Pal Arinsal Travel Guide

High in the Pyrenees near the border with Spain, the ski areas of Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalís offer a laid-back alternative to the more crowded Alpine resorts. These two mountain regions, once jointly branded as Vallnord, now form part of Grandvalira Resorts but still maintain their own distinct appeal.

Pal-Arinsal is especially popular with beginners, families, and those looking for a friendly, good-value base for winter sports. Ordino-Arcalís, known for its reliable snow and off-piste terrain, draws more experienced skiers and snowboarders who come for the challenge and the natural beauty.

Between them, they offer a balanced mix of quiet charm, varied skiing, and year-round mountain adventure, ideal for those who want to enjoy Andorra at a more relaxed pace.

Skiing

Pal and Arinsal are connected by cable car and offer a great mix of slopes. Arinsal is ideal for beginners and families, with gentle runs, English-speaking ski schools, and a welcoming village atmosphere. Pal has more varied terrain, including tree-lined runs and scenic mountain views.

Ordino-Arcalís is located further to the northeast. It isn't connected to Pal-Arinsal by lifts, but it's included on the Nord Pass and reachable by road. It's especially popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for its reliable snow conditions and excellent off-piste terrain.

With green, blue, red, and black runs, plus snowparks and freestyle zones, the combined areas cater to all levels. Equipment rental and ski instruction are widely available.

Shopping

Pal-Arinsal has a few sports shops and small grocery stores, but most shoppers head to Andorra la Vella, located just three miles (5 kilometres) away. The capital is known for its duty-free shopping, offering everything from designer fashion and electronics to perfumes and ski gear.

Restaurants

Dining in the Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalís areas is affordable and varied, with more options than many expect from smaller resorts. Arinsal and La Massana offer casual spots serving everything from burgers and pizza to Thai, Tex-Mex, and Catalan dishes. On the slopes, places such as Pla de la Cot and Coll de la Botella provide hearty meals with great views. Ordino-Arcalís focuses more on traditional mountain fare, with scenic restaurants such as Borda de la Coma. While not flashy, the food scene is friendly, relaxed, and well suited to families and casual travellers.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Arinsal and La Massana is relaxed but enjoyable. There are several friendly pubs, après-ski bars, and local nightspots with live music and happy hour specials. For a quieter evening, there are also family-friendly restaurants and casual lounges.

Holiday activities

Along with skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, and spa treatments at local hotels. The resorts are a good choice for travellers looking to combine outdoor activities with rest and relaxation.

In summer, Pal-Arinsal becomes a hub for mountain biking, hiking and outdoor adventure. Activities include horse riding, zip lines, canyoning, and guided nature walks. Families will find plenty to enjoy.

Ordino-Arcalís also offers summer hiking, fly fishing, and beautiful scenic drives through one of Andorra's most unspoilt valleys.

Any negatives?

Those looking for high-energy nightlife or luxury amenities may find Pal-Arinsal a bit low-key. Ordino-Arcalís is more remote and best accessed by car. However, both areas offer excellent value, good snow conditions, and a welcoming atmosphere, making them a solid choice for a winter or summer mountain getaway.