The region (or rather, the parish, the whole country is divided into parishes in the old way) of Ordino is located in the north-west of Andorra and consists of six villages: Segudet, Sornas, Ansalonga, La Cortinada, Llorts, El Serrat. The capital of the parish – the city of the same name – Ordino – is a real pearl of Andorra. Romanesque churches, ancient mansions and stone bridges framed by majestic mountains, intoxicating air have earned it the title of the most romantic place in Andorra. Classical music concerts are held here, and national cuisine is served in restaurants.

The resort consists of two towns: Ordino and Arcalis, which are far from the capital of Andorra, so there are fewer amenities there compared to more developed resorts. But there are plenty of beautiful views from the valley to the mountains with slopes laid in the gorges between the rocks. So far, the distance from the hotels to the lifts is quite decent for those accustomed to comfort, but people come here for thrills, not amenities.

The Arcalis ski center is located 30 km from Andorra la Vella, 17 km from the city of Ordino and 4 km from El Serrat. Even if you live in Andorra la Vella, it is worth spending at least one day to visit Arcalis and admire its nature. Among other resorts in Andorra, Arcalis stands out for its unique high-mountain landscape. Above the gorges, bizarrely cut ridges rise high into the sky, from the peaks of which ski slopes begin.

Small in comparison with other resorts in Andorra, Arcalis nevertheless has other advantages: here are not only wonderful slopes, but also excellent service, and it is almost always quiet and not crowded. Arcalis does not have a village and there are practically no hotels and cottages, which are usually picturesquely scattered along the mountain slopes of Andorran resorts. But the resort is still attractive both for the residents of Andorra itself and for their neighbors – the Spaniards and the French, who willingly come here on holidays and weekends.

Historical background

The Ordino – Arcalis ski area is the most remote ski resort in Andorra from the capital, part of Vallnord. The creation of ski slopes, construction of hotels and lifts in this area began in 1982. A decision was immediately made to build a modern complex that preserves the original appearance of the surrounding mountains and forests, has a minimal impact on the environment.

The Ordino – Arcalis area is quite high-altitude, located in the zone of 1940-2620 meters above sea level. The orientation of the settlements is clearly visible. All the slopes are located in Arcalis, and the hotels and most of the establishments are in Ordino. An exceptional feature of the resort is the difficult slopes with steep turns, it is for them that most of the vacationers come here. The interest is skiing on virgin areas.

The splendor of this ski resort is that gentle slopes alternate with steep ones, there are “virgin” slopes, extreme “black” slopes and a difficult mogul slope. Despite the small size of the resort, there are a dozen bars and restaurants on its territory. The beauty of this resort is also that it is not very well known, so its main visitors are the indigenous inhabitants of Andorra. Very suitable for a quiet family vacation.

How to get there: roads and transport

The nearest airports are in Barcelona (Spain) and Toulouse (France). From them, you will have to take a regular bus to the capital of the principality of Andorra la Vella. From there, it is 24 km to Arcalis, and 9 km to Ordino. The SnoBus regular bus goes to Arcalis, making a stop in Ordino, starting from 7 am and ending at 9 pm. You can get to Ordino by car along the CG3 highway, which runs north of La Massana. The distance is 3 km.

Climate

The winter resort of Ordino-Arcalis is located in the small Principality of Andorra, which in turn lies in the subtropical mild mountain climate zone. The country is located near the Mediterranean Sea, which is due to the mildness of the climatic conditions. Andorra is a European country with the most positive weather forecast in the year. Almost 250 days here there is bright sunshine and there is no wind and precipitation. But, at the same time, the weather here may differ depending on what altitude you are at, since Andorra is characterized by altitudinal climate zonation. The winter ski season begins in Ordino-Arcalis in early December. The air temperature in winter here during the day is never below zero, it is kept at + 5-7C, At night the temperature drops to -2-5C and it snows. In summer it is warm and sunny, the air temperature reaches + 15-20C.

