Skiing in Andorra - Know Your Options

Andorra’s ski scene breaks into three areas that cover most styles of skiing. Pal Arinsal is the all-rounder with an easy town base. Ordino Arcalis is the snow-first choice with steeper lines and a quieter feel. Grandvalira is the big linked playground for mileage, lessons and mixed-ability groups. Pass products change over time, but you can expect local-area passes and multi-area options. Pick your mountain first, then choose a home that keeps daily access simple.
Andorra residents benefit from resident-priced season passes and other perks at Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis - see Residency in Andorra.

Pal Arinsal

• Area feel: Friendly town base in La Massana and Arinsal with a social, family vibe.
• Terrain profile: Groomed pistes, tree-lined sections, variety for mixed levels.
• Who it suits: Families, beginners to intermediates, residents wanting a quick gondola from town.
• Access notes: La Massana gondola for Pal, village lifts at Arinsal; straightforward parking and ski school options.
• Maximum altitude: 2,560 m (8,399 ft).
• Property angle: Strong for year-round living with cafés, gyms and schools near the lift.

Ordino Arcalis

• Area feel: Quiet, scenic and snow-focused with a loyal local following.
• Terrain profile: North-facing, reliable snow, more advanced terrain and sidecountry when conditions allow.
• Who it suits: Intermediates upward, freeride fans, buyers who value calm and mountain views.
• Access notes: Drive up the valley beyond Ordino to the base; plan for winter road conditions.
• Maximum altitude: 2,625 m (8,612 ft).
• Property angle: Village charm and views in Ordino and surroundings, cooler microclimate.

Grandvalira

• Area feel: Large, linked area spread across several sectors with broad services.
• Terrain profile: Extensive piste network for mileage days, strong beginner zones and lessons, plenty for intermediates.
• Who it suits: Mixed-ability groups, lesson seekers, skiers who like varied routes and full resort services.
• Access notes: Multiple entry points from Encamp up to Pas de la Casa; choose sector proximity to cut commute time.
• Maximum altitude: up to 2,640 m (8,661 ft).
• Property angle: Options near lifts in Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu and Pas, plus quieter villages a short drive away.

Which suits you

• New or returning after a break: Start with Pal Arinsal for simple access, friendly slopes and town convenience.
• Snow-first and steeper lines: Choose Ordino Arcalis for its orientation and quieter feel.
• Mileage, lessons and variety: Go Grandvalira for linked sectors and broad facilities.
• Living vs second home: If daily life matters as much as skiing, parish services and commute times can decide more than terrain alone.