Ski in Andorra: Grandvalira Resorts, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís

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🏁 A country shaped into a ski domain

Andorra is one of the most skiable territories in the world relative to its size. Under the Grandvalira Resorts brand, the country integrates three ski areas —Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís— all accessible with a single national pass (Andorra Pass), while still available separately.

Together they offer:

• 308 km of skiable slopes.
• Over 200 runs of all levels.
• Around 120 lifts.

Each season, approximately 2.3 million ski days are sold, placing Andorra among the most visited ski destinations worldwide and the leader of the Pyrenees.

➤ To discover the country beyond winter, we recommend the article Climate in Andorra: clean air, four seasons and quality of life

1️⃣❄️ Grandvalira: the largest ski area in the Pyrenees

Grandvalira is the driving force of Andorra’s winter ecosystem and the largest continuous ski area in the Pyrenees.

💎 Key figures

• 215 km of slopes.
• 142 runs across green, blue, red and black levels.
• 74–75 lifts with a capacity exceeding 123,000 skiers/hour.
• Altitude between 1,710 and 2,640 m.

📜 A history that begins in 1956

• 1956: first lift installed at Coll Blanc (Pas de la Casa).
• 1964: the Soldeu–El Tarter sector is created.
• 2003: merger of Pas de la Casa–Grau Roig and Soldeu–El Tarter → the Grandvalira brand is born.

Since then, the area has developed steadily and has become a host of FIS competitions, World Cup finals and major international events.

☀️ Grandvalira in summer

• Open lifts.
• High-mountain hiking routes.
• Gastronomy and corporate events.
• Outdoor and adventure activities.

2️⃣❄️ Pal Arinsal: family-friendly, accessible and a European MTB reference

Located in the parish of La Massana, Pal Arinsal stands out for its proximity, family-friendly environment and versatility.

💎 Key figures

• 63 km of groomed slopes.
• 49 runs (7 green, 14 blue, 17 red, 4 black).
• 32 lifts with a capacity of 38,480 skiers/hour.
• Altitude between 1,550 and 2,560 m.

📜 Origins and development

• 1973: first drag lift in Arinsal.
• 1982: opening of the Pal sector.
• 2001: connection between Pal and Arinsal, creating the unified area.

Historically part of Vallnord, it is now integrated into Grandvalira Resorts and included in the Andorra Pass and Nord Pass.

☀️ A true four-season destination

Pal Arinsal has become a European reference for mountain biking, offering:

• Over 60 km of Bike Park trails in summer.
• A Winter Bike Park during the colder months.
• Regular hosting of UCI World Cup events and races like the Maxiavalanche.

3️⃣❄️ Ordino Arcalís: premium snow and freeride capital

Ordino Arcalís is the jewel of northern Andorra. Its orientation and altitude ensure consistently excellent snow quality.

💎 Key figures

• 30–30.5 km of slopes.
• 8–9 green, 6 blue, 10–11 red and 2 black runs.
• Altitude between 1,940 and 2,625 m.
• Internationally recognised freeride zones.

📜 A ski area with a strong identity

• 1983: opening driven by the parish of Ordino.
• Over time, it has become a benchmark for freeride, hosting the Freeride World Tour.
• Fully integrated within Grandvalira Resorts, it is key to both the Andorra Pass and Nord Pass.

☀️ Ordino Arcalís in summer

• Access to the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint (2,700 m).
• Hiking and road cycling in an area designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Host of major events such as the Tour de France and La Vuelta.

➤ To better understand the country’s geography, we recommend the article The parishes of Andorra: structure and territorial organisation

🧮 Grandvalira Resorts in numbers: an overall view

Seen as one combined mountain-and-snow product, Andorra offers:

• 308 km of slopes.
• 216–217 total runs.
• 120–124 lifts.
• 2.3 million ski days in the last season.
• A workforce of around 2,800 people.

🌱 A 12-month mountain model

Andorra’s value as a destination extends far beyond winter. The country is committed to a sustainable, year-round mountain model.

• Pal Arinsal: Bike Park and outdoor activities.
• Grandvalira and Arcalís: summer lifts, guided routes and nature experiences.
• Gastronomy, après-ski and events enriching the overall experience.

➤ If you are considering moving or starting a business in Andorra, the article Living and working in Andorra: what to know before relocating may be helpful.

🏢 Companies that make the ski ecosystem possible

The operation of the ski areas depends on a unique group of companies:

• SAETDE – Encamp, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa (Grandvalira).
• ENSISA – Soldeu, El Tarter and Canillo (Grandvalira).
• EMAP – Pal Arinsal.
• SECNOA – Ordino Arcalís.
• NEVASA & SETAP 365 – commercial and operational coordination.

Overall, the sector mobilises around 2,800 workers each winter, including ski patrol, lift operators, instructors, hospitality and technical services.

Conclusion

Andorra’s ski model is unique in Europe: three complementary areas, full commercial integration, and a mountain-and-snow offering that runs 12 months a year. It is an example of how a small country has turned its landscape into a strategic tourism and economic asset.

If you would like tailored guidance or wish to understand how Andorra works in more detail, you can book a personalised meeting below or fill in the contact form. We will be pleased to assist you.

Last updated: November 2025