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Arinsal

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Arinsal Ski Resort

Best for

BeginnersYesNon-skiersNo
IntermediatesYesAprès skiYes
ExpertsNoSummer skiingNo
SnowboardersYesSnow reliabilityNo
FamiliesYesEnvironmental awarenessNo
Introduction:

Arinsal is one of the most attractive villages in Andorra and is awash with traditional architecture.

The resort is part of a ski region known as Vallnord, a partnership that also ties in the ski area of Ordino-Arcalis and another resort base linked by gondola to Pal's ski area, La Massana. Andorra now has only two ski regions - Vallnord and Grandvalira, the latter encompassing six village bases, the best known being Pas de la Casa and Soldeu.

Along with name changes, the ski area has seen many physical enhancements in recent years as Andorran skiing has moved ever more upmarket. Modern lifts have been installed, with more than half of the old drag lifts replaced by fast chairlifts and gondolas and the professionalism with which the ski areas are managed has reached ever higher standards. This may have quietened Arinsal's ‘cheap and cheerful' image of the 1970s and ‘80s but it remains a fun place to stay. The lift pass also costs less than Grandvalira's.

Location:

Arinsal is part of the Vallnord ski resort which takes up much of the northern half of the small principality of Andorra. Andorra is sandwiched between Spain to the west and France to the east in the Pyrenees mountains and is about 160km (100 miles) north of the Mediterranean Sea.

Website:
www.vallnord.com

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