The largest ski resort in the Pyrenees

Vallnord covers two of Andorra’s oldest ski areas, Arinsal and Pal. The two were connected by a cable car in the early 2000s, opening up 63km of excellent Pyrenean slopes.

These days, the resort is more commonly known as Arinsal-Pal and has become part of Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, along with the famed Grandvalira, Andorra’s largest resort, and Ordino-Arcalis, a freeriding hotspot. The merger means it’s now possible to ski more than 300km of slopes across the three resorts under a single pass – ideal if your school group wants to try all that Andorra can offer.

  • Uncrowded slopes
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • Beginners
  • Resort Height: 2560 m
  • No. of Lifts: 45
  • No. of Trails: 42
  • Easy Runs: 22
  • Medium Runs: 16
  • Difficult Runs: 4
  • Skiable Area: 63 km
  • Longest Run: 6 km
  • Snow Making: 60% coverage
  • Lift Pass: Sierra Nord Pass
  • Ice Skating
  • Sledging
  • Snowshoe hikes
  • Bowling
  • Movie Nights

A great option for school groups

Vallnord covers two of Andorra’s oldest ski areas, Arinsal and Pal. The two were connected by a cable car in the early 2000s, opening up 63km of excellent Pyrenean slopes.

These days, the resort is more commonly known as Arinsal-Pal and has become part of Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, along with the famed Grandvalira, Andorra’s largest resort, and Ordino-Arcalis, a freeriding hotspot. The merger means it’s now possible to ski more than 300km of slopes across the three resorts under a single pass – ideal if your school group wants to try all that Andorra can offer.

Pal–Arinsal

Pal-Arinsal is best suited to groups of beginners and intermediates. The nursery slopes at Arinsal are wide and forgiving, making it an excellent place for first-timers to build confidence.

From there, your students can progress onto the longer blue and red runs that wind through the tree-lined slopes of Pal. There are fewer black runs than in other resorts, so you may want to look elsewhere if you have an advanced group.

For Experienced Skiers

For more experienced skiers, Ordino-Arcalís is a 30-minute drive from Arinsal. The area offers much more challenging terrain and exceptional snow conditions, thanks to its high altitude and north-facing slopes. Known as Andorra’s snowiest resort, you’ll find steep red and black runs, along with opportunities for instructor-led off-piste skiing.

Ordino-Arcalís is a unique, technical challenge suited to the best skiers. It’s not appropriate for most schools, but if you have a ski club or small, experienced group, then it’s worth considering.

Accommodation

Keep Your Group Entertained

At Vallnord, the fun doesn’t end when the skiing stops. Regardless of whether you stay in La Massana or Arinsal, there’s a range of après-ski activities designed for school groups. Your students can take a splash at the local swimming pool, enjoy tasty pizzas, compete at bowling, and more.

We can also organise visits for tax-free shopping or a trip to the famous Caldea thermal spa, giving students a taste of Andorran culture.

Sunshine, snow, and spectacular views in Europe’s southernmost resort

Sierra Nevada is one of the most unique ski resorts in Europe.

Its location in southern Spain means year-round sunshine and generally clear conditions throughout the day. Yet, owing to a base elevation of 2,100m, snow is almost a certainty in the Sierra Nevada, with the season typically running from late November to May.

If you’re after a ski resort off the beaten track, with few queues and modern facilities, then Sierra Nevada is ideal.

  • High-altitude skiing
  • Long season
  • Modern facilities
  • Mediterranean climate with sunny days
  • Resort Height: 3300 m
  • No. of Lifts: 23
  • No. of Trails: 134
  • Easy Runs: 70
  • Medium Runs: 53
  • Difficult Runs: 7
  • Skiable Area: 112.5 km
  • Longest Run: 6 km
  • Snow Making: 34% coverage
  • Name of Lift Pass Required: Sierra Nevada Pass
  • Ice Skating
  • Tubing
  • Bowling
  • Movie Nights

Excellent Snow Conditions

Sierra Nevada boasts over 100 kilometres of skiable terrain, catering to all skill levels. The resort’s state-of-the-art lift system ensures quick and easy access to a variety of runs, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging trails for advanced skiers.

