Andorra is the land of outdoor sports and one of the most popular Andorra summer activities is mountain biking. Although skiing often takes the spotlight, especially in the winter months, Andorra has also emerged as a premier destination for mountain biking, thanks to the well-maintained Andorra cycling routes, the rugged terrain, the sunny weather and the epic landscapes.
Why do mountain biking in Andorra?
There are so many reasons why an Andorra mountain biking holiday is well worth considering, and we’ll outline the two main ones right here. Firstly, mountain biking in Andorra is extra special because of the unmatchable geography. The microstate, which is tucked along the French-Spanish border in the Pyrenees Mountain Range, is a haven for lovers of varied and diverse terrain. In this Pyrenean paradise, there are Andorra MTB trails for everyone, whether you’re looking for a beginner Andorra MTB course with picturesque views or whether you’re looking for a flowing trail that’d challenge the best riders.
Secondly, Andorra is increasingly known as a bike-friendly country, and it has the infrastructure to match that bike-loving culture. This doesn’t just mean that the Andorra MTB trails are excellent or that the Pal Arinsal Bike Park, with its 32 different circuits, is a biking wonderland. It’s bigger than that; it’s about mountain bikers being made to feel welcomed across the entire principality.
Essential tips for mountain biking in Andorra
If an Andorra mountain biking holiday sounds like your kind of thing, it’s time to book your Andorra accommodation and get packing! You might also want to read up on a few useful Andorra MTB tips before making the trip.
For example, it’s recommended that you do what you can to prepare for the altitude of the Pyrenees Mountain Range. With the average elevation of Andorra being 1,996 metres, or 6,549 ft, this is a high-altitude country and some altitude training is recommended beforehand if you plan to practise intense sport. If that’s not possible, perhaps because of where you live, you should still be absolutely fine, but it’s a good idea to ease yourself in and to make sure you stay hydrated.
Another tip is to make sure you bring the right mountain biking clothing with you. While renting a bike and other pieces of equipment is easy to do, there aren’t too many shops in the more remote parts of the microstate and it’s recommended you arrive with clothing that you’re already comfortable with.
Top mountain biking trails in Andorra
There are some world-class mountain biking parks in Andorra, with the trails at Grandvalira and Vallnord being the most famous and the most highly recommended for riders seeking some Andorra downhill mountain biking. In the case of the Pal Arinsal Bike Park, it contains 32 different circuits, so you’ll be spoilt for choice as there is something for everyone and for every difficulty level.
If a mountain climb is more your thing, then note down the Coll de la Gallina route, which is renowned for being the most challenging of all of Andorra’s cycling climbs, hitting a top altitude of 1,910 metres above sea level and boasting an average gradient of between 8.3% and 8.7%.
Mountain biking events and tours in Andorra
As mentioned above, the Andorra MTB culture is strong across the microstate so you’ll often come across various mountain biking events and tours, some big and some localised and small. The best way to keep your ear to the ground is to strike up a conversation with the fellow mountain bikers in whichever part of Andorra you’re staying, and most will be happy to share the latest MTB goings-on with you.
One particular event to keep an eye out for is the Andorra MTB Classic, a relatively new competition organised by The Epic Series in which riders work in two-person teams over four days. Providing some context to the event, The Epic Series stated: “The race brings together riders from around the world to indulge their sense of adventure, challenge their limits and discover the beauty of a country made for mountain biking.”
Plan your mountain biking trip to Andorra
You’ve surely now got all you need to plan an Andorra mountain biking holiday, so it’s time to get planning. Note that the best time for mountain biking in Andorra is, quite logically, late spring to early autumn, while many of the principality’s mountain towns, such as La Massana and Ordino, cater specifically to mountain bikers with bike-friendly hotels, easy access to trails and bike storage facilities.