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Arinsal Ski Resort
Shedding its reputation as the cheap and cheerful ski option, Arinsal (and the entire Vallord ski area) is now ready to play with the big boys. Whilst it may not be able to compete like for like with the French Alps in terms of vertical, there’s ample terrain for a week’s trip now the ski area has been increased by the lift link to Pal and the inclusion of the nearby Ordino-Arcalis on the same pass. And as with any trip to tax friendly Andorra you’ll end up more than impressed with the amount you’ll save throughout the week.
Traditionally separate entities, the villages of Pal and Arinsal have combined with the lower valley town of La Massana (via a gondola) and also the nearby ski area at Arcalis to create the larger ski area of Vallnord. Arinsal is the liveliest of the areas in which to stay, though La Massana could be a better bet for more advanced skiers as allows easier access to the more extreme terrain up the valley at Arcalis.
The resort is just up the road from the capital Andorra La Vella, so if you fancy a break from the slopes, the town’s cut price designer boutiques can be found only around 15 minutes from the resort.
Although Arinsal still doesn’t receive the same crowds as the more central European resorts, this is certainly not at the expense of any atmosphere. The resorts lively reputation is well founded, and with food and drink available at what is often only a fraction of the cost of larger resorts, it’s easy get into the spirit off the slopes.
Transfers to the resort are unfortunately on the long side, though the wide range of airports flown into helps keep costs down during the traditionally expensive peak weeks.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Andorra, Pyrenees.
Established: 1973
Open: December - April
Downhill: 93km
View our detailed Arinsal snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Arinsal snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Lleida l’Alguaire Airport | 160km |
| Toulous Blagnac | 200km |
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| Top Altitude: | 2625m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1550m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1475m |
| Longest run: | 6km |
| Slope Orientation: | NE, E |
| Vertical Drop: | 1150m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1010m |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 93km |
| Beginner slopes: | 52% |
| Intermediate: | 39% |
| Advanced slopes: | 9% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 195€ (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Pas de la Casa, Soldeu & El Tarter | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Arinsal
There’s a great variety of terrain throughout Vallnord, and skiers of all abilities and disciplines are well catered for.
The area at the top of the La Massana gondola in Pal is the perfect place for beginners to start getting to grips with the snow. The three short drag lifts service gentle green runs which are left unmolested by more experienced skiers. There is also a ‘snow garden’ which will keep youngsters entertained, whilst the many slope side restaurants allow for a well-earned break- the tapas at the Caubella Coffee usually hits the spot.
The runs from the Pic Del Cubil are sure to please intermediates. The Coll de la Botella is one of the longest in resort, and if you’re feeling brave you can branch off on the way down and take your chances on the carving area in the slalom stadium. Likewise, over in Arinsal the lengthy La Solana winds its way down from the top of the Port Negre chairlift all the way to the base of the mountain. The freeride area accessed by the La Capa chairlift is definitely worth investigating before you consider a trip to Arcalis.
Arcalis is a 20 minute journey from Arinsal and this, coupled with its relative lack of mountain base amenities, serves to keep all but the committed and experienced away- great news for advanced skiers looking to make the most of some of the more challenging terrain in the region. The freeriding area underneath the Creussans lift is one of the largest in Andorra, and Arcalis is also home to some of the best heli-skiing in the country. For freestylers there are snowparks in both Arcalis and Arinsal- Arinsal’s is managed and created by ASP snowparks and the features on show put many in larger resorts to shame.
Arinsal Apres Ski
Arinsal comes alive in the evenings, and with the regions strong Basque influences the locals certainly know how to party- duty free prices mean you won’t be breaking the bank either.
There is a wide selection of bars also serving good food if you enjoy settling in for the evening. Ciscos’ restaurant serves tex mex style dishes- their Cajun mango chicken is delicious- and the downstairs bar is popular with English tourists and the ex-pat community. Quo Vadis is a more informal affair- a lively après ski bar that regularly shows live sport, it has a diverse menu serving all manner of goodies- burgers, steaks, pies and chilli to name but a few.
El Cau is the bar you want to head to from the slopes if you’re in the mood for a lively night out. Drinking games are encouraged, and with themed events including beach parties and the infamous 70’s night it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the resorts most popular venues.
Surf serves all manner of Argentinian meat dishes- with more than generous portion sizes- and when the dinner crowd has dissipated it turns into one of the resort’s busiest nightclubs, often open well into the early hours of the morning.
For a special occasion, El Rus in La Massana is reportedly one of the best restaurants in the entire country. Specialising in Basque cuisine, the amply stocked wine cellar boasts over 300 different varietals.
If anyone fancies a day off skiing there’s plenty to keep them occupied. Ski biking, sledging and snow snaking (small sledges joined together!) are all available on the slopes whilst laser combat is a great alternative for competitive groups. If it’s a new adrenaline rush you’re after then take a snow buggy or snowmobile for a spin, or even try your hand at paraskiing!
