Visted Arinsal last week (04th Feb 2008) for our first skiing trip ever. Two fairly inactive thirtysomethings and two kids aged 9 and 6. What a brilliant place. Monday we were split up into groups of similar ability. Our instructor (Mark aka Uncle Krusty) was excellent. Kept us stretched all week without going to far. By Friday both kids had turned into Franz Klammer with the help of their instructors. There is enough variation on the Arinsal side to keep beginners and improvers well entertained. If it gets too boring, the Pal side offers a bit more of a challenge. The Apres Ski was superb. Plenty of variation other than drinking beer. I would highly recommend Arinsal, and am already in the process of booking a return visit for 2009

Until the 2000/01 season, Pal and Arinsal were separate resorts with separate ski areas. They remain physically separate, but a fast gondola joins the two ski areas. For the 2005-6 season the resorts joined with neighbouring Arcalis to form Vallnord as a counter to the Soldeu/Pas de la Casa merger in to Grandvalira on the other side of tiny Andorra. However unlike Soldeu/Pas de la Casa the resorts are not joined.

In common with other resorts in Andorra, Pal – Arinsal are both lively and expanding. Be prepared for full on activity on and off the slopes. On the mountain boarders tend towards the Arinsal sector, whilst skiers rave about ‘unspoilt’ Pal.

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 a 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. For high speed cruising check out the long, fast, wide Font Roja piste located in the Seturia area with access via a high speed quad.

The resort has two marked freeride areas. In the Pal Sector head for La Comellada which often boasts the best powder in Andorra, skiing through the forest on steep slopes. In Arinsal the north face of la Capa allows freeriders to make big descents with wide turns. In addition, a mogul and permanent slalom are always prepared for visitors looking for some more action.