For those of us who put a notch on our belts for every country we visit, Andorra offers the extra appeal of being one of the smallest countries in the world, crossable in something like an hour, depending on the often heavy traffic. Andorra's economy is based on tourism, duty-free shopping, smuggling and a smattering of money-laundering. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is not especially attractive but can serve as a base. Pal, a small, village resort, and the larger Arinsal have been connected by a ski lift so that skiers can enjoy the slopes of both. Soldeu el Tarter will appeal to serious skiers, while Pas de la Casa / Grau Roig, located in the highest mountain pass in Europe, is the oldest resort in the principality.

Andorra in the spring

The Catalonian Pyrenees offer the most choice. The Vall de Nuria is very beautiful at any time of year and worth visiting for the breathtaking, 45-minute ride up the valley in the rack railway (the only access). Baquiera Beret is the largest ski resort in Spain, recommended by Paco Fernández Ochoa for skiing in March-April, i.e., when the Sierra Nevada is past its best, while Boí Taüll gives you the possibility of a descent from the vertiginous altitude of 2,750 m.