Vallnord Snow Conditions

The Vallnord area, together with Grandvalira, makes up the skiing in Andorra, with the region known for its sunny southern skies and gentle slopes which suit beginners and novices very well. Made up of Pal-Arinsal, Ordino-Arcalis and La Massana, Vallnord comprises 70 runs served by 43 lifts, and reaches a top elevation of 2,572m. With an average of 250cm of snow each year, the region remains snow-sure, with the slopes boosted heavily by a recent investment in snowmaking.  

 

Arinsal, linked with Pal, is the most visited resort in Vallnord, and sits at an altitude of 1,500m with good access to the highest point at 2,572m. The stations of Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalis are separated by the massive Pic d'Arcalis mountain, and although the resorts are not linked, each can be accessed by free bus or by car. The terrain throughout the area is varied, with Arinsal offering long wide slopes that have a lack of trees and face east, thus getting lots of sunshine during the morning, with this area a good place to learn to ski, with all the runs leading back to the mid-station. Intermediates should head to the slopes of Pal - known for narrow north-facing tree-lined runs that are not particularly characteristic of the region - whilst the most challenging skiing is found in Ordino-Arcalis, where there are steep north-facing slopes that sit in a glacial bowl, and good powder for off-piste. Skiing here is a little more remote than the other resorts and sees quieter slopes, although remains a favourite with locals.

 

The ski season in Vallnord runs from the end of November to April, with the best snow seen during the peak season months of February and March. 2010 saw upper slope averages reach 145cm, whilst the previous season of 2009 experienced averages of 216cm in March. Vallnord is known for its state of the art snowmaking operation, with 442 snow cannons helping to augment the natural snow each season.