European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - October 27, 1988, Darmstadt, Hesse                                T00jiy-k-1 Andorra s capital looks picturesque in this scene but., by Bill Walker staff writer tin Liny co principality of Andorra offers awesome natural scenery set amid i to pyrenees mountains on the banter Between France ant Spain and As a Side Benefit Rood intermediate skiing. Andorra half the size of new York City is a Long Way from anywhere about four hours by Highway from Barcelona and 15 hours 7 to. Miles from the Cun Lral part of West Germany Oncu you have negotiated the treacherous pyrenees hairpins leading Kyj Andorra la Volla the capital there is a feeling of accomplishment As if you be reached a place few people visit. You expect something unique a blend of ,000 years of Spanish and French culture in a landlocked Little plate thai Lime brushes Only gently. Target Tinl thought Pilgrim. It disappears As soon As you get stuck in a traffic Jam that would do Frankfurt or Madrid proud. The Drivers who never made it to la Vella those whose crashed vehicles you passed along the Way upside Down in ravines had a bit of Good Luck mixed with he tragic. Thoy did t have to drive into the City expecting pyrenees exotica Only to find the Golden Arches. In Many ways As one visitor said Andorra is a pimple on the face of the  main Street is a Checkerboard strip of shops some old and dirty others modern All blatantly grubbing for the tourist Money that fuels the Economy of this Mountain Rich land poor country without an army. Tourists especially French and Spanish converge on Andorra for tax free shopping. For them there May be a few bargains. Americans however can do better at Home or at military facilities in Europe it  Given an Exchange Ratu of about 6.15 French , Andorra s currency for $1. Skiing ii the major Winter sport activity and the Ritorti in somewhere Between average and Good compared to the better Swiss French and austrian Alpine stations. It is belter skiing than Garmisch inferior lost. Anton hopelessly outclassed by Verbier. It s a favorite with the British however who Lake advantage of unbelievably cheap package trips. All inclusive ski weeks transportation lodging some meals and ski passes from England to Andorra Are offered for As link As s3so, and English is spoken widely in the ski areas. The slopes the Best skiing is at Al Tarter solder and pal. Both Are within 25 minutes of downtown Andorra la Vella. E Tarter and Sodoy interconnect so it s simplest to Park in the big lot at Al Tarter and ride the chair up. In either place Lack your car my keep valuables out of sight. Andorra has a deserved reputation for thieves who prey on visitors. Al Tarter solder is intermediate with a touch of Black trails. The finest run is the linked Mogul Fields that seem logo for Miles Down to the Al tartar chair. There is Only one restaurant on the slopes a Dull dreary somewhat rundown place. Pal is the most picturesque of the three situated above the tiny Village of the same name. Everyone skis from the Central station a Beautiful Stone Complex with a cafeteria restaurant ski shop and rental facility. The chairs and Poma lifts Lead Inlo the Complex. On top there Are Fine runs and two Superior Mogul Fields from the Pindel cubic Summit. 8 Tripet Magazine to Tabor 17,19bb