Sector: Soldeu
Soldeu's signature run: a straight fall-line descent from the
Espiolets Plateau, down the line of the Soldeu gondola pylons, to the edge of the Valira Ravine.
Previously a largely ungroomed route, this piste has recently been remodelled and is now much better maintained in order to meet the standards required for hosting the European & World Cup slalom/GS competitions.
The run officially begins at the rear of the upper station of the
Soldeu gondola, but the steepest start point is next to the upper terminal of the
Soldeu chairlift, at the side of the gondola station. The ground immediately drops away with a decent black-grade profile down the face of the mountain: this uppermost pitch is usually ungroomed and is frequently mogulled, with boulders at the sides crying out to be used as launch pads & drop-offs.
There are three distinct sections to the run: the steep initial adrenaline booster; the challenging mid-section under the lifts; then the steep blast towards the finish. Linking these three steepest pitches together are a couple of flat confluence areas, where the
Avet cuts directly across the line of the
Llebre and the
Ós pistes, so stay alert for piste traffic when crossing.
The last pitch is a real test of stamina and nerve as you drop over the final crest: be sure to tackle it with style, because everyone on the lifts and at the restaurant terraces opposite will be watching!
The exit directs you to the skier's right under the lift lines: the Soldeu chairlift is an easy link at the bottom; otherwise, simply glide across the pisted bridge to the foot of the
base station building and take a lift (elevator) to the gondola or to street level at Soldeu village.