Where to ski: settlements, slopes, skiing areas

On the territory of 442 hectares, 26 km of slopes have been laid, which is not so much compared to other resorts in Andorra, but the modest size is compensated by the level of difficulty and beauty. There are slopes for beginners, but there are few of them, so experienced skiers and extreme sportsmen go here more often. The black slopes are winding and full of surprises, guests especially like the mogul slope. All conditions have been created for snowboarders, a snow park has been equipped, it has a half-pipe and a springboard. In favorable weather conditions, a boardercross is organized.

Ordino-Arcalís Trail Map

Due to the fact that the trails are located mainly on the northern slopes, the snow cover here lasts much longer than in other resorts. In terms of the number of trails, Ordino is inferior to Soldeu-El Tarter and Pas de la Cassa – Grau Roig, but it stands out from all the ski resorts in Andorra with the variety of trails for intermediate skiers.

The trails of this resort meet the tastes of everyone: both skiers and boarders – diverse, with interesting terrain, moderately wide. The vast majority of local slopes are prepared daily to the highest alpine standards. Despite the high quality of local snow, 74 snow cannons secure its cover in the most vulnerable places. Five local slopes are FIS certified.

This resort is famous for a large number of difficult “black” runs, as well as steep and dangerous descents, and areas of virgin virgin snow. There are paths and excellent opportunities for those who like to go snowboarding down slopes of medium difficulty. Excellent areas for skiing are located on different slopes at an altitude of 1940 to 2620 meters, providing unique opportunities for different categories of snowboarders: from beginners who first got on the “board” to professional “freestylers” and fans of extreme descents.

Ordino-Arcalis has unique tracks that run along picturesque slopes dotted with forests. They are long and extensive enough to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Two excellent long “red” runs descending from the 2554-meter peak of Mount LePortelles are unique. Beginners and novices will especially like the long and easy runs “LaBasera” or “ElTunel”.

A beautiful virgin area for freeriders, located in the area of Mount LaComa, will be an excellent option for free skiing. Professional snowboarders – aces can “break away” on several especially high-speed runs or on a mogul track. This snow park is equipped with jumps of various difficulty categories, as well as a half-pipe.

The main skiing area, the Cercle d’Arcalis gorge, is very picturesque and has the shape of a giant bowl. It is in this “bowl” that almost two thirds of all lifts and slopes are concentrated, as well as the slalom stadium and Snow Park (ski jumps, rails, border cross). The second Ski sector, La Coma, is located just behind the Le Portelle pass (2552m). From here, you can easily reach the highest point of the resort, Cota (2625m), which is located practically on the border with France, by four-chair lift.

Over 300 hectares of local slopes are an area specially designed for off-piste skiing. If there is enough snow, you can drive here at high speed in long arcs.

The difference in altitude during skiing reaches seven hundred meters. Zones with medium and high difficulty slopes run along virgin slopes, which gives snowboarders maximum opportunities.

14 lifts deliver tourists to the peaks. The necessary equipment can be rented or purchased in specialized stores. Ski schools, which employ 40 instructors, will help beginners get on their skis and learn the techniques of skiing.

Hotels and other infrastructure are located in Ordino, and the slopes with lifts are in Arcalis. There are 8 green, 6 blue, 11 red and 2 black slopes here, which is a lot in such a small area. But the green slopes are also quite difficult for beginners. Intermediate skiers and professionals can enjoy riding the local slopes. Extreme skiers have access to a mogul slope and 2 black slopes. Snowboarders can ride in a snow park with a half-pipe and a jump. In good weather, a boardercross is open for those who wish.

The total length of the slopes is 26 km.

There are 25 slopes in total, of which:

– green – 6;

– blue – 6;

– red – 11;

– black – 2.

Lifts:

– tow – 7;

– chairlift – 5.

Capacity: 6,510 people/hour.

The ski bus will take you to the Ordino-Arcalis ski resorts in 20 minutes. Using the shuttle bus, you can go down to La Massana, and from there, using the new lift, you can get to the slopes of the Pal-Arinsal station. If you get tired of skiing on the slopes of this base, for an additional fee you can be taken by helicopter to the slopes of the Pas de la Cassa resort.

