Pal - Arinsal, Andorra

Resort Overview for Pal - Arinsal:

Until the 2000/01 Pal and Arinsal were two separate resorts, of course they remain two separate villages; however for that season the two resorts and ski areas were linked and both resorts market themselves jointly. They are the latest of many resort mergers in Andorra so that the country which once had ten or so fragmented ski areas, now has four medium-large areas.

Since the 1990s Andorra has made massive financial investment into its ski facilities and Pal - Arinsal, as well as the country's other resorts, has seen rapid development. For the 98/99 season Arinsal first gondola lift was installed reducing the time needed to reach the ski area down to only 4 minutes. As well as the new gondola in 1998/99 both resorts renewed and extended their snow gardens therefore improving their facilities for children.

Arinsal was established in the early 1970s when the Western end of the La Massana Valley was developed. It is an attractive but rather spread out Catalan village, to the north of Andorra la Vella, the capital. The village itself is typical of quaint Pyreneen villages, attractively built in the typical local style slate and stone. Arinsal is only 9kms (6 miles) from the Spanish border and is famous for its young atmosphere and lively nightlife this resort has a definite preference for snowboarding. It is very lively and rapidly expanding (expect building work!). One of five resorts in Andorra, a country well known for its extraordinary duty free shopping, Arinsal is a year round holiday destination but especially popular during the skiing season when seasonal workers outnumber locals 6 to 1.

First opened in 1982 Pal lies at the head of the la Massana Valley to the north west of Andorra la Vella, the country's capital. The ski resort, one of five in Andorra, located between France and spain in the Eastern Pyrynees. The resort itself is located in the centre of a National Park - an area of spectacular natural beauty, one good reason why people return to this area year after year - another being the extensive duty-free shopping in the country. During the 1990s Andorra made massive financial investment into its ski facilities with all the Andorran ski resorts undergoing major developments .

Pal is no exception and in recent years the resort has made several improvements. A new and modern snow garden was added in 98/99 updated facilities for children and the following year came the opening up of the Seturia sector, the area mid-way between Pal and neighbouring Arinsal. This inauguration added 3 new pistes, quad chairlift, snow cannons, new car parks and more restaurants.

Arinsal has invested in a completely new, modern snow park. The Seturia Sector, mid-way between Arinsal and Pal was also opened up in preparation for the addition of Andorra's first cable car and further extending the skiing area and facilities. The 2000/2001 season saw the consolidation of investments with the spectacular Seturia cable car linking Arinsal and Pal into one extensive ski resort. A first for the Pyrenees, each cabin takes 50 people - that's a capacity of 500/hour - on the 6 minute ride from its base in the Coll de la Botella to its summit at Port Negre, a distance of 2,376m.

The Skiing in Pal - 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.

Après Ski in Pal - Arinsal:

Arinsal has virtually all of the off slope activity and is indeed renowned for its nightlife with many discos, bars and pubs offering distinctively different atmospheres and music. The Red Rock is one of the busiest bars, famous for its large measures, videos and burgers or there's Quo Vadis, the Surf Bar, Cisco's and Bar el Derbi. The Rocky Mountain Bar is full of atmosphere at night with games, music, movies, snacks and great meals for good prices. Good for daytime too with breakfasts from 9am . The Viking in the nearby village of Massana is also worth a visit.

Accommodation in Pal - Arinsal:

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Chalet Arinsal, Sleeps 10 Ideal for families of skiers, trekkers and nature lovers that do not want to have to use their car w...... View details