Arinsal

For the 2000-1 season, the skiing area was significantly expanded, with the new cable car providing access to the Pal region, which, with its lovely tree-lined slopes, is the ideal complement to Arinsal. Another new lift, the six-seater gondola, now takes just four minutes from Arinsal to Comallempla. If you choose, you may still get to this place by automobile.

In recent years, the Prat de la Coma Area for Beginners has been expanded and much upgraded. There are three novice tows to the right of the mid station, each having a big nursery area for first-timers. There are several wonderful long blue routes in Andorra – one of the longest courses in Andorra is La Solana, which begins at the top of the Pic Negre and carries you all the way down to Cota at the mountain’s foot.

Many people feel that novices should begin at Arinsal and subsequently proceed to the slopes at Pal. There are three slopeside cafes: the Obelix, the Iglu, and the Panoramix, which has one of the nicest and largest sun terraces in Andorra. There are more difficult red routes on the opposite side of the mountain, and specialists will discover three black runs at the summit. La Devesa, Andorra’s longest and steepest black slope, plunges under the chairlift that runs from the base station. With the deployment of additional snow cannons each season, snow cover becomes more dependable.

After a drive up the twisting road from the hamlet, skiers may enter Pal from four different spots. La Caubella, at 1950m, serves as the primary base, with ticket sales, ski rental, and a café. This location has all four green runs, with the novice section much upgraded in recent years. Beginners should usually start in the Arinsal section and then advance to the slopes at Pal as their confidence grows. This is mainly known as an intermediate resort, with four pretty long blue routes. It has a better selection of reds, making it an ideal area for intermediates to progress. La Serra is worth a try; it begins at the summit of the Pic de Cubil at 2358m, then descends in a more easy slope all the way to La Caubella.

Pal has just one black run, La Comellada, which leads to a blue back to Els Fontanals and may be difficult even for specialists depending on the snow conditions. The four FIS-approved slalom slopes are also available to experts. When the Seturia region was opened up in preparation for the new cable car connection to Arinsal, three kilometers of slopes were installed for 1999/2000. The one blue and two red slopes are served by an outstanding quad chairlift. Pal has some good off-piste and tree skiing, but if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, it’s recommended to go with a guide or instructor. Now that the cable car is operational, with a 6-minute journey up to Font Negre and the Arinsal basin, it can only help to enhance what has to be Andorra’s most attractive resort.

There is a clear preference for snowboarders in the Arinsal district, where investments have included a new, contemporary snow park for boarders, as well as the development of the big air half-pipe and jumps. Pal does not currently have a designated area for snowboarders. However, there are plenty of lengthy cruising blues and reds.

Arinsal hosts nearly all of the off-piste action and is well-known for its nightlife, with several discos, restaurants, and pubs presenting a variety of atmospheres and music. The Red Rock, famed for its enormous measures, films, and burgers, is one of the busiest bars, although there are also Quo Vadis, the Surf Bar, Cisco’s, and Bar el Derbi. At night, the Rocky Mountain Bar comes alive with games, music, movies, refreshments, and delicious meals at reasonable pricing. Breakfast is served daily beginning at 9 a.m. The Viking in Massana, a neighbouring hamlet, is well worth a visit.