Ski holidays in Arinsal - Andorra

Ski holidays in Arinsal - The skiing area was dramatically extended for the 2000-1 season with the new cable car opening up access to the Pal area which with its picturesque tree lined slopes is the perfect compliment to Arinsal. From Arinsal itself it now takes only four minutes in another new lift, the six-seater gondola up to Comallempla. This point can still be accessed by car if you prefer.

For Beginners the Prat de la Coma Area has been extended and much improved in recent years. Off to the right of the mid station there are three beginners tows with large nursery area for first timers. Probably more a resort for intermediates and progressing beginners there are some excellent long blue runs - one of the longest runs in Andorra is La Solana which starts at the top of the Pic Negre and takes you all the way down to Cota at the base of the mountain.

Many people believe its best for beginners to start off in Arinsal and then progress on to the slopes at Pal. There are three slopeside cafes; the Obelix and the Iglu make good refreshment stops, whilst the Panoramix boasts one of the best and biggest sun terraces in Andorra. Off to the other side there are more challenging red runs and experts will find three blacks at the top of the mountain. The longest, steepest black run in Andorra, La Devesa, plunges under the chairlift which runs from the base station. Snow cover is being made ever more reliable with the addition of more snow cannons each season.

Skiing at Pal can be accessed from four different points, after a drive up the winding road from the village. La Caubella at 1950m is the main base with ticket sales, ski hire and restaurant. All four green runs are located in this area with the beginner area much improved in recent years. Beginners are probably best advised to start in the Arinsal sector and then progress on to the slopes at Pal when their confidence has increased. This is best known as an intermediate resort and there are 4 fairly lengthy blue runs . Better choice of reds so its the perfect place for intermediates to improve. La Serra is worth trying, starts of at the top of the Pic de Cubil at 2358m then gets into a more gentle blue and takes you all the way back down to La Caubella.

There's only one black run at Pal which, depending on the snow conditions, can be a challenge even for the experts - that's La Comellada which leads onto a blue back to Els Fontanals. Also for the experts are the 4 approved FIS slalom slopes.

An extra three kilometres of slopes were added for 1999/2000 when the Seturia area was opened up in preparation for the new cable car link to Arinsal. An impressive quad chairlift gives uplift to the one blue and two red slopes.

There is some excellent off piste and tree skiing at Pal though it is best to go with a guide or instructor if you're not familiar with the area.

Now that the cable car is up and running with a 6 minute ride up to the Font Negre and the Arinsal bowl this can only serve to improve what has to be Andorra's most picturesque resort.

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