Soldeu, Andorra. The heart of Grandvalira.

The gondola from the centre of Soldeu rises straight to Espiolets — one of the biggest beginner plateaus in the Pyrenees — and from there the whole Grandvalira circuit opens up: across to El Tarter and Canillo on one side, over to Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa on the other. Soldeu's own slopes suit every level, from wide nursery zones to the famous Avet — the tree-lined black run that drops back into the village and regularly hosts World Cup races.

The ski school is a huge part of Soldeu's reputation. It's internationally recognised as one of the best in Europe, with hundreds of English-speaking instructors — so whether it's your first week on skis or you're polishing your technique, you'll be learning in clear, fluent English.

Soldeu has the best hotel stock in Andorra, from smart four-star spa hotels to genuine ski-in ski-out properties right on the slope side of the village. Eating out is a pleasure — mountain grills, cosy bordas and international menus — and while the après is livelier than you might expect, it stays on the right side of rowdy. If you want a quieter base with the same skiing, El Tarter and Canillo are just along the valley.