With 63km of beautifully-kept piste, Arinsal in Andorra is a great resort for beginners and improvers looking to top up their skills. Families will love the über-convenient on-mountain childcare facilities and everyone can benefit from the award-winning British ski schools.
The 44 wide-open slopes, tree-lined runs, choice of après ski activities and truly charming places to stay make this a seriously popular resort - you may never want to leave!
There's a great range of places to stay in Arinsal. Choose from cosy, family-run hotels to fully-serviced hotels with pools and free childcare.
All are fantastic value for money thanks to the virtually tax-free status in Andorra. And being a smaller resort, none are really that far from the lifts or resort centre either.
The tuition provided by the British ski school in Arinsal will have you improving your skills in no time. The on-mountain crèche is fantastic and really convenient to drop the kids off and pop back anytime you're in the area.
Arinsal isn't just for kids and beginners though. A cable car links Arinsal to the neighbouring ski area of Pal which opens up a load of great intermediate terrain and off-piste skiing. There's also a third area ideal for intermediates called Arcalis. It's a 25 minute bus trip away but worth it as there's some surprisingly challenging terrain and even a couloir or two.
Resort altitude: 1450m
Skiing altitude: 1550m to 2560m
Ski area size: Vallnord area 63km (Arinsal and Pal)
Number of runs: 44
Range of pistes: Very easy 16%, easy 36%, medium 39% & difficult 9%
Lifts: 40 comprising of: 8 magic carpets, 13 drags, 16 chairlifts, 2 gondolas and 1 cable car
Night skiing: No
Cross country trails: 30km
Snowmaking: 45% runs covered
Resort bus: Yes
Piste map
Hit the slopes before everyone else with First Tracks. Head out with an experienced guide at 8.15am for 30 to 45 minutes of mountain time before the lifts open to the public.
You'll then have an hour of guiding and technical hints with your guide before finding a scenic spot to enjoy a well-earned coffee and croissant.
First Tracks runs every Wednesday (weather permitting) and is available to pre-book, just add it at checkout. Please note that you need to be confident on red runs to take part.
Departure airports: Gatwick & Manchester
Departure day: Sunday
Arrival airport: Toulouse (in France)
Flying time: approx. 2 hours
Transfer time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes (including a comfort break)
Arinsal does a great job of balancing family friendly vibes with a lively après ski scene. Lots of small bars and hotels full of entertainment are on offer, with plenty of live music, chill lounges, bowling and arcade games and ski videos to check out.
The Hotel Princesa Parc also has a large spa and wellness centre for those who are feeling the need of a bit of 'me time' and a good soak in their giant hot tub.
Or to keep your adrenaline levels up, head to Naturlandia. It's around 45 minutes from Arinsal, the highlight of this activity park is the 3.5km alpine coaster. Named the ‘Tobotronc’, the 8-minute ride takes you down the mountain and through the La Rabassa forest.
Arinsal is a resort for couples who want atmosphere both on and off the slopes. Close to the country’s capital, Andorra la Vella, a ski holiday to Arinsal means couples can enjoy relaxing spa treats in Europe’s largest thermal spa and shopping with over 2,000 shops and outlets. You may need some extra luggage!
Skiing as a couple is unforgettable, particularly with the picturesque ski area as a backdrop. Stop off for a slope side hot chocolate before drinking in the views over an al fresco lunch. The huge choice of off-slope activities will keep you well entertained if you fancy a break from the slopes.
Fancy some time away from the hustle and bustle? Andorra is home to many museums, cathedrals and churches, and if you’re looking to simply chill out, Arinsal has plenty of cafés on and off the slopes.
Arinsal is the place to try traditional Catalan mountain cuisine. Popular dishes include rustic casseroles, hearty pasta and rice dishes, as well as a firm Catalan tradition: cured meats. Locally sourced ingredients make an appearance on most menus - with wild game and native crops adding new flavours for foodies to try!
Many meals feature a ‘Tablas de embutidos’, a sharing board of cured meats. Usually served on a wooden board, the platter includes familiar favourites like chorizo, alongside donja, bringuera, llonganissa and botifarres - all types of sausages.
This platter is traditionally followed by a Barrejada or Escudella - roughly translated as ‘Peasant’s Stew’ - a delicious casserole of meat, beans, vegetables and pasta - ideal after an active day on the slopes.
On-mountain childcare facilities mean that parents can enjoy a bit of a break themselves. Arinsal has a superb on-the-mountain crèche so it's easy to pop in and see how much fun the kids are having! Arinsal is one of our top family resorts for a reason!
Most of the hotels here are family-friendly with larger rooms and dedicated kiddie menus. Some hotels also have childcare too. A free lift pass for under 16s who book with an adult also makes it a great choice for families.
Save some money for après with our ski & board offers...
Free ski guiding & coaching from fully qualified Neilson Mountain Experts when you stay at Neilson Chalet Hotel Micolau or Hotel Montane
Free lift pass for the group leader when 12+ people book and each pre-book a lift pass
Free lift passes for kids under 16 available with each pre-booked adult lift pass
Free senior lift passes for over 70s available in resort
Ski and board pack bundles Make extra savings with our ski & board pack bundles. Choose a lift pass & equipment bundle or add on tuition too.
Cut price of ski & board carriage Save money & reserve space on the plane for your kit by pre-booking ski & board carriage
If you want a break from the slopes and take advantage of Andorra’s virtually tax-free status, you’ll love this tiny nation's capital, Andorra La Vella. It’s just a 10 minute bus ride away with 2,000+ shops and the largest thermal spa in Europe, the thermal waters of Caldea.
Back on the slopes, ski biking is definitely a unique activity to give a go - the equipment is, you guessed it, a mix of a bike and a pair of skis. You’ll get the hang of it in no time!
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