pack items can be pre-booked: 6 day adult ski and boot hire starts from
£62 (child £47), 5 day ski or snowboard school starts at £83 (child £72). A
6 day whole area lift pass (Arinsal, Pal, Arcalis) starts at £116 (child
£105).
In La Massana pre-book the indoor crèche for ages 1-4, for 5 days, 3 hours per
day for £81 or Snowgarden outdoor snow-play and lessons for ages 4-8 yrs,
for 5 days, 3 hours per day for £81. Children are supervised by qualified
staff. Lunch and ski hire not included.
Soldeu
Stay at the four star Piolets Park and Spa Hotel in Soldeu for 7 nights on a
half board basis with prices starting at £614 per person including flights
from Gatwick Airport to Toulouse Airport and resort transfers.
Ski pack items can be pre-booked: 6 day adult ski and boot hire starts from
£62 (child £52), 5 day ski or snowboard school starts at £102 (child £94). A
6 day whole area lift pass starts from £170 (child £120).
In Soldeu pre-book the indoor crèche for ages 2-4, for 5 days, 6 hours per day
for £109 or Snowgarden outdoor snow-play and lessons for ages 3-5, for 5
days, 3 hours per day for £113. Children are supervised by qualified staff
and lunch and ski hire not included.
Flights also available with a supplement from Bristol (£25), Birmingham (£25)
and Manchester (£26). Inghams Ski reservations: 020 8780 4447 or book
online at www.inghams.co.uk
For more information on Andorra visit www.skiandorra.ad
