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    Andorra, Europe · Nord Pass

    Ordino Arcalís

    Ordino Arcalís: 442ha of skiable terrain, Freeride World Championships venue, best snow in Andorra. 1,940–2,625m.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    29 Nov 2025
    Closes
    12 Apr 2026
    Days open
    134
    Annual snow
    6m
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Ordino Arcalís occupies a remote position at the end of the Ordino valley in Andorra's northern parish, sitting entirely above 1,940m and topping out at 2,625m across 442 hectares of skiable domain. While the resort's 31 pisted kilometres across 29 runs make it the smallest on-piste ski area in Andorra, that figure tells a fraction of the story — Ordino Arcalís hosts 450 hectares of skiable terrain in total, with 21 freeride zones, 120 mapped off-piste routes across three difficulty categories, and 4 kilometres of marked freeride itineraries that have drawn elite riders to the Pyrenees for over a decade. The pisted terrain itself covers a practical spread of 31% beginner, 24% intermediate, 39% advanced, and 6% expert, anchored by the 8-kilometre Mega Verde green run — the longest beginner descent in Andorra — which winds from the summit area all the way to the base.

    Since joining the Freeride World Tour calendar in 2015, Ordino Arcalís has become one of the most technical stops on the global circuit Grandvalira, and in February 2026 the resort hosted the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships — the inaugural event to crown official FIS World Champions in freeride across ski and snowboard disciplines. The valley of Ordino itself was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020, giving the resort a natural setting of genuine ecological significance. At 2,701m, the Tristaina Solar Viewpoint — a suspended 25-metre ring structure perched on Pic de Peyreguils just metres from the French border — has become one of the resort's signature landmarks, accessible in winter by snowshoe or ski touring.

    685m
    Vertical
    29
    Runs
    31 km
    Piste
    6m
    Annual snow
    Nord Pass
    Pass
    The Terrain

    29 runs across 31 km of piste

    Ordino Arcalís spreads 29 runs across 31 km of piste of terrain. It leans advanced at 39%, with 9 beginner runs to find your feet and 13 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    29
    runs
    29 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner9 runs · 31%
    Intermediate7 runs · 24%
    Advanced11 runs · 39%
    Expert2 runs · 6%
    Time it right

    When to visit Ordino Arcalís

    Ordino Arcalís typically runs the longest season of any resort in Andorra, with the 2025/26 season opening 29 November 2025 and closing 12 April 2026 — a week beyond the closing dates of both Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal. The resort's average annual snowfall of 5.84m is the highest of Andorra's three ski areas, a product of its north-facing orientation and position deep within the Ordino valley, which channels Atlantic moisture systems and shields slopes from the warming effects of direct southerly sun. Current season snowpack sits at 350cm at the mountain base, with 43cm recorded in the past seven days — conditions that reflect why advanced and freeride skiers specifically target Ordino Arcalís for the quality and longevity of its snow.

    January and February produce the most consistent powder conditions, with the high-altitude freeride terrain above 2,400m holding cold, dry snow through extended periods. The resort's March and early April conditions are particularly well regarded among those chasing late-season depth — the north-facing aspects preserve quality snowpack well beyond what comparable south-facing Pyrenean terrain can sustain. The season's extended closing date also aligns with the resort's ski mountaineering and snowshoe circuits, which remain accessible across the higher terrain into early spring, giving the more adventurous visitor compelling reasons to plan a late-season trip.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    29 Nov 2025
    Opens
    12 Apr 2026
    Closes
    134
    Days open
    6 m
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Ordino Arcalís, and where to stay

    Ordino Arcalís sits at the upper end of the Riu Valira d'Ordino valley in the northern Ordino parish, approximately 25 kilometres from Andorra la Vella via the CG-3 and CG-30 roads. Unlike Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal, the resort has no on-mountain accommodation — the nearest lodging is in the village of El Serrat, five minutes by car, with the town of Ordino offering a broader range of hotels approximately 15 minutes from the base. This separation from resort infrastructure is by design as much as geography; Ordino Arcalís functions as a day-trip destination, and its car parks accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles free of charge at the slope-side base area. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation of the Ordino valley places the resort within a protected natural landscape of genuine ecological value, adding a dimension to a visit that most ski destinations cannot offer.

    The two primary international gateways are Barcelona El Prat Airport in Spain, approximately three hours south, and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France, around two to three hours north. Both airports are served by private transfer and coach services into Andorra, with most visitors collecting a hire car in Barcelona or Toulouse for the road journey, which is recommended given the resort's valley-end location and limited public transport frequency. Visitors based in Andorra la Vella can reach the resort in under 30 minutes by car, and the capital's full range of accommodation, the Caldea thermal spa, and duty-free retail all sit within easy reach for evenings after the lifts close.

    Where to stay

    Search all stays →

    Hotels and lodges near Ordino Arcalís, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
    Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

    Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

    Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.

    22 July 2026
    South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

    South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

    South Tyrol has approved a full rebuild of the Ciampinoi cable car in Selva di Val Gardena, replacing the current 12-person gondola with a 16-person cabin and a new mountain-station restaurant. Capacity is capped at 3,200 people an hour rather than the 3,600 the operator wanted, and 250,000 euros must go toward compensatory measures. No construction or opening date has been set, though the upgrade is partly aimed at clearing bottlenecks before the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.

    22 July 2026
    Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited

    Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited

    Hoshino Tomamu is the ski resort equivalent of a conference hotel that happens to have excellent powder. Built for corporate retreats and package tourists, it offers genuine Hokkaido snow on surprisingly limited terrain - 29 runs spread across 585 vertical metres.