Best time to go
Best time to ski Arinsal
Best time to visit & ski Arinsal
If you’re fed up of spending the school holidays stuck in a queue for ski lifts behind what seems like half of the children in mainland Europe (not to mention the holiday crowd from back home) then a trip to Arinsal may be the answer to your prayers. Although still busy during the height of the season, the queues for lifts and congestion on the slopes are nowhere near as bad as in the more well-known resorts. Whilst Andorra still cannot compete with Europe in terms of pure skiable vertical, the snow coverage and infrastructure has come on to such an extent as to make it a viable destination throughout the season, and you are assured of a friendly reception whenever you visit!
Peak Dates
Christmas in Arinsal will be an experience like no other. With an enchanting mix of French, Spanish and Catalan cultures you’ll find yourself swept away by the Christmas spirit. Arinsal Christmas ski holidays ‣
Spend New Year in Arinsal and you’ll have an epic time partying with the locals whilst you make the most of the duty free drinks prices in resort. Arinsal New Year ski holidays ‣
A February Half Term in Arinsal will have you wondering why there’s so much fuss about queues elsewhere! With some great skiing at a fraction of the expected cost it’s almost a no brainer. Arinsal Half Term ski holidays ‣
Easter in Arinsal will see everyone having fun in the sun on the slopes. Avoid the slush later on with a cold drink in one of the many amazing mountain bars. Arinsal Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Arinsal
With a huge well trained team of international instructors (most of whom speak good conversational English) and some fantastic learner terrain, Arinsal Vallnord is in with a shout of being one of the most family friendly ski destinations in the whole of Europe, especially if you’re taking youngsters skiing for the first time. With lower costs for the whole trip (accommodation, ski lessons, eating out) it’s also a lower risk venue for a first time ski holiday if you’re not quite sure how well the little ones will take to skiing. Though even if it turns out they may not be the pro skiers of tomorrow, there’s plenty to keep them occupied in this snowy wonderland, with dog sledding, snow snaking and sledging just a selection of the family friendly activities to choose from.
Older children that have already fallen in love the mountains will be immediately at home on the good selection of greens and blues in the Pal area- and the progression to the reds around Pal and Arinsal is a gentle one indeed. More advanced and adventurous skiers will soon be pestering the parents to make the trip to Arcalis, where you will find some of the best freeriding in Andorra, as well as a reasonable sized snow park.
Any part time skiing parents will be spoilt for choice if they’re looking to rest for a few runs- there are more slopeside restaurants and watering holes than you can shake a stick at, with the sunny terrace at La Coma being a particular favourite. Eating out with the family is also a much more affordable past time in Arinsal- Cisco’s tex mex menu is a sure-fire crowd pleaser, as are the pizzas at La Pampa.
GroupsGroup Holidays Arinsal
For committed powder hounds looking to rack up the vertical descents whilst skiing from dawn till dusk Arinsal may not be ideal location, but all other groups are going to find themselves quickly caught up in the vibrant après scene and appealingly unpretentious skiing.
Beginners in the group will find learning much less traumatic on the quieter slopes of Pal than they would elsewhere, and with generally favourable weather conditions and plentiful (not to mention affordable) on slope restaurants there’s no need to feel pressured into skiing until you drop! Intermediates will enjoy skiing the approachable reds throughout Pal and Arinsal, and with a shallow learning transition from the greens to blues it won’t be long before the whole group can spend a few hours together each day. If the more advanced members of the group get a bit fed up with waiting around then they can take a day trip to Arcalis. Covered by the same pass and just a short bus ride away from Arinsal, it’s home to some of the best freeriding in Andorra, and if anyone’s feeling a bit flush it’s also the base of one of Andorra’s premier heli skiing operations.
There’s a good range of activities off the slopes for any non-skiers as well. The resort’s only twenty minutes from the country’s capital, Andorra La Vella, so shopaholics can nip down for some duty free shopping and a spa day if it’s all getting a bit much for them in resort. You can also get some friendly competition going with a few games of laser combat, or take some ski bikes for a spin after a day on the slopes. Even if the group’s doomed to ski separately during the week, there’s plenty of time (and places) to catch up over a drink or two in the evening. Many chose to start the their après whilst still on the slopes- La Coma’s terrace has some outstanding views of the local area, and is an ideal place for the first post skiing beer of the day. The Derby Irish bar’s a good shout if anyone’s desperate to catch up with the football, or even if you’re all just keen for some home comforts. With regular drinks offers and fancy dress parties, El Cau is one of the liveliest bars in town so if you’re planning on a few big nights out it’s definitely the venue for you- hopefully there’s room in the suitcases for some of your favourite novelty costumes!
Which are the best ski holidays in Arinsal?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Diana Parc & Spa Hotel | 7 | £ 1139 |
| Hotel Princesa Parc & Spa | 7 | £ 1029 |
| Hotel Magic Ski | 7 | £ 699 |
| Hotel Magic Massana | 7 | £ 779 |
| Hotel Sant Gothard | 7 | £ 699 |
| Hotel Xalet Verdu | 7 | £ 719 |
| Hotel Montané | 7 | £ 849 |
| Hotel Del Pui | 7 | £ 679 |
| Hotel Xalet Besoli | 7 | £ 682 |
| Hotel Princesa Parc | 7 | £ 775 |
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