For children

Ordino-Arcalis Resort is also chosen by single snowboarders, fun groups of extreme sports, and sporty families. Unique snowshoeing trips will be great fun for adults and children. Kids can be safely entrusted to qualified educators and trainers. They work in a specialized kindergarten, which is located right in the village. The kindergarten accepts children from 4 to 9 years old. For the youngest children from 1 year to 3 years old, there is a nursery, where children are entertained by professional teachers, offering them educational toys and all kinds of games.

For older children, specialized groups for training are provided. You can also use the services of a personal professional trainer. The price of lessons in groups and with a private trainer is quite affordable. For families, lovers of skiing, there are also special discounts and benefits on the cost of skiing and using the services of the lifts, you can also buy a family “ski pass” for several days.

Prices are reasonable. A local ski pass will cost 37 EUR per day, 64 EUR for 2 days, 95 EUR for 3 days, 145 EUR for 5 days, and for more than 5 days, 28 EUR per day.

Where to live

Ordino and El Serrat have a good selection of budget hotels and aparthotels, mainly in the 3*. Rooms are often small in size, but this is a feature of most hotels in Andorra.

In Arcalis itself, there are no hotels near the slopes, the nearest ones are 7 km from the village. Several three- and four-star hotels are located in Ordino: Aparthotel, Prats, Casa Vella, Babot, Santa Barbara, Coma. Other establishments are located in the surrounding villages: Llorts, El Serrat, La Cortinada, Arans. To live in comfortable conditions, it is better to settle in La Massana, and many skiers do so. Several buses run from La Massana to Ordino – Arcalis.

Hotel Santa Bàrbara De La Vall D’ordino 3 star hotel

Hotel Santa Bàrbara De La Vall D’Ordino is located in Ordino, 4 km from Pal Arinsal Ski Resort. This country hotel features a restaurant and rooms with mountain views.

Hotel Santa Bàrbara is decorated in a traditional style. Rooms are bright and comfortable. Each has satellite TV, wooden furniture and floors.

Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s restaurant, and drinks can be enjoyed in the bar with free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers ski storage.

Hotel Santa Bàrbara is set in a quiet countryside location. Guests can go hiking, cycling or horse riding. The hotel is ideally located for skiing. The ski resort of Ordino-Alcalá is just 9 km away, and Soldeu is a 30-minute drive away.

Hotel La Planada 3-star hotel

Hotel La Planada is located in Ordino, just 200 metres from the ski bus stop. It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas and heated rooms with fantastic mountain views.

All rooms have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries, while some also have a balcony.

La Planada has a bar and a restaurant. Other facilities at the hotel include a seasonal outdoor pool, and ski equipment hire and ski passes are available for an extra charge.

Andorra la Vella’s commercial centre is just 8 km away.

R de rural – Casa Mariola 4 star hotel

Casa Mariola is a traditional country-style holiday home located in the small town of Ordino. It offers a cozy living room with a fireplace and a garden with barbecue facilities. Free WiFi is available.

The two-storey country house features original features such as stone walls and wooden beams and features a kitchen with a dishwasher. The bathroom has 2 large stone sinks and bathrobes. All rooms offer garden views.

Ski passes can be purchased at the holiday home. A washing machine is available for guests.

Skiing and hiking can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings. The Ordino-Arcalis Ski Resort is 1 km away.

Hotel Babot 3-star hotel

Цей сімейний готель розташований серед чудового ландшафту Ордіно. З вікон відкривається приголомшливий вид на мальовничі околиці.

Зі смаком декорований готель розташований в мальовничому місці. З усіх спалень відкривається прекрасний вид. На терасі ви можете посидіти і насолодитися природною красою, яка вас оточує.

По сусідству влітку і взимку проходять найрізноманітніші заходи на свіжому повітрі, а також знаходяться зручності для відпочинку та релаксації. Готель розташований в декількох кілометрах від гірськолижного курорту Валь-Норд і повністю обладнаний з урахуванням всіх ваших потреб. Тут ви зможете розслабитися після важкого робочого дня на лижній трасі або прогулятися по гарних околицях.

