Vallnord: Traditional Catalan Villages; 87 Kilometres Of Slopes
The ski area of Vallnord is set in the Pyrenees Mountains of Andorra. It is made up of the linked resorts of Pal and Arinsal as well as Ordino-Arcalis a few kilometres away. In total the area offers 87 kilometres of slopes connected by 41 lifts. Vallnord's slopes are all above 1500 metres so snowfall here is reliable.
Pal-Arinsal (1500 metres) offers 63 kilometres of slopes linked by 30 ski lifts. Its 41 slopes are divided into four green, 16 blue, 16 red, and five black. Skiers can reach an altitude of 2560 metres and also access five kilometres of cross-country trails. It is also a hit with boarders for its snowpark with half-pipe, big air, and jumps.
Arinsal is a traditional Catalan village with a buzzing après ski scene; around 25 bars, five nightclubs, and 12 restaurants line the streets. There is also a wide choice of accommodation, from apartments to modern hotel complexes. It is particularly popular with British skiers seeking good quality skiing and lively evening entertainment.
Pal, in contrast to its louder neighbour, is a peaceful resort with limited après-ski and accommodation, but at only five kilometres from Arinsal, you're never far from all-night drinking and dancing. Pal's quiet atmosphere means there are hardly ever queues for lifts and its runs don't get too crowded either. Pal's local slopes are pretty tree-lined runs and experts will enjoy the powder and wooded off-piste.
Pal-Arinsal has recently merged with the 24 kilometres of runs in neighbouring Ordino-Arcalis (1940 metres). Ordino's 25 slopes (six green, six blue, 11 red, and two black) are served by 14 lifts and skiers can reach a height of 2600 metres. The Arcalis sector is where the locals go to ski, particularly cross-country enthusiasts for its 12 kilometres of trails.
The traditional village of Ordino-Arcalis offers a quieter après ski scene than neighbouring Arinsal, with around five bars and five restaurants serving local dishes. There are also two supermarkets for self-catering visitors.
Andorra is served by two main airports Toulouse - Blagnac in France (196 kilometres away) and Barcelona in Spain (202 kilometres away).
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