Arcalis – Vallnord

Arcalis is home to 30km of surprisingly varied slopes, ranging from a top to bottom green to some of the Pyrenees’ finest freeride terrain.

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25%Easy

18%Beginner

47%Intermediate

10%Advanced

Vertical drop

Pistes

Runs

Lifts

Terrain by difficulty

For such a small area of slopes, Arcalis really packs a punch.

The long, cruisey greens and blues are well-suited for beginners, intermediates will enjoy the longer reds, whilst advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders have access to some fantastic freeride terrain – including the face used during the annual Freeride World Tour event.

Note that there is no accommodation on the hill, so you’ll need to stay down in the valley or visit from the linked Vallnord resorts of Pal/Arinsal (note, however, that a short duration Vallnord lift pass covering Arinsal, Pal and Arcalis doesn’t exist anymore. In order to obtain such a pass you will have to purchase a season pass or a ‘Ski the North’ pass which allows you four days in Pal-Arinsal and two days in Ordino-Arcalis).

Beginner
Fast lifts
Intermediate
Resort Activities
Advanced
Aprés
Snow
Value

Pros and cons

Home to the Pyrenees’ best freeride terrain
Excellent snow record and home to snowsure slopes
Great value food, drink and accommodation down in the valley

No accommodation on the hill – stay in the valley or visit on a day trip
Small local area of pistes can be skied in under a day
Can become busy at weekends and during holidays

On the Slopes

There is a good beginner zone located as Les Planelles, just above the base and a great summit to base green run – the Megaverda – which covers 8.5km. La Font and Les Canales are two nice, tree-lined blue runs and there is a good selection of intermediate cruising off Les Portelles.

For advanced and expert skiers, the ski area is arguably the best in Andorra. It is no surprise that the Freeride World Tour drops by each winter. Three marked freeride zones are found on the piste map, but with a short hike or skitour, a vast array of options quickly opens up – and owing to the altitude and northerly orientation, snow conditions are usually very good.

Total Pistes: 30km (93km including Pal/Arinsal)
Green: 25%
Blue: 18%
Red: 47%
Black: 10%
Lifts: 15 (38 including Pal/Arinsal)
Altitude: 1940m – 2625m

Arcalis - Vallnord Resort

There is only a daylodge on the hill, meaning you’ll have to stay elsewhere.
Having a car really helps here, as the bus service linking the resort to the valley is unfortunately quite infrequent. We’d recommend basing yourself at the resort of Pal/Arinsal as not only is it covered on the same lift pass (if you purchase a season pass or a ‘Ski the North’ pass), but you can also take advantage of the 63km of linked slopes there.
Alternatively, accommodation is available in the town of Ordino, or also along the valley between the town and the ski area – but again if you do this having your own car would make a massive difference.

Getting to Arcalis – Vallnord

Toulouse airport to the north and Barcelona airport to the south are the nearest to Andorra, both of which lie around three hours away. Hiring a car is the best option.

Barcelona airport: 3 hours
Toulouse airport: 3 hours
Calais: approximately 13 hours driving (700 miles)