Pal Arinsal is a relaxed, manageable resort for a family ski holiday. It’s small enough that you won’t get lost, the runs are mostly green and blue, and both sectors have a nursery, a snow garden and ski schools. The main thing to plan is where you stay, as you’ll take a gondola up each morning.
Is Pal Arinsal good for families?
Yes, especially with younger children and beginners:
- Easy terrain. Of the 47 runs, 26 are green or blue.
- Childcare in both sectors, from a nursery for toddlers to a snow garden and a full-day Kids Program.
- Fun for kids: Fun Cross circuits, children’s routes in the Explorers area and an Après Kids party.
- A short drive from Spain and France, with Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell airport 27 km away.
Ski schools and kids’ lessons in Pal Arinsal
There are two ski and snowboard schools, one in Pal and one in Arinsal. Instructors speak several languages. For a guaranteed language, the resort suggests a private lesson.
- Snow Garden, ages 3 to 5: half-day sessions at La Caubella in Pal and Comallemple in Arinsal.
- Kids Program, ages 3 to 11: a full day from 9.30 am to 4 pm, with three hours of lessons, lunch and activities.
- Children’s group lessons, ages 6 to 11: three hours a day over 3 to 5 days.
- Beginner group lessons, from age 6: a one-day course that can start any day.
- Snowboard group lessons start at age 12.
Lessons need a valid ski pass, not a beginner or pedestrian ticket.
Childcare and nurseries in Pal Arinsal
The resort’s nursery is open in both Pal and Arinsal, for children from age 1, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. You can book a half day (3 hours) or a full day (6 hours). Lunch isn’t included, and there are no ski lessons. The resort’s page gives the age range as both 1 to 3 and 1 to 5, so check when you book.
Some hotels also have their own clubs, such as the kids’ club at Hotel Princesa Parc in Arinsal.
Best beginner areas for children in Pal Arinsal
- The snow gardens at La Caubella in Pal and in the Comallemple area of Arinsal.
- The Children’s Garden beginner area with specialist instructors in the Pal sector.
- Gentle green and blue runs in both sectors once children have found their feet.
- Fun Cross circuits with banked turns and small jumps on the Besurt run in Pal and Pista Nova in Arinsal, and new children’s routes in the Explorers area.
Pal Arinsal lift passes for families
- Young children don’t need a pass. The resort sets the cut-off by year of birth, so check its FAQ when you book.
- Children and juniors pay reduced rates.
- There are family packages, but no extra discounts for large families or youth cards.
- Prices are dynamic, so buying online in advance can save money.
- Passes are non-refundable, even if the resort closes.
Things to do with kids in Pal Arinsal off the slopes
- Après Kids, an after-ski party with music and activities in the Caubella area of Pal.
- Snowshoe routes in both sectors.
- A zip line and the Winter Bike Park for older children.
- Caldea, Andorra’s thermal spa, which some La Massana hotels include in packages for guests over 5.
Best family hotels in Pal Arinsal
Hotel Princesa Parc in Arinsal, 150 m from the gondola, has family rooms for three to four, interconnecting rooms, a kids’ club and ten-pin bowling. Hotel Rutllan & Spa in La Massana has triple, quadruple and duplex rooms, cots, a games room and two pools. See where to stay in Pal Arinsal for more.
Tips for skiing in Pal Arinsal with kids
- Stay near a gondola. In Arinsal and La Massana, a hotel close to the gondola saves a lot of carrying skis with small children.
- Pick the sector for your lessons. Both sectors have a nursery and a snow garden, so book the one on your side of the mountain and avoid the cable car with toddlers.
- Mind the season dates. Pal Arinsal is scheduled to run from 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027.
- Pack for the mountains. Bring high-factor sun cream, sunglasses and warm layers, whatever the forecast.
Planning the bigger trip? See our Pal Arinsal ski resort guide.
