Andorra Pass
One pass for Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal and Grandvalira, including their snowparks and bike park.
— Ski areas · Ordino Arcalís
Ordino Arcalís
Ordino Arcalís has some of Andorra's best snow: north-facing terrain and a 1,940-metre base preserve conditions well into spring. Its 30.5 km of pistes cover every level, but the mountain is best known for freeride and is a Pyrenean off-piste benchmark.
Local knowledge matters here: knowing which week has the strongest snowfall, which terrain is open and which guide can find the day's best snow. That is what we bring.
The ski area at a glance
30.5 km
of quiet pistes in the parish of Ordino
27 pistes
8 green · 6 blue · 11 red · 2 black, plus boardercross
North-facing
the orientation that preserves Andorra's finest snow
1,940–2,625 m
the country's highest base and a long season into April
9:00–17:00
from early December, subject to conditions
Tristaina
gondola access towards the solar viewpoint and lakes, also in summer
Who is Arcalís for?
It is not Andorra's largest ski area, and that is part of its appeal. Four profiles benefit most:
Freeriders
Arcalís is an international Pyrenean reference for off-piste skiing, with natural faces, generous snow deposits and marked freeride zones. A local guide saves days of exploration and leads you to the best snow safely.
Snow-focused skiers
Its north-facing aspect and high base preserve cold snow when sunnier areas are already softening. We particularly recommend it in March and April, and to anyone who values snow quality over mileage.
Families seeking calm
No huge complexes or crowds: Kids Forest, a ski school with specialist instructors and quiet pistes where children can progress without pressure.
Non-skiers
The Tristaina gondola approaches the solar viewpoint and glacial lakes. Guided snowshoeing and snowmobile excursions provide strong alternatives.
Ski passes: choosing the right one
Nord Pass
The two northern ski areas, Ordino Arcalís and Pal Arinsal. The natural option when based in Ordino or La Massana.
Day and multi-day passes
Single-day and multi-day options, some available with accommodation and other services.
Mountain Pass
Access to designated ski-touring and snowshoe routes throughout Andorra.
Tell us how many days you will ski and where you are staying. We will compare Nord Pass with Andorra Pass and load the best option before your trip.
Beyond the pistes
- Freeride in marked areas and guided off-piste days
- First Snow: freshly groomed pistes before normal opening with an accompanied descent
- Guided snowshoe excursions
- Ice climbing on natural walls
- Snowmobile routes through Ordino's mountain scenery
- Boardercross and the Kids Forest children's circuit
- Ski touring on designated routes
When the snow retreats, Arcalís remains active: the Tristaina gondola operates in summer for access towards the solar viewpoint and the three glacial lakes, one of Andorra's most photographed excursions.
Where to eat on the mountain
La Coma
Mountain cooking and grilled meat at the foot of the pistes—a reliable place to refuel mid-day.
Refugi Les Portelles
Andorra's highest restaurant, serving traditional dishes with exceptional views. Booking is essential in season, and we can handle it.
Getting there
The CG-3 climbs from Ordino to the ski area, with spacious free parking and a bus service. Allow just over 3 hours from Barcelona or around 2½ hours from Toulouse. Many guests stay in Ordino or La Massana and combine Arcalís with Pal Arinsal using Nord Pass; we arrange the hotel, transfers and daily transport.
Any questions?
Frequently asked questions
The answer may already be here. If not, message us—we are local.
1. Why is Ordino Arcalís known for Andorra's best snow?
Its north-facing aspect and high base at 1,940 m receive less direct sun, preserving colder snow well into spring. It is often our recommendation for March and April.
2. What does Arcalís offer freeriders?
Natural faces, generous snowfall and marked freeride zones make it a Pyrenean benchmark. We arrange local guides and safety equipment including transceiver, shovel and probe.
3. How many pistes are there?
There are 27 pistes across 30.5 km: 8 green, 6 blue, 11 red and 2 black, plus boardercross, freeride areas and ski-touring routes.
4. How do I get to Ordino Arcalís?
Follow the CG-3 through Ordino. The ski area has free parking and bus services. Barcelona is just over 3 hours away; private hotel and daily piste transfers are also available.
5. Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Its calmer atmosphere, Kids Forest, specialist ski school and uncrowded pistes make it a strong family choice. Tristaina also gives non-skiers an attractive outing.
6. Can I hire equipment there?
Yes. We can have standard equipment or a complete freeride safety kit prepared before you arrive.
Arcalís done properly: snow, guide and a valley hotel.
We help choose the strongest week, reserve a freeride guide if wanted and have your pass and equipment ready on arrival.
Plan your trip