The high altitude means excellent snow conditions can be expected throughout the season, although there is an arsenal of 390 snow cannons to supplement the slopes, should they be needed in the Andalusian sunshine.

For Beginner Skiers

Borreguiles serves as the main hub for skiers at Sierra Nevada. At the centre is a ski bowl with wide, gentle slopes that are perfect for those new to the sport, with several magic carpets and easy chairlifts.

As confidence builds, skiers can progress to longer blue runs that offer stunning panoramic views and, at the end of the day, ski all of the way back down to Pradollano.

For Experienced Skiers

For more experienced skiers, there’s a huge range of blues, reds and blacks starting from the Veleta Peak and circling the entire resort. There are so many options that your group can spend the entire week trying out different descent paths from Veleta, one of Spain’s highest peaks at 3,398m.

Regardless of which route you choose, expect sweeping vistas and well-groomed pistes the whole way.

Under The Radar

Spain flies under the radar as a ski destination. But that’s what makes it a brilliant choice for school groups. Compared to the French Alps, which are busy every day of the season, resorts like Sierra Nevada are much quieter – there are fewer tourists and locals only tend to visit on the weekend. For you, that means more time skiing and less time queuing.

Plus, a school ski trip to Sierra Nevada is not just about winter sports. You can also take the opportunity to experience the Andalusian culture. Add on a visit to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace, experience a flamenco show, and sample authentic local tapas.

Accommodation

Keep Your Group Entertained

Beyond the slopes, Sierra Nevada has a wealth of activities tailored for school groups. The Mirlo Blanco recreation area features attractions such as ice skating, tobogganing, and the thrilling Russian Sleigh ride.

Evening options include bowling, discos, film nights, night skiing, and even visits to the nearby historic city of Granada.

Experience the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees

Landlocked Andorra, set in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees, is a mountainous micro-state known for its brilliant ski resorts (and tax-free shopping!).

Grandvalira is one of the country’s best resorts – covering a huge 215km of interconnected terrain to make it the largest in the Pyrenees.

  • Large Ski Area
  • Reliable Snow Conditions
  • Mixed Abilities
  • Resort Height: 2640 m
  • No. of Lifts: 76
  • No. of Trails: 140
  • Easy Runs: 66
  • Medium Runs: 52
  • Difficult Runs: 22
  • Skiable Area: 215 km
  • Longest Run: 8 km
  • Snow Making: 66% coverage
  • Name of Lift Pass Required: Grandvalira Ski Pass
  • Ice Skating
  • Bowling
  • Tubing
  • Thermal Spa
  • Evening Quiz

Excellent conditions throughout the season

Grandvalira offers an unparalleled skiing experience. The resort’s snowmaking system means excellent conditions throughout the season, and the efficient lift network provides quick access to every corner of the resort.

The resort itself contains several “sectors” – Canillo, El Tarter, Encamp, Grau Roig, Pas de la Casa, Peretol, and Soldeu. Each is complete with a range of food and drink facilities, beginner areas, and snowparks.

For Beginner Skiers

Soldeu and El Tarter are among the most popular sectors of Grandvalira for beginners and intermediates. From tree-lined home runs that snake their way down to trickier sections at higher altitudes, it’s ideal for those who are building confidence and learning new skills.

That said, for those ready to take the next step and challenge themselves further, there’s a black run, Aliga, which was used for the World Cup in 2016.

For Experienced Skiers

If you have more experienced skiers in your school group, then there’s plenty of more challenging terrain around Pas de la Casa. This sector is set at a higher altitude, well above the tree line.

