The Ski Area of Vallnord

Vallnord

Made up of merged ski areas of Pal - Arinsal and Ordino - Arcalis Vallnord is an area covering 66 runs, 41 ski-lifts and 13 mountain restaurants all served by one ski pass.

The Vallnord ski area is divided in to two distinct sectors by the mountain of Pic d’Arcalis (2,776m), the highest mountain in the region. There is no ski lift connection between the two sectors and it’s necessary to take a ski bus or car to travel between the Pal - Arinsal and Ordino - Arcalis sectors.

By car it’s only 20 minutes but by the free Bus Neu Vallnord service this apparently short commute takes ages because you have to change in Massana. A typical journey is 90 minutes at the moment so hire a car if you want to try out the full extent of the Vallnord system and if travelling independently, stay a few days in each.

That said Vallnord, and Arinsal in particular, more than make up with charm for the inconvenience. This southwest corner of Andorra is without a doubt the prettier end of the Andorran ski market with best off-piste skiing between charming Andorran villages that still have their stone churches and rough-hewn bordas (traditional inns originally frequented by farmers).