Book ski accommodation in Arinsal

           Arinsal              

Arinsal is a little village of Catalan slate and grey stone, near the head of a narrow valley north of Andorra-la-Vella. It has seen rapid development in recent years, giving the place a building-site appearance. Yet little new accommodation is available near the single resort-level lift, inconveniently situated a kilometre out of town. Most skiers face a long walk or a bus-ride to this chair. Fortunately the village bus service is good. The very small ski area is a narrow east-facing coomb of mainly open slopes, suitable for beginners, children and unadventurous intermediates. All runs lead straight back towards the mid-station area, ideal for parents to keep a watchful eye on children. Proposed development of the Coll d'Ature mountainside will add not only size, but much needed variety, including some relatively snow-sure tree-lined runs. A rarely skied black run or a blue road down to the Arinsal chair are the only options in bad weather. With almost all skiing above 1950m and a fair number of guns, snow is relatively assured. The snow reliability of the nursery slopes is a boon. Most lifts above the mid-station are drags, keeping the mountain open when it's windy. Advanced skiers and progressive intermediates shouldn't even think about Arinsal. But some of the slopes are not entirely easy and are suitable for intermediates who do not mind skiing a very limited area. Piste maintenance is good. Essentially, Arinsal is a ski area suitable for near-beginners or early intermediates. The nursery slopes are gentle, away from the main ski area, and well covered by snow cannons. They do not cover a particularly large area, and as a result can get very crowded in peak season.

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