Andorra

Settled entirely among the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra holds the distinction of being the European country with the highest elevation. Though it covers just 181 square miles — roughly one-fifth the size of Rhode Island — the Principality attracts 10 million visitors annually to its slopes. Cold winters here produce plenty of snow to feed the local ski resorts, while snow cannons help extend the season into spring and even summer.

The Grandvalira ski area encompasses 110 runs along with 7 ski and board schools in the ski resorts of Canillo, Encamp, Pas de la Casa/Grau Roig, and perhaps the best known, Soldeu/El Tarter. Soldeu/El Tarter offers excellent skiing for beginners and intermediates, while Pas de la Casa — with the highest altitude skiing in Andorra — is considered the best resort for advanced skiers. In addition, Grandvalira includes three snow parks, six children's snow parks, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snow buggies.

Another major ski area is the Vallnord, which includes 66 ski runs across the Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalis resorts. Pal-Arinsal has good runs for novice and intermediate skiers, while Ordino-Arcalis is popular for all skill levels, including advanced. Off the slopes, the Ordino Sports Centre offers a heated indoor pool, bodybuilding and fitness gym, aerobics hall, squash court, sauna, spa and Turkish bath. The two resorts are separated by Pic d'Arcalis, the tallest mountain in the region, with free bus service connecting the two.