This is Arinsal's big strength. Pal-Arinsal's ski school is run by the resort and has many British instructors, so lessons in clear English are easy to find. There are gentle nursery areas in both sectors, plus 7 green runs to build confidence. In Arinsal the learning area is at the top of the gondola, not in the village, so beginners ride the lift up and back down each day.

There are 14 blue and 17 red runs across two different sectors. Arinsal is a wide, open bowl with longer runs, while Pal has sheltered tree-lined runs that work well in poor visibility. That's plenty for a first or second week. More confident intermediates may want more variety by the end of the week. The Nord Pass also covers Ordino-Arcalís, and passes of 4+ days include one day in Grandvalira.

There are only 4 black runs. Some off-piste between the runs opens up after fresh snow. Strong skiers will soon want to take the free ski bus to Ordino-Arcalís, about 30 minutes away and covered by the same Nord Pass, which has better freeride terrain.

A good place to learn to snowboard, with English-speaking instructors and gentle terrain. The main lifts are a gondola and a cable car, which are easy with a board. As with most resorts, expect some drag lifts and a few flat sections. Inghams rates it 4/5.

There's little to do in the village itself beyond bars and restaurants. Non-skiers can take the gondola up to meet skiers for lunch, or catch a bus down the valley to La Massana and Andorra la Vella for tax-free shopping and the Caldea spa. A pedestrian (walking) lift pass costs €20.

Very popular with British families because of the English-speaking ski school, gentle slopes and relaxed, family-friendly bars and restaurants. Children under 6 ski free (bring their passport to the ticket office). Family Formula passes also give discounts. Downsides: the learning areas are up the gondola, the village is spread out, and some hotels are a walk from the lift.

Lively and informal, with British- and Irish-style bars, live music and party nights, plus steakhouses, a Mexican restaurant, pizzerias and tapas. The bottom of the Arinsal sector is the busiest après spot in Pal-Arinsal. It's fun and cheap rather than chic, and can get rowdy when groups are in.

The ski area runs from about 1,550 m to 2,560 m, mid-height by Alpine standards. Pal-Arinsal has nearly 300 snow cannons to back up natural snowfall. Pyrenean snow varies a lot from year to year. January to early March is usually the safest time. December and late March/April are riskier, and the lower slopes near the village suffer first.