Grandvalira: Canillo & Encamp Valleys

The valleys of Canillo and Encamp are the gateway to Grandvalira, the Pyrenees' largest ski domain. In winter, this area is the premier destination for snow sports, with renowned ski schools in Soldeu and El Tarter that specialise in teaching children. The nursery slopes are wide and sunny, and the Bababoom Circus ski circuit adds fun obstacles for young learners. The infrastructure here is top-tier, with modern gondolas making mountain access easy even for non-skiers.

When the snow melts, Canillo transforms into an outdoor adventure hub. The Mon(t) Magic Family Park is a highlight, accessible via gondola. It features trampolines, mini-golf, canoeing on a small mountain lake, and the Màgic Gliss, a gravity-driven slide that zips down the mountainside—thrilling but safe for kids accompanied by adults. For families with teenagers seeking a bigger adrenaline rush, the Tibetan Bridge of Canillo is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, offering dizzying views over the Vall del Riu.

Encamp, located slightly lower down the valley, serves as a strategic entry point to the mountains via the Funicamp, one of the longest cable cars in Europe. It whisks families from the town center deep into the high mountains in just 20 minutes, perfect for spotting marmots or starting a high-altitude hike without the climb. In the town itself, the National Automobile Museum displays vintage cars and bicycles that fascinate transport-loving kids.

Further up the valley, the scenery becomes more dramatic. The Mirador del Roc del Quer is a viewing platform that juts out into mid-air; it features a sculpture of a thinker sitting on the edge and provides a safe but spectacular photo opportunity. Accommodation in this region ranges from resort-style hotels with pools in Soldeu to self-catering apartments in El Tarter, often favoured by families for the extra space and kitchen facilities.