    21 July 2026
    La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts

    La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts

    La Thuile is spending 38.7 million US dollars on a new 10-person cable car linking Les Suches to Chaz Dura, replacing the La Combe and Chaz Dura chairlifts after nearly forty years of service. Built by Leitner, the new cable car runs 1,950 metres to a top station at 2,576 metres, carrying up to 3,000 people an hour with a six-minute ride. It also improves the connection to La Rosiere in France via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass, and is on track to open for the 2026/27 season.

    21 July 2026
    The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

    The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

    The Remarkables is adding new inbounds terrain for winter, bringing the Scarpa Bowl - known locally as the Toilet Bowl - into its lift-accessed network after years as backcountry-only ground. The roughly 500 metre run is reached by bootpacking from the top of the Sugar Bowl chairlift, with a shuttle picking skiers up from the road at the bottom. It's a smaller, faster addition than the resort's planned Doolans expansion, though the new terrain hasn't opened yet due to a lack of snow this season.

    21 July 2026
    Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

    Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

    Ski Portillo remains isolated after an extended storm buried the Chilean resort under more than 4.5 metres of snow, with both ground and air access suspended since Tuesday while crews monitor avalanche hazards and worsening weather. Resort officials say further snowfall is expected in the coming days and haven't set a timeline for reopening the mountain road. Once access resumes, the scale of the snowpack could set up a strong season at one of the Southern Hemisphere's most historic ski resorts.

    21 July 2026
    Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall

    Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall

    Lotte Arai receives 22 metres of annual snowfall - exceptional even by Japanese standards - but its corporate ownership model and limited terrain create an unusual cost-benefit equation. Here's what the numbers actually mean on the ground.

    19 July 2026
    Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May

    Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May

    Banff Sunshine Village sits at 1,660m base and receives 9.27m of snow annually. Inside Banff National Park, it offers a six-month season and terrain split that skews heavily advanced - though the crowds and lift infrastructure tell their own story.

    18 July 2026

    Lift tickets

    Nord Pass12 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Adult Nord Pass Daily

    €42up to €52 peak

    Experience Ordino Arcalís premium freeride terrain with this adult daily Nord Pass. Home to the Freeride World Tour with 30.5km of skiable terrain, 5 mountain skiing circuits, and over 120 unmarked freeride routes.

    Buy pass
    Youth 12–17

    Junior Nord Pass Daily

    €36up to €44 peak

    Special junior pricing for ages 12-17 at Ordino Arcalís ski resort. Perfect for adventurous teens to experience world-class freeride terrain and marked off-piste areas in Andorra's highest altitude resort.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–11

    Child Nord Pass Daily

    €30up to €37 peak

    Great value child ticket for ages 6-11 at Ordino Arcalís. Kids can enjoy the famous 8km Mega Verde green run and beginner areas while parents explore advanced terrain. Family-friendly facilities available.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–69

    Senior Daily Pass (65-69)

    €32

    Discounted senior lift ticket for ages 65-69 at Ordino Arcalís. Must present ID at ticket office. Experience Andorra's highest altitude skiing with the best snow conditions and stunning mountain views.

    Buy pass
    Senior 70–74

    Senior Daily Pass (70-74)

    €25

    Special senior pricing for ages 70-74 at Ordino Arcalís. Proof of age required at ticket office. Enjoy premium mountain scenery and well-groomed slopes at Andorra's most spectacular ski resort.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Baby Free Pass

    Free

    Free daily lift ticket for children 5 and under at Ordino Arcalís. Must present proof of age at ticket office. Access to beginner areas and magic carpet lifts perfect for little ones learning to ski.

    Buy pass
    Senior 75–99

    Senior Free Pass (75+)

    Free

    Complimentary daily lift ticket for seniors 75 and over at Ordino Arcalís. ID verification required at ticket office. Full resort access including the spectacular Tristaina cable car and mountain restaurants.

    Buy pass
    Adult 6–99

    Beginner Pass

    €25up to €30 peak

    Special beginner-only access at Ordino Arcalís including the famous 8km Mega Verde run. Perfect for first-time skiers to experience a long, gentle descent with stunning mountain views.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–99

    Mountain Pass

    €20up to €25 peak

    Special mountain access pass for ski mountaineering and snowshoeing at Ordino Arcalís. One ascent and descent per lift per day, access to marked ski touring routes and designated snowshoe areas.

    Buy pass

    Multi-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    2-Day Nord Pass

    €82up to €100 peak

    Two-day Nord Pass covering both Ordino Arcalís and Arinsal. Experience the contrast between premium freeride terrain and family-friendly slopes. Weather guarantee included for peace of mind.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    4+ Day Nord Pass with Grandvalira

    €160up to €200 peak

    Four or more days Nord Pass with bonus day at Grandvalira included. Ski premium freeride terrain at Ordino Arcalís, family slopes at Arinsal, plus Europe's largest ski domain. Ultimate Andorra experience.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 18–64

    Nord Season Pass

    €439up to €539 peak

    Unlimited skiing all season at Ordino Arcalís and Arinsal with the Nord Pass. Access to world-class freeride terrain, summer lifts, and Tristaina solar viewpoint. Perfect for serious skiers and freeriders.

    Buy pass

    Ordino Arcalís lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Ordino Arcalís closed on Apr 12, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from €20, with peak rates up to €52.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Ordino Arcalís day pass cost?+
    Ordino Arcalís day passes range from €20 to €52 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Ordino Arcalís lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Ordino Arcalís lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Ordino Arcalís, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Ordino Arcalís lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Ordino Arcalís - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Ordino Arcalís lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Ordino Arcalís offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Ordino Arcalís directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Ordino Arcalís.

    More Ordino Arcalís intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.