As a result, there are snow-sure conditions, with the sector well-known for thrilling red and black runs, as well as off-piste options. The next sector along, Grau Roig, is home to some of the resort’s best red runs, including the stunning Montmalus.

Under The Radar

Grandvalira’s diverse terrain is why we recommend it for schools. We’re confident that everyone in your group will have a fantastic experience here. Beginners can develop their skills in the safe and welcoming nursery slopes, while intermediates enjoy the long, flowing reds that link the sectors.

Advanced skiers will relish the technical challenges and off-piste possibilities that make Grandvalira a favourite with locals and pros alike (Granvalira is often used for professional racing events).

Accommodation

Keep Your Group Entertained

Grandvalira excels in offering exciting après-ski activities designed specifically for younger groups. School groups can enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing excursions, all set against the stunning Pyrenean backdrop. For something more relaxing, we can organise bowling, quiz nights, or even a visit to a thermal spa.

If you want to take a break from the slopes, we can arrange for your group to visit the charming towns nearby and learn more about life in Andorra.

A hidden gem in the Pyrenees

As the name suggests, Alp2500 sits high in the stunning Pyrenees mountains of northern Spain.

With over 140km of varied slopes, modern infrastructure, and breathtaking scenery, this resort is an exciting alternative to the Alps for school groups. Students and teachers will enjoy expertly prepared pistes and friendly Spanish hospitality – with a side of sunshine and guaranteed snow. It’s no wonder so many schools return year after year.

  • Large Interconnected Ski Area
  • Reliable Snow Conditions
  • Mixed Abilities
  • Resort Height: 2535 m
  • No. of Lifts: 34
  • No. of Trails: 116
  • Easy Runs: 61
  • Medium Runs: 39
  • Difficult Runs: 16
  • Skiable Area: 141 km
  • Longest Run: 7 km
  • Snow Making: 50% coverage
  • Lift Pass: La Molina – Masella Ski Pass
  • Night Skiing
  • Tubing and Sledging
  • Ice Skating
  • Bowling

An unforgettable experience

Alp2500 connects two popular ski areas: La Molina and Masella.

The result? One of the largest and most dynamic ski regions in Spain. Slopes range from 1600m to over 2500m, offering something for everyone. There are wide, gentle runs for beginners or challenging blacks for advanced skiers, which makes Alp2500 ideal for schools with a mix of abilities.

One ski pass connects the entire skiable domain, so whether you’re exploring tree-lined pistes, basking in the sunshine on open slopes, or practising turns in the dedicated learning zones, Alp2500 promises an unforgettable experience.

La Molina

La Molina is Spain’s oldest ski resort, opening in 1943. Since then, generations of skiers have returned year after year. Its extensive beginners’ area is designed to ease first-timers into skiing and encourage progression. Elsewhere, separate snowpark and boardercross zones pull in the thrill-seekers, while there are plenty of expansive blue and red runs crisscrossing the resort for intermediates.

Masella

Known for its forested slopes, Masella offers a slightly more challenging terrain – with a higher volume of reds and blacks for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Regardless of whether you choose to ski down or not, it’s worth taking the gondola to the summit of La Tosa, where groups can take in panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

Perfect for All Abilities

The main reason our school groups love Alp2500 is the variety of runs. It’s a truly fantastic choice for all skill levels. Beginners will thrive in La Molina’s safe and supportive learning zones, while intermediates can enjoy the long, flowing reds and blues that connect the two ski areas. Advanced skiers will appreciate the thrilling black runs (give El Tub a shot if you dare) and off-piste opportunities, along with the chance to ski under the stars.

Accommodation

With two interconnected resorts, keeping a school group entertained off the slopes is easy at Alp2500. Both La Molina and Masella have a variety of child-friendly après-ski activities.

For something easy, most groups will enjoy an evening at the local bowling alley or relax together in the cosy mountain cafes, sampling hot chocolate and traditional Spanish churros. But if your group still has energy to burn, then why not try night skiing at Masella for a unique experience?