Snowboarding in the Pyrenees ….

 

Bordered by Spain and France who are responsible for defending it, officially the Principality of Androrra was formed in 1278 as an independent state in Europe. We weren’t sure DSC_0466 (Medium)  what to expect crossing the border. It was uneventful. There were several guards standing around smoking who barely batted an eye as we sailed through. 

 

Andorra is the sixth smallest DSC_0574 (Medium)nation in Europe with a population of 80,000. Its said the people of Andorra have the second highest life expectancy in the world. It also has mountain goats like this one we happened upon!

 

After renting equipment, Shannon and Austin DSC_0492 (Medium)headed to Grandvalira ski resort. This resort has 110 slopes, can handle 100,000 skiers per hour, has 67 chair lifts and will host the 2012 World Cup Downhill Ski Event!

There are lots of skiers hitch hiking to get to the P4160336 (Medium)hill.  Once you get there you also have the occasional, resourceful teenager approaching you to ask for your ski pass if you’re done using it for the day!

Lift prices are similar to Canadian resorts. You P4160354 (Medium)appear to get more for your money here as the resort also has an igloo hotel, two popular igloo bars as well as igloos for pets so that their masters can ski worry free for the day!

 

P4160361 (Medium)Everywhere you  look tourists are suited up in their snowboard gear just like Austin as he gets ready to hit the slopes!

 

Après ski we headed to the capital city of Andorra La Vella where Austin discovered Toblerone McFlurries. C’est bonne! While Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it is treated as an P4160378 (Medium)EU trading member and uses the euro as its standard currency.  There were plenty of opportunities to spend euros here. The town reminds you of Banff with luxury shops lining the streets all nestled within  beautiful surroundings and fresh mountain air.

DSC_0578 (Medium)In contrast to Banff, there is lots of new development underway.  Shannon was talking to a local skier who said Andorra used to be the area’s best kept secret but now it is overrun with British investors and tourists.  Andorra is a prosperous country due to its tax haven status P4160358 (Medium)and a thriving tourism industry. An estimated 10.2 million visit annually thanks to its famous ski resorts in the Pyrenees!

 

 

 

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