What to do
Bike Park in Andorra in Summer 2026: The Complete Guide for Riders of All Levels
May 13, 2026
Updated on May 15, 2026
#Nature#Summer#Active tourism#La Massana
In this article28 sections
If you're looking for where to go mountain biking in the Pyrenees in summer, the answer is Andorra. The country has two of Europe's most renowned bike parks, with over 160 kilometers of combined trails, mechanical lifts, cycling schools, and infrastructure designed for both first-time riders and those who follow the UCI World Cup. Here you'll find everything you need to plan your getaway.
Why Andorra for a bike park in summer?
Living here, what surprises me most about riders visiting Andorra for the first time is the look on their faces when they see the first descent from the top. They didn't expect this. They thought it was "just another mountain bike park," and what they find is over 1,000 meters of vertical drop in a single descent, trails that have hosted the UCI World Cup for years, and a Pyrenean landscape that no screen can reproduce.
Image courtesy of Grandvalira Resorts
Andorra has been building its reputation as a leading cycling destination for over two decades. This is no coincidence. The ski resorts — which attract millions of skiers in winter — transform every summer into a true natural park for mountain biking, leveraging their gondola and chairlift infrastructure to provide access to altitudes that would take hours of pedaling and sweat to reach. The result: more descents per day, more variety, and less fatigue on the way up.
Additionally, the country is small, and everything is within reach. In less than 30 minutes, you can get from Andorra la Vella to any of the bike parks. The roads are good, accommodation prices are competitive compared to other European bike destinations, and the gastronomic and shopping offerings (with VAT-free prices) add value to the trip for the whole family or group.
Pal Arinsal Bike Park (La Massana): The World Benchmark
If you had to choose just one, this would be Andorra's most internationally renowned bike park. Created in 2004 at the Pal Arinsal resort, in the parish of La Massana, it has established itself as one of the best bike parks in the world. According to Red Bull's ranking (2022), it is in the World Top 5, only behind Whistler (Canada), Portes du Soleil (France/Switzerland), and Åre (Sweden).
Image courtesy of Grandvalira Resorts
Trails and Disciplines
The bike park of Pal Arinsal offers over 60 kilometers of trails spread across more than 30 routes, with a total vertical drop exceeding 1,000 meters between Pic del Cubil and the valley floor in La Massana. The trails are color-coded, just like ski slopes: green for beginners, blue for intermediate, red for advanced, and black for the most demanding riders.
The available modalities cover practically the entire spectrum of MTB:
- Downhill (DH): The main attraction. Over 21 trails designed for high-speed descents, with natural jumps, roots, steep turns, and technical sections. The descents utilize natural mountain paths and pass through forests where you barely need to pedal. Some of these tracks have hosted the UCI World Cup for years.
- Enduro: Two trails that combine technical downhill sections with smoother stretches, designed for those seeking variety and endurance.
- Cross-Country (XC and XCC): Four routes for those who truly enjoy pedaling, with terrain combinations that test both technique and physical fitness.
- Four Cross (4X): A spectacular discipline where four riders descend simultaneously on a track with ramps, berms, and zigzag turns. The 500-meter course next to the La Carbonera chairlift was designed by Andorran rider Cédric García and was an official UCI Mountain Bike World Cup track in 2008 and 2009.
- WoodPark: An accessible trail for most riders, with wooden obstacles: jumps, boardwalks, berms, and bumps. It is constantly being expanded, and new elements are added every year.
- E-Bike: Specific trails for electric bikes that facilitate mountain access for those who want to enjoy it without getting exhausted.
The New Bike World (New for 2025)
In summer 2025, Pal Arinsal inaugurated the Bike World, a new themed area entirely dedicated to mountain biking. Bike World expands the offerings with trails for all levels integrated into a park concept, with special attention to accessibility for families and beginner riders. It is a clear commitment by Grandvalira Resorts to consolidate Andorra as a leading international cycling destination.
Lift Passes and Prices 2026
To access the bike park, you need a lift pass that includes the use of the lifts (gondolas and chairlifts). Options range from half-day to multi-day consecutive passes. Children under 5 and adults over 74 have a free lift pass (mandatory collection at the ticket office with supporting documentation).
Multi-day passes are valid for consecutive days, which is worth considering if you plan to stay for several days. There is also the Season Bike Pass, which provides unlimited access throughout the summer to the more than 60 km of trails at Pal Arinsal Bike Park, also including the operational lifts of Grandvalira and the e-bike trails. An excellent option if you plan to spend several weeks in the country.
To check updated prices and book your bike park experiences, you can do so directly from Andorra.com.
