Ordino-Arcalís

Ordino-Arcalís, Andorra

Rated: 2/5 (from 6 ratings)

Ski Area Highlights

Recommended For	Beginners, Snowboarders and Snowfall.
Total Piste Length	24km15 miles
Highest Lift	2,600m8,530ft
Resort Height	1,940m6,365ft
Nearest Airport	Barcelona
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Ordino-Arcalís

With modern lifts, the ski area is in one of Andorra's most beautiful mountain valleys, and offers some of the principality's more challenging skiing. Good value, and with lift queues rarely an issue.

Summary

The ski area of Ordino-Arcalís is in the Andorran Pyrenees at an altitude of 1,940m6,365ft, with 24km15 miles of marked runs.

Ordino-Arcalís is part of the Grandvalira ski area with access to 216km134 miles of downhill skiing, with 286 marked pistes, served by a total of 66 ski lifts. In addition to the skiing in Ordino-Arcalís itself (24km15 miles of pisted ski runs), the appropriate ski Lift Pass will allow you to ski or snowboard in the other Grandvalira ski resorts of Canillo, Encamp, Pas de la Casa / Grau Roig and Soldeu / El Tarter.

The ski resort itself is at 1,940m6,365ft, so skiing or boarding back to the resort is usually possible. With ski lifts as high as 2,600m8,530ft, skiing and snowboarding is assured throughout the season.

Ski Area Stats

Ordino-Arcalís Overview

Ordino-Arcalis is in the north-east of Andorra, on the French border - although there is no entry into France. Arcalis opened in 1982 and is a purpose built resort approximately 12km (8 miles) from Ordino.

 Notable Ski Runs

The longest possible descent in Ordino-Arcalís is 4km2 miles long and the most difficult run is the 'Gran Canal', which is 1km1 miles in length.

Skiing

Ordino-Arcalis comprises two valleys, Arcalis and La Coma. Thanks to largely north-facing slopes, Arcalis has one of the best snow records of ski areas in the Pyrenees - and, usually, one of the longest seasons. The Pic d'Arcalis reaches 2776m. A modern lift system means queues are rare.

For beginners

There are six easy (green) runs including one of the longest in Andorra - La Basera. Seven blue pistes are mostly long and gentle allowing easy progression to more difficult slopes. Stunning scenery and tree-lined runs on the Arcalis side.

For Experts

There are only two black runs but both are difficult.

Off Piste

The off-piste around the Cercle de la Coma and the Creussans comprises wide open spaces which are excellent on powder days. The Bar les Portelles is a scenic snack stop from where you can drop in to La Coma bowl for some of the most wide open skiing in Andorra.

Heli-skiing is available from Ordino-Arcalis through several heli-skiing operators and is better value than elsewhere.

Ordino-Arcalís offers good sking, particularly, for Intermediate and Beginner skiers.

Snowboarding

A high-speed quad chair lift serves the natural terrain at Arcalis, making this is a great resort for snowboarders. On a powder day the Cercle de la Coma offers great boarding. Chutes and powder stashes can be found at La Portella del Mig, on the north east face of the Cercle de Arcalis.

Wide, open blue runs are perfect for boarding on piste, with Arcalis offering blue and red trails through the trees.

Location and Map

Where is Ordino-Arcalís?

This ski resort is in the Andorran Pyrenees in Carretera d'Arcalís, Ordino.

Map

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