Canillo is a charming ski resort nestled in the heart of Andorra's expansive Grandvalira ski domain. It blends the tranquility of a picturesque mountain village with family-friendly facilities, offering gentle slopes and premium ski schools ideal for beginners and families seeking both relaxation and winter fun. Known as one of the most tranquil ski resorts in Andorra, Canillo offers a peaceful yet exciting experience for all ages.
Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Canillo ski holiday. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to grab a bite or unwind after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Let's get started!
Canillo is located in Andorra, in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain, and it is part of the larger Grandvalira ski domain.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent beginner and intermediate ski terrain | Limited après ski scene |
| Great value for money | Limited advanced and expert ski runs |
| Very good ski schools | Quieter than some of the other resorts |
| Interlinked access to the Grandvalira ski area | N/A |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Canillo has to offer.
(Ref: Valera from Tartu)
The Canillo ski school, perched at the summit of the bubble lift, offers a mix of group and private lessons, making it ideal for both children and adults. The gently sloping nursery area, equipped with a few drag lifts and a chairlift, allows beginners to comfortably gain their footing before venturing via the Portella Chairlift to explore the interconnected runs toward El Tarter.
Strategically positioned at the gateway to Grandvalira’s extensive ski network, Canillo serves as an excellent starting point for intermediate skiers. From here, three chairlifts escort you to the highest accessible points, offering routes toward Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, or El Tarter. It's important to note that the last return lift to Canillo via Portella closes at 16:30 daily. For those who linger longer, regular ski buses provide returns from El Tarter to Canillo.
From the peak’s drag lift, advanced skiers quickly reach El Tarter’s renowned freeride terrain. Multiple challenging freeride zones await on both sides of the Portella chairlift, offering steep descents and sprawling open snowfields to carve through.
A brief 10-minute drive from Canillo, the Le Peretol area, situated at an altitude of 1,960 meters, lights up the night from Tuesday to Sunday, 17:00 to 22:00, with its 500 m (1,640 ft) long ski piste, providing a unique nocturnal skiing experience under the stars.
The ski season in Canillo for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 29 November to 12 April. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Canillo deals for the best ski offers available.
Canillo offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 12 cm (4.72 in) and 18 cm (7.0 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases with 16 cm (6.29 in) of snowfall but it occurs more frequently, averaging 2.6 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the fourth week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Canillo, with an impressive 27 cm (10.62 in) of snow over 2.9 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 12 cm (4.72 in) of snow over 2.2 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 12 cm | 2.0 days |
| January | 18 cm | 2.5 days |
| February | 16 cm | 2.6 days |
| March | 17 cm | 3.0 days |
| April | 12 cm | 2.2 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Canillo's après ski and nightlife are relatively quiet. If you're seeking more vibrant night action, you might prefer heading to El Tarter or Pas de la Casa. However, Canillo still offers a few relaxing options, including:
Download Canillo resort map here