Bike School and Rental
If you don't have a bike or simply don't want to carry it all the way to Andorra, no problem. In the village of La Massana, right at the foot of the gondola, you'll find several specialized shops with top-level rental equipment:
- Commençal: The benchmark brand born in Andorra. Rental of DH, freeride, enduro, e-bikes, and even children's bikes. They also offer technical clothing and accessories.
- Pic Negre: One of Andorra's largest fleets, with latest-generation bikes serviced daily in a certified workshop. Brands like Santa Cruz, Trek, Cannondale, or MMR.
- Couloir: High-end equipment with multi-brand workshop service.
All shops include a helmet adapted to the discipline with the rental. The Pal Arinsal Bike School offers private lessons adapted to all levels, with certified instructors who teach descent techniques, safety, and control. You can choose sessions from 1 hour to a full day.
Opening Dates 2026
Pal Arinsal Bike Park opens on June 20, 2026 and closes on October 12, 2026. The resort's operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Grandvalira e-Bike Trails (Soldeu–Encamp–Canillo)
The Grandvalira domain, the largest in the Pyrenees in winter, transforms in summer into the largest e-bike and MTB territory in the area, with 105 kilometers of marked trails connecting the sectors of Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo, Encamp, Grau Roig, and Pas de la Casa.
While Pal Arinsal focuses on the most technical downhill, here the emphasis is on e-bikes and panoramic routes that allow for a more complete exploration of the Grandvalira massif. There is also a downhill bike park in the Soldeu sector with routes between 2,450 m and 1,800 m in altitude.
Trails marked by levels
The trails are color-coded so you can easily identify the level:
- Green and Blue (Easy): For beginners or those who prefer a relaxed pace. About 30 km of flat and accessible routes for the whole family.
- Orange (Medium): For users with some experience. Moderate slopes, varied natural landscapes, and easy-rolling sections.
- Red (Advanced): For cyclists with good command. Technical trails with significant elevation changes.
- Black (Expert): High physical and technical demand. Sections of great difficulty, steep inclination, and high mountain sections.
One of the novelties for 2025 is the Commencal Cyclone Track, a new trail integrated into the Grandvalira e-Bike project that completes the network to 105 km.
Additionally, the sectors have e-bike charging points in the central hubs of each area, along with bike wash stations and catering services.
Bike Pass: Lift Pass and Prices
To access the Grandvalira circuits, you need the Bike Pass lift pass, for daily use, which includes 4 ascents per day by gondola, to choose between the Funicamp in Encamp, the Canillo gondola, or the Soldeu gondola. The lift pass does not include insurance, which is optional but highly recommended (€12 per day).
Lift passes for young children and people over 74 years old are free, always with collection at the ticket office and supporting documentation.
To book the Bike Pass and other experiences in Grandvalira, visit our Experiences section.
MTB Trail School
Grandvalira offers the MTB Trail School in the Soldeu sector, with a team of instructors certified by EFPEM (Andorra's School for Training Sports and Mountain Professionals). The objective is to teach basic and advanced techniques for riding electric mountain bikes, promoting safe and responsible practice. Groups of a maximum of 4 people per instructor. There are also classes for children aged 5 and up. The bike, equipment, and lift pass are not included in the class price.
Naturland Bike Centre: the family option in the south
In the parish of Sant Julià de Lòria, in the Rabassa Forest, you'll find Naturland, Andorra's great adventure park. Among its many outdoor activities, the Naturland Bike Centre, designed for those looking for a quieter experience or for families with children.
The center offers various mountain bike modalities, e-bike routes, and beginner circuits in a protected forest environment. It's a perfect alternative if the group is traveling with young children or if you want a more relaxed day after intense days in Pal Arinsal.
Which modality to choose according to your level?
A very common question, especially among first-time visitors. Here's a practical summary:
If you are a beginner or coming with family
- Start with the green or blue circuits of the Pal Arinsal Bike Park or the Simple circuits of Grandvalira e-Bike.
- The Pal Arinsal Bike World is specifically designed for beginners.
- The 2-hour e-bike guided tours are ideal: they include bike, helmet, gloves, and guide, and the level is easy (10–20 km).
- For children aged 5–8 and up, there are specific circuits and bike schools.
If you have an intermediate level
- Blue and red circuits of the Pal Arinsal bike park.
- Medium and advanced level circuits of Grandvalira e-Bike.
- 4-hour guided e-bike tours (medium-high level, 30–40 km, for ages 16 and up).
If you are an advanced or expert rider
- Black and red downhill circuits of Pal Arinsal.
- Four Cross and WoodPark for variety.
- Grandvalira Expert circuits with high mountain sections.
- Enduro circuits for those who prefer to combine uphill and downhill.
If you want to compete: Andorra is a regular host of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. In July 2026, the competition returns to Pal Arinsal (July 9–12), with downhill (DH), cross-country (XC), and short track (XCE) disciplines. One more reason to plan your trip.
