Arinsal Ski Holidays

Arinsal is a small but beautiful country situated between Spain and France. The country is famous for superb ski resorts. One of the most respected is the beautiful village of Arinsal. Arinsal is a popular destination for hikers and walkers in the summer owing to its stunning scenery. In the winter, it is transformed into a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders. Here they primarily cater for beginners and intermediates, however there is something for advanced skiers too. The resort is very friendly and as a result, receives repeat visitors every year. Families find this area particularly appealing, but couples will also find plenty of activities to suit them.

Hotels in this resort

Arinsal Guide

Arinsal is one of the best resorts around for beginners. The nursery slopes are wide and gentle, encouraging beginners to gain more confidence. There are some slightly more difficult slopes that beginners can progress to with practice.

Beginners also have access to the fantastic ski instructors that can be found at the resort who are friendly, patient and all speak English to a high standard. Arinsal also offers a great deal for intermediate skiers. There are a large number of red and blue runs to challenge those who already have some level of skiing expertise. The slopes here are ideal for beginners, for practicing existing skills and for testing and challenging intermediates to the max.

Although Arinsal is primarily geared towards beginners and intermediates, some excellent opportunities for advanced skiers are available. There are some steep runs that will keep the more advanced skier interested at the resort, as well as a ski school that offers advanced classes to perfect skills. This area is a popular destination for snowboarders, in particularly beginners. The terrain is ideal for snowboards and riders can test their skills in the excellent snowboard park.

Activities

If you want to put down your ski’s and try something different on your holiday, there is plenty to choose from in Arinsal. Remaining with the snow theme, why not try tobogganing or skidoos? In contrast, if you wish to leave the snow behind for a while, one of the most highly recommended alternative activities in Arinsal is the well known Caldea Water Spa. This is a fantastic way to relax and unwind, ideal for soothing aching limbs and treating yourself with a bit of pampering. The Hotel Solana health spa has a pool which has proved very popular with skiers in need of a ski break.

Night life

Apres-ski at Arinsal is lively and fun, particularly in high season. There are a selection of bars with a fantastic atmosphere dotted around the resort, these are often packed full of tourists and there is a buzz around the streets at night. Alcohol is very cheap in Andorra, so a night out is very reasonably priced in comparison with UK standards. In addition to bars, there are also some discos for those wishing to stay up until the early hours. Arinsal’s very own cocktail bar is also a popular night time destination.

Eating Out

Arinsal has a wide selection of restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets. Although there are some luxury style restaurants, most eateries are aimed at a more everyday audience. Despite this, the food is of a very good quality, offering local specialities in addition to international cuisine such as Mexican, British and Chinese.

Accommodation

There is a range of accommodation in Arinsal to suit all budgets. Arinsal has plenty of luxury four star establishments for those seeking a holiday with all the trimmings, but much of the accommodation in Arinsal is inexpensive. There are many self catering hotels, apartments and lodges ideal for families on a budget and some superb family run bed and breakfasts, as well as small guesthouses. The hotels vary in size and price, most are located close to the slopes.

Getting there and away

There are a number of airports within reachable distance of Arinsal. These include Barcelona, Toulouse, Girona and Reus Airports. Toulouse airport is the most popular flight destination due to the reasonable transfer time of just over three hours and the availability of flights. If you are travelling from the UK, there are regular flights to Toulouse airport from a number of airports including Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. Transfer can be arranged from the airport to your hotel in advance, or alternatively you can rent a car from the airport.

Star Ratings

Arinsal is a large, fun resort ideal for families and young people. The resort has plenty of amenities and a lively night life to keep every one entertained. Skiing is excellent for beginners with gentle slopes and a superb skiing school, for this reason it has been awarded four stars. Intermediates will also appreciate the resort and so it has been awarded three stars for this level. Arinsal does not have a great deal to offer experts, consequently it has been given two stars.

Piste Map

An overview of the area including all facilities, view it below in PDF format.

View Piste Map