Ordino Arcalís kicks off the season on Wednesday 1 December
The resort will be opening with up to 70 cm of snow and will extend the skiable area in time for the holiday surrounding the Immaculate Conception on 8 December
Weather permitting, the season will run until 24 April, making it one of the longest in Andorra’s history
The Ordino Arcalís ski resort will open its doors this Wednesday 1 December for a season that is expected to help the recovery following the COVID-19 restrictions that affected the previous season.
Snowfall over the last few days in the Principality have resulted in up to 70 cm of fresh snow which, together with the network of snow generators, will mean up to 25% of the slopes may be opened. These will allow skiing from the higher altitudes in Cap de les Portelles of 2,550 metres down to the lower altitude of 1,940 metres. Over the next few days, work will continue on the ground to increase the number of slopes open for the long weekend of the Immaculate Conception holiday, alongside efforts to ensure all activities and services will be available.
The day pass can be purchased for 41 euros, with purchase recommended via the website www.ordinoarcalis.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the ticket offices in Hortell.
Ordino Arcalís plans to extend the 2021–2022 season until 24 April, making it the longest season for ski resorts in the Principality of Andorra, weather conditions permitting.
Opening conditions
Slopes: Balma, La Coma, Orris, Basera, Pont, Canaleta and the lower part of Hortell.
Lifts: Tristaina cable car, TSD6 la Coma, TK Orris.
Restaurants: La Coma and Hortell.
Ski school: open.
Ticket offices: Hortell
Price: 41 euros.
Variable prices and the ski pass Plus+
One of the main new features this season is the implementation of dynamic pricing as a new strategy for the sale of ski passes, which is based on flexible pricing depending on the time of the year and the day of the week. The aim of this system, the first of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula, is to encourage the use of digital channels and to make it easier to monitor daily capacity.
The Ski Pass Plus+ is also still valid in Ordino Arcalís and can be reactivated for this season. This pay-as-you-go model allows you to purchase your ski pass at the beginning of the season and charge it only when you go through the turnstile.
Both systems benefit skiers with discounts of up to 15%.
Improvements in access and catering
This season, three new bus routes connect Ordino Arcalís to all areas of Grandvalira, as well as to Andorra la Vella and the town of Ordino. Buses run daily and are free for those holding Grandvalira and Ordino Arcalís ski passes.
As for restaurants, Ordino Arcalís continues to improve the high quality standards of its dining establishments, promoting local Andorran produce. A commitment has been made to ensure healthier products are made available at Planells and Hortell, which has also been remodelled.
Also, in addition to the brasserie, the renowned restaurant La Coma will be home to Trattoria Gamberra, and the outdoor terrace has been converted into a beer garden with concerts and performances held throughout the winter.
Ordino Arcalís, The home of Freeride
Ordino Arcalís continues to consolidate its position as the leading resort for freeride and has renewed its contract with the Freeride World Tour for a further three years. The competition will take place from 30 January to 5 February and will be the tour’s second stop.
The Freeride Academy, a school specializing in downhill skiing for boys and girls aged 13 to 18, is also opening, and will be offering both alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Mirador solar in Tristaina and the Sorteny Mountain Shelter
The Mirador Solar of Tristaina, located at an altitude of 2,700 metres, will be accessible to expert mountain skiers. The monument, which consists of a ring 25 metres in diameter and offers 360-degree panoramic views, was the major new feature of the summer, attracting almost 85,000 visitors, offering spectacular views of the snow-capped Ordino valley.
The Sorteny Mountain Shelter has had its terrace renovated and will also be offering concerts and performances throughout the winter. It has also become a base camp for La Sportiva with circuits for snowshoeing and ski mountaineering that connect with the highest peaks of Sorteny. The circuits are for experts and have had new signposting installed.
Competition Calendar
The ski season in Ordino Arcalís is packed with major events:
• Freeride World Tour: 30 January to 5 February
• Freeride Junior Tour: 5 and 6 February
• La Sportiva Andorra Skimo: 19 and 20 February
• Jam Extreme Freeride World Qualifier: 31 March to 2 April
• Trofeu Borrufa (30th edition): 24 to 27 January