Pal-Arinsal ski resort
The extensive Catalan village has a lively flow on the snow. You’ll catch the sun on the gentle nursery slopes, but you’ll find the real deal on the curved blue and red routes. You can enjoy snowbiking and snowshoeing for something slightly different, and this narrow valley setup has a really great ski school.
The location
In the Vallnord ski area near to the Pyrenees, the Andorran resort of Pal-Arinsal is well placed for great runs. You can reach the base from Barcelona Airport, just over 200km away.
Transfer times
Barcelona Airport - 207km (2 hours 45 minutes)
Suitable for
42 Ski runs
Country
Andorra
Language
Catalan
Number of lifts
30
Highest piste
2560m
Total piste
63km
Terrain parks
3
Starting point
If you’re a beginner or intermediate, then you’ll find these staggering, sweeping runs ideal for building your confidence. The many cable cars, magic carpet lifts and gondolas will take you up to the tip of the pistes in Arinsal to get going. The experts say it’s best to work your way over to Pal, especially if you want a steady start.
Showing off
Cruise down the blue and red snowboard tracks or check out the off-piste options. The tree-covered resort wins gold for steep Andorran black runs, too. So, if you’re looking to unleash your daring side, Pal has some awesome jumps – plus there’s space for slalom racing.
Down the mountain
The peaceful mountain village has a bit of an after-dark buzz. Among the grey Catalan architecture, you’ll find discos, bars and pubs giving Pal-Arinsal its particularly rated reputation for après-ski. It’s mostly a slow-paced affair, but there are a clutch of cool bars, including the ironic Surf Bar.