Hotel & SPA Niunit 4-зірковий готель

Готель Niunit Ordino розташований в селі Ель Серрат, в провінції Ордіно. У готелі працюють спа-салон, ресторан і бар.

До послуг гостей готелю Niunit комфортабельні номери з суворою обстановкою. У числі зручностей телевізор, фен і власна ванна кімната.

До послуг гостей сніданок “шведський стіл” в ресторані при готелі Niunit, а також гідромасажна ванна і сауна в спа-салоні. Безкоштовний Wi-Fi надається у громадських місцях.

Готель Niunit Ordino розташований менш ніж в 7 км від гірськолижного курорту Вальнорд і від найближчого гольф-клубу. Готель знаходиться в 8 км від міста Ордіно, до Андорра-ла-Вельї можна дістатися за 30 хвилин на автомобілі.

Де харчуватися: їдальні та ресторани

У всіх готелях є кафе, бари і ресторани. Спеціалізовані заклади здебільшого розташовані в Ордіно.

Увечері можна урізноманітнити свій відпочинок поїздкою до музичного пабу Xalos, ресторану-піцерії та бару Topic, або ресторану Armengol.

Де розважатися: екскурсії та визначні пам’ятки

Незважаючи на те, що Ордіно – Аркаліс має досить скромну територію, зате тут багато цікавих місць. У Аркалісі біля трас розташовані бари і ресторани, де можна перекусити в перервах між підйомами. Щоб потрапити на дискотеку або сходити в кінотеатр, доведеться їхати в Ордіно. Як у великому місті, тут краще розвинена інфраструктура і навіть є два спортивних центри.

Комплекс Ordino Multisports Centre пропонує поплавати в басейні, розім’ятися на тенісних кортах, у гімнастичному або сквош-залі. Для релаксації передбачена сауна, а в солярії можна отримати рівний морський загар. У Ordino Sports Centre працює боулінг, зал для важкої атлетики.При комплексі є ресторан з баром.

Крім гірських лиж та сноубордингу, на території Ордіно – Аркаліс пропонують програми походів на снігоступах і сніжний серфінг. Цікавою буде прогулянка Парком природи «Сортені» і Центру вивчення природи, в якому розміщена постійна виставка. Тут росте кілька сотень різних рослин, водяться олені і кабани.

Так як Ордіно – досить старе місто, і в околицях з романської епохи жили люди, збереглося досить багато старовинних будівель. На міській площі працює церква Святого Корнелія і Святого Себрі (Sant Corneli y Sant Cebrià). У середньовічній романській будівлі, відновленій в XVII-XVIII століттях, до сих пір проводяться богослужіння. Також на міській площі (Town Square) збереглося визначне кільце ганьби, до якого прив’язували порушників спокою.

Sant Corneli y Sant Cebrià

В Ордіно працює кілька виняткових музеїв. У Музеї іконографії зібрані рідкісні православні ікони XVI-XIX століть. У Музеї мікромініатюр на постійній основі працює виставка робіт відомого у всьому світі родоначальника мікромініатюрізму українця Миколи Сядристого. У Музеї пошти виставлено близько 50 тисяч марок, найстаріші з яких датуються 1928 роком. У Будинку – музеї роду Арені – Пландоліт можна відчути повсякденне життя людей XIX століття.

В околицях Ордіно знаходиться декілька примітних церков. Романська церква Сант Марті (Sant Martí de la Cortinada) в Ла Кортінада була зведена ще в XII столітті. У Ллортсі варто оглянути Сант Серні де Наголь (Sant Cerni de Nagol), побудовану в XVII столітті. Цікавий тур «Відкриваючи Ла-Кортінада», який призводить на старовинний, але все ще працюючий млин і тартак, які були в XVI-XVII століттях центром місцевої промислової діяльності.

Тепер настала ваша черга оцінити прекрасні можливості гірськолижних трас в гостинному курорті Ордіно-Аркаліс.