In a season in which the snow has been slow to reach the peninsula, unforgettable ski days seemed safer in Andorra. This year, with the premiere of the Andorra Passa ski pass with unlimited access Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal and Grandvalirausers can access what has become the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and southern Europe with a total of 303 kilometers spread over 213 slopes of all levels and 123 mechanical lifts. An offer that is completed with more than 25 adventure activities, gastronomic proposals with 87 restoration points, a nursery school with three nurseries, three kindergartens and ten snow gardens and a lively ‘aprés-ski’.

In addition, this year direct flights from Madrid to La Seu are still available with departures on Fridays and Sundays in both directions with the Air Nostrum company.

Grandvalira is undoubtedly the most popular of the three resorts, but this does not mean that the other two do not have their own charm. Whether it is the first time you put on skis or a snowboard, or someone who is an expert in the field, Pal Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalís they have everything you need to wow, snowboarder word!

Ordino Arcalis

The Ordino resort, created in 1983, has 442 hectares of ski area, which translates into 30.5 kilometers of slopes (9 green, 7 blue, 11 red and 2 black). And be careful because it is the smallest of the three Andorran options, it does not make it, far from it, a disposable option. Its situation, nestled at the head of the Ordino Valley facing north, means that it has the best snow conditions every winter, probably being the station with the best guarantee of early opening and with the possibility of having the longest ski season. of the Pyrenees. Its unevenness goes from 1,940 to 2,650 meters showing landscapes that are a delight. Here, while one is enveloped by its snowy mountains, time stands still and problems disappear completely, even for a few moments.

Ordino is a perfect place to get introduced to these winter sports since among its attractions is what is the longest green track in the Pyrenees with more than 8.5 kilometers in length. In addition, it is one of the world epicenters of off-piste skiing thanks to its 3.4 kilometers of marked routes and 120 kilometers of unmarked routes. That is why it is not surprising that one of its star activities is heliskiing, an option only suitable for the bravest and most experienced. This is completed with a freeride academy, a specialized school for young people between the ages of 13 and 18 who aspire to be able to dedicate themselves to this sport. On the other hand, we also offer 5 marked and signposted ski mountaineering circuits and a slalom area.

And between going down and going down, nothing like making a stop to regain strength in the restaurant La Coma, a cozy space decorated with exquisite taste in which to savor the best mountain cuisine, highlighting its rice dishes. Here, nature and gastronomy go hand in hand to offer unforgettable culinary experiences.

For those who want to contemplate the landscape in all its splendor, it is Tristaina’s solar gazebo, located on the Peyreguils peak at an altitude of 2,701 meters and a few meters from the geographical division between Andorra and France. This consists of a suspended metal sphere with a diameter of 25 meters and a width of 1.25 meters suspended above the ground. To get here you have to take a cable car, a chairlift and walk for about 15-20 minutes, a route that can be done with expert guides.

Pal Arinsal

For his part, Pal Arinsal It is characterized for being the most familiar season and for having a sunnier climate. It is also common to see groups of schoolchildren thanks to its wide paths. Located just 6 kilometers from the center of the country, this complex is made up of two sectors: Pal and Arinsal, which add up to a total of 63 skiable kilometers with 7 green slopes, 19 blue, 17 red and 4 black slopes between 1,500 meters and 2,560 meters and which are linked by a cable car. In addition to this, it has three freeride areas, a ski mountaineering world cup track and eight circuits to practice it, as well as six snowshoe circuits.

As a complement to a day sliding down the slopes, this complex offers different and attractive activities. For those who want to perfect their technique is the virtual ski simulator, a platform that allows you to experience the same force and slope as on a normal track that the user can see on a large, six-meter-wide LED screen in 4K quality. A zip line for adults and another for children guarantees excitement, as well as the Big Airbag, a giant mattress measuring 10×10 meters and almost two meters high with three jumping platforms at 1.3 and 5 meters high. To explore the surroundings there are different options such as skimo excursions, snowshoe excursions or guided routes with moonbikes, 100% electric snowmobiles.

This season they have also proposed to improve their gastronomic proposal in the Arinsal sector. Thus, the old Obelix bar has become the niua warm space whose motto is ‘fast good food’ and in which the most authentic part and contact with the artisan is sought, the terroir becomes a self-service restaurant with a menu featuring homemade pizzas and pastas and the piccolowho thought to make a technical stop offers fast service to take away.

An extra and what a bonus!

In addition to enjoying the different seasons, those who choose Andorra as a destination cannot miss the opportunity to get closer to the Sorteny Refuge. Located at an altitude of 1,965 meters, in the Vall de Sorteny Natural Park, this cozy refuge that offers exceptional views is not only a place to rest while hiking in the area – it has five rooms with bunk beds that can be accommodate 40 people–, but it is a whole temple of good food in which to enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner in the warmth of the fireplace.

To get to this space you have to walk about 30 minutes up the mountain, which makes the experience even more special. Of course, it is important to go slowly and, above all, let yourself be guided by its charismatic chef, Pedro. The most demanding palates will find the perfect ‘match’ in their dishes, as well as in their pleasant company.

Accommodation

Located in La Massana, five minutes from Vallnord and Grandvalira, it is AnyósPark The Mountain & Wellness Resort, a traditional mountain complex that offers different rooms, studios and apartments with a rustic and authentic character to stay during a getaway in the snow. Its complete facilities include a club with a spa, swimming pool, gym and directed activities, a chiki park and an outdoor park -in summer there are activities for children from 6 to 12 years of age at no additional charge- and the TOC restaurant, a cozy gastronomic space that offers ecological and high quality products served with great taste.

In addition, we offer free transportation subject to availability to the ski resorts with prior reservation the day before and ski storage.