Pal, Andorra

Kathie Phelps from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Pal is by far the prettiest resort in Andorra. It can suffer from poor or soft snow as it is also the lowest. Fantastic ski school however, and although the cafes are busy, you get through in no time - unless you try to buck the system! There is also a proper restaurant upstairs at La Caubella station, the main meeting point.
Intermediates can have a ball, skimming all over the mountain and building confidence. The views from the top are spectacular as you ski down a flatish ridge, you are skiing the border with Spain. With a new cable car from La Massana and a land train from the carparks, it's never been easier. Don't worry that there's no holiday companies mentioned on this site. If you go to Arinsal, Pal is on the same lift pass and linked from the top of the mountain in Arinsal to the lovely area of Col de La Botella in Pal, away from most ski schools and lots of opportunity to ski though trees on safe off-piste. Take a rest from your skis here and enjoy the sunny cafe or take a dog-sled ride - exhilerating! Although there are places to stay in the quaint Andorran village of Pal, they are a long way - more than a walk, from the main apres ski venues in Arinsal or La Massana. Good bars and food at Xixerella which is a camp site in the summer. Self-catering cabins are available, 2 are wheelchair accessible. As one of the best ways to enjoy Andorra for Brits is to get to Barcelona by Easyjet and hire a car, you could do Pal, Arinsal and Arcalis as well as all the Grand Valira resorts during a week's holiday. If you need help getting organized for Andorra, try katalantravels.com. Although they mostly arrange holidays for disabled people they can help arrange Andorra skiing or summer activites as there's lots to do at Pal.

2006-03-23