The Best Ski Resorts: Discover Andorra’s Resorts

Operated by Pal Arinsal (previously known as Vallnord), Arinsal is a quaint little ski town located just a 10-minute drive away from La Masanna — one of the seven parishes in the northwest of Andorra.

It offers ample solitude despite being in very close proximity to the tourist-centric action. Accommodation ranges from budget lodging options to cosy chalets and even serviced apartments.

The winter sports experience in Arinsal is top notch and so is the après-ski scene, particularly known for its epic sundowners and plethora of entertainment options.

Home to the beautiful el Forn valley, 7 slopes, special play areas for children, 60+ restaurants, and the longest zipline of southern Europe, Canillo is the most family friendly ski resort in Andorra.

It’s a peaceful mountain village ideal for novice and intermediate skiers thanks to its abundance of gentle green and wide blue runs. All of this, away from the rush of traffic.

During summer, the resort transforms into a vibrant and colourful fun-zone complete with mini-golf, mountain bike trails, ziplines, and even museums.

A relatively new sector in Grandvalira, El Peretol is situated at an altitude of 1,960 in Bordes d’Envalira with direct access to Pla de less Pedres. Owing to the recent updates in infrastructure, Peretol has the longest chairlift in Andorra.

Since parking space is limited here, the resort offers a free shuttle service to customers staying in Bordes d’Envalira.

Like other resorts, operating hours typically range from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, depending on weather conditions.

El Tarter is a tiny cluster of cosy but chic stone-and-wood apartment buildings that merge seamlessly into the slopes. It links directly to Grandvalira via cable cars or gondolas and chairlifts.

Beginners and intermediates can expect to be well served at El Tarter owing to a vast range of green and blue slopes and a few red ones.

There are also snowboarding schools that speak English, along with nurseries and snow gardens for the little ones.

Situated in the parish of Encamp, Grau Roig is one of the most important adventure sectors within the Grandvalira Ski area.

It’s among the highest, sunniest ski resorts with north-facing slopes that make for exceptionally reliable snow conditions from December through to mid-May.

With a total of 36 slopes suitable for all skill levels and several cross-country tracks, the place also lends itself to some great hiking spots that weave through moody wooded forests.

If you enjoy the endurance-forward discipline of Nordic skiing as opposed to downhill, then La Rabassa resort should be on your radar.

It’s the only ski resort in Andorra that specialises in cross-country or Nordic skiing, complete with a 15 kilometer network of machine-groomed slopes.

Expect all your basic needs to be covered, and then some. Right from equipment rental options, curated mountain cuisine, and the popular Borda de Conangle Mountain Lodge.

Insulated from the hustle and bustle of touristy hotels, Arcalís is a quiet alpine resort at the end of the Ordino Valley.

Its relatively higher altitude makes it very snowsure. Since it’s a part of Grandvalira, you’ll have access to over 210 kilometres of pistes as long as you have the right lift pass, though you have to travel a fair bit to get there.

This doesn’t imply that the slopes here are only for experts. There are blues and greens galore in this part of Andorra, making it perfect for intermediates and beginners.

Additionally, if skiing doesn’t cut it, you can give speedriding a shot—a combination of paragliding and skiing. That’ll get your adrenaline pumping.

As the highest resort in the Pyrenees, Pas de la Casa is typically snowsure until the very end of the season.

This makes for quiet and uncrowded pistes, a possibility to avoid lift queues of peak season, and an abundance of green and blue slopes, with some red and black ones for the keen beans.

Expect an abundance of duty-free shops, a shared border with France, tons of lodging options, and an après scene that goes on into the wee hours of the morning.

Some would argue that it lacks the rustic charm of the smaller villages in the principality, but it’s markedly livelier.

After a recent rebrand, this resort is now known as Pal Arinsal and is geared towards intermediate skiing and snowboarding.

Between the diverse skiable terrain, wild nightlife, coaching options and retail shops, this charming ski village is well set up to show you a good time.

It’s no wonder why it is one of the most popular destinations for British and Irish guests.