Necessary equipment: what to bring and what to rent
You don't need to arrive with everything. Many things can be rented on-site, and specialized shops have top-level equipment. But it's good to know what you absolutely must bring and what you can leave at home.
Mandatory basic equipment
- Helmet (approved for the modality; if doing DH, full-face helmet)
- Gloves
- Protective goggles
- Sports shoes with stiff soles
Recommended for downhill and intermediate
- Knee and elbow pads
- Protective pants and jacket
- Hydration pack (water in the mountains is essential)
What you can rent in Andorra
- Complete bike (DH, enduro, trail, e-bike, children's)
- Helmet included with rental
- Protective gear (full-face helmet, knee pads, elbow pads)
If you come with your own bike, remember to check before your trip: brakes, tire pressure, levers, saddle, and steering. Workshops in La Massana and Soldeu (Pic Negre, Commençal, Couloir) also offer inspections and repairs during the season.
Local tip: book your bike online in advance, especially in July and August. Fleets sell out on World Cup weekends and during Easter week. Arriving without a reservation can leave you stranded.
UCI MTB World Cup 2026 in Andorra: mark your calendar
From July 9 to 12, 2026, Pal Arinsal will once again host one of the most important mountain bike competitions on the planet. After hosting the WHOOP UCI MTB World Cup 2025, the World Cup returns with downhill (DH), cross-country (XC), and short track (XCE) disciplines.
Watching the world's best riders live, descending the same circuits you rode hours earlier, is something very special. If you plan your trip around this event, book accommodation well in advance, as hotels in La Massana and its surroundings fill up in a matter of days.
If you're looking to plan your trip to coincide with this or other events, the Plan section is the best starting point.
How to organize your trip to Andorra's bike park
Where to stay
For the Pal Arinsal Bike Park, the ideal is to stay in La Massana: the gondola starts practically from the center of the town, so you can leave your hotel directly to ride. The variety of accommodations is wide, from budget options to hotels with spas to recover your muscles at the end of the day.
For Grandvalira, the sectors of Soldeu, El Tarter, and Canillo are the most convenient. In these areas, you will find hotels that offer specific services for cyclists: locked bike storage, repair workshop, e-bike charging points, and washing service.
You can check and book your accommodation with the best prices directly on Andorra.com, where you will find all available offers filtered by area and type of establishment.
Don't forget to check the what to do in Andorra section to complete your agenda with other activities, and our guide to sleeping in Andorra if you want to delve deeper into accommodation types.
How to get there
Andorra does not have its own airport. The closest airports are Barcelona (3 h), Toulouse (2.5 h), and Girona (2.5 h). From all of them, there is a regular bus service (Andbus, Flixbus) or the option to rent a car.
If you arrive by private car and want to bring your own bike, Andorra's roads are well-maintained. Access to La Massana from the Spanish border via the CG-1 is convenient.
What else to do in Andorra in summer
The bike park is the main attraction, but Andorra has much more to offer. Between rides, the country offers high-mountain hiking, electric kart routes, paragliding, canyoning, rafting, visits to the Caldea thermal spa, and a shopping and dining scene with tax-free advantages unlike anywhere else in Europe. All of it within less than half an hour from one another.
To discover everything you can do during the summer, visit the full section of activities and experiences in Andorra.
Common mistakes riders make in Andorra (and how to avoid them)
After seeing hundreds of riders come through here, there are a few mistakes that get repeated year after year:
- Arriving without booking a bike. I already mentioned it above, but it’s worth repeating: during peak season, rental fleets get fully booked. Reserve at least 2 weeks in advance, especially in July.
- Choosing a trail above your actual level. The bike park is perfectly signposted, but the temptation to “try the black run” can easily end in a crash or a scare. If it’s your first time, start on the green trails and gradually move up. It’s more fun and much safer.
- Riding without mountain insurance. The bike pass does not include insurance. No matter how good a rider you are, accidents can happen. Paying €5–12 per day is a very small investment for the peace of mind it gives you.
- Not hydrating properly at altitude. Altitude and physical exercise together dehydrate you much more than it seems. Always carry a backpack with water, and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
- Underestimating the cold at higher altitude. In summer, temperatures at the top can be between 10 and 15 °C lower than down in the valley. Always carry a technical layer in your backpack, even if it’s hot below.
- Not checking the bike the day before. Brakes, tyres, fasteners: a 10-minute check before heading out can save you a lot of trouble on the trails.
Rider checklist before heading to the bike park
Before getting on the gondola, go through this list:
Frequently Asked Questions
*Cover image courtesy of Grandvalira Resorts
AArticle written and updated byAnna
