The Best Après-Ski Bars in Andorra

The bar at the Iglú Hotel has to be one of the coolest bars in the country, in every sense of the term. Constructed every winter, it is made entirely from ice and snow and can be found in the resort of Grau Roig. Imagine sipping your drink surrounded by a Narnia-like fairytale world of ice sculptures and ice walls. And if you feel like you can’t make it back to your accommodation at the end of the evening, you can even stay the night in the Iglú Hotel.

The owners of this famous bar and restaurant in Ibiza decided to recreate the feeling of the beach in the snowy mountains of Andorra. Located in the ski resort of Pas de la Casa, you can enjoy market-fresh cuisine in the restaurant or sit outside and soak up the sunshine, while somehow trying to imagine you’re at the beach. It’s a relatively pricey stop-off, but the views are really stunning. They even offer ski lessons, dog-sledding and snowmobiling.

A Nordic-style outdoor terrace and lounge, Gall de Bosc is located in the popular resort of Soldeu. Sleek and stylish with a touch of Scandi design in its wood and sink-down leather sofas, this is the perfect place to sit back and relax with a drink while you listen to smooth tunes from house DJs. It’s also attached to an excellent steakhouse.

The perfect spot to chill, the Red Chillout can be found in the resort of El Tarter. Perfectly blending into its Pyrenean surrounds with its wooden architecture and mountain-style decor, it is filled with soft cosy chairs and hammocks for relaxing. Stop here for a bite to eat during the day or an evening cocktail accompanied by soft music.

Located right in El Tarter’s town centre, L’Abarset is a legendary Andorran après- ski party spot. Hosting international DJs on weekends and holidays from 4pm, the huge alfresco club and bar makes for a lively afternoon session. Drinks aren’t cheap, but they are substantial in size. If you’re into champagne, you can reserve a space in the VIP Veuve Clicquot booth. Not only can you dance the night away, but you can head back the next morning for a slap-up breakfast from 8.30am. Fried eggs, bacon, sausages – the perfect fuel to set you up for another day on the slopes.

This 300-year-old cow shed has been transformed into Soldeu’s must-visit après- ski bar. Fat Albert’s (or Fatty’s) is a classic seasonnaire hang-out with a bistro downstairs, serving pizza, pasta, spare ribs and all the comforting winter food you could ask for. After all, you’ve got to replenish those fuel stocks for the next day’s skiing. Upstairs, you’ll find the bar/nightclub. Every weekend, it is packed until the early hours with skiers burning off their final ounces of energy on the dance floor. Fancy dress parties occur throughout the winter season with live music, too.

It’s hard to miss this intergalactic-style restaurant, perched at the top of the TSD6 lift. At nearly 2,500m (8,200ft) above sea level, Coll Blanc is one of the highest altitude après- ski spots in the Pyrenees. It’s worth a stop-off just for the incredible panoramic views. Lunch is a civilised affair here. Food is classic French bistro cuisine, but come 4pm, the DJ starts and the crowds gather for beers on the sun terrace. Enjoy the music and ride down with an unbelievable view of the valley.

For football on big screens, pool table and beer pong, head to the Aspen. While it doesn’t have a sun terrace like other spots, you can guarantee being able to watch the Premier League matches and Six Nations when they’re on. It’s got more of a pub vibe than other bars in Soldeu. Classic pub grub can be purchased, including burgers, paninis and lasagne. Once the footie is finished, there’s often live music playing, plus a DJ on Thursdays and Saturdays with beers poured until the early hours.

It wouldn’t be a true European ski resort without an Irish bar. For those that actively seek out a pint of Guinness, then Paddy’s Bar is the place for you. It’s owned by an Irish fella and mostly populated with Irish staff, so you’ll get the real experience here. Expect pumping tunes, great service and a full-on party atmosphere. Nurse your hangover with a proper Irish breakfast, complete with black pudding and Dairygold butter.

Additional reporting by Nina Zietman.

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