Grandvalira Snowfall Data & Powder Probability

Snowfall patterns over the last decade

Across ERA5 reanalysis snowfall records from 2015 to 2025, Grandvalira averages 435cm (171 inches) of snowfall a year, with the November-through-April season delivering about 371cm of that total. March is the heaviest calendar month in the 10-year average at 73.1cm, narrowly ahead of December at 70.5cm and January at 70.2cm; April (52.7cm), February (52.3cm) and November (52.0cm) sit closely behind, giving Grandvalira an unusually flat snowfall distribution across the heart of the season. Ranked by powder probability — the share of weeks with at least 15cm of fresh snow — March leads at 40%, tied with December at 40%, followed by November at 37%, February and January tied at 34%, and April at 30%. Any week from late November through early April has historically delivered roughly a one-in-three chance of a 15cm-plus week, with the March peak the highest hit-rate window in the record.

Year-to-year variability is large and concentrated in December and February. December snowfall in the 10-year record ranges from just 2.3cm in the driest winter to 142.4cm in the wettest — a 62-fold spread on a single calendar month, and the widest range of any month at Grandvalira. February swings between 10.0cm and 135.8cm, March between 19.3cm and 130.1cm, and January between 26.6cm and 123.0cm. The wide December range is the main planning risk: a quiet start can leave the lower runs piste-dependent until the new year, while a strong December can deliver more snow than the rest of the season combined. The relatively high January floor (every January in the record cleared 26cm) is the planning sweet spot for a snow-sure trip. A multi-year baseline is more useful for picking travel dates than any single-week Grandvalira snow report.

In the context of the Pyrenean and southern European resorts tracked here, Grandvalira's 435cm annual average is at the top of the cluster: neighbouring Baqueira Beret in the Spanish Pyrenees averages 506cm, while Sierra Nevada (Spain) records 197cm in the same dataset — less than half Grandvalira's total. The signature is altitude combined with twin storm exposure: lift-served terrain from 1,710m to 2,640m across two parishes catches both Atlantic fronts that swing south through the Bay of Biscay and Mediterranean fronts climbing from the south, and the higher Soldeu-El Tarter sectors preserve snow quality into April when lower Pyrenean resorts are losing cover. For peak powder probability the early-to-mid-March window concentrates the highest hit rate; for the deepest accumulations, March and December are the two biggest months in the record, each averaging over 70cm.

Snow & Weather Conditions

We use 10 years of historical data to help you plan — not a live snow report.

Andorra's high Pyrenean elevation captures substantial snowfall from Atlantic weather systems. North-facing aspects preserve snow quality, and extensive snowmaking backs up natural coverage. Altitude is a key advantage here: the higher you go, the colder and drier conditions become, resulting in dependable accumulations and a snowpack that resists deterioration well into spring. Most winters deliver 6-10 metres of cumulative snow, compressing into a 2-metre-plus base by the middle of the season.

Best Time to Ski

The best time to ski at Grandvalira is March and December, with 73.1cm average snowfall and 40% powder probability. Based on 10 years of historical snowfall data from PowderDays. Season runs from December to April. January and February bring the most reliable snow cover. Dive into PowderDays' snow data across 10 winters to find the weeks most likely to deliver fresh powder.

Powder Probability by Month

Chance of 15cm+ fresh snow in any given week (10 years of data):

• Nov37%
• Dec40%
• Jan34%
• Feb34%
• Mar40%
• Apr30%

10-Year Snow History

What Makes It Special

Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees, with well-groomed slopes suitable for all levels and an expanding freeride scene. Duty-free shopping, excellent value-for-money skiing, and a growing culinary scene make Andorra one of Europe's most popular ski destinations.