Ski holiday spotlight on: Arinsal in Andorra

• Country: Andorra
• Language spoken: Catalan/Spanish/French
• Great for: Families, young people, intermediates
• Season length: Early December to mid-April
• Range of runs: 16% very easy; 36% easy; 39% medium; 9% difficult
• Lifts: 8 magic carpets; 13 drags; 16 chairlifts; 2 gondolas; 1 cable car

Along with the neighbouring resort of Pal, Arinsal makes up part of the 63km of the Vallnord skiing region. The two resorts are connected by a cable car for access to over 40 different runs, so there’s more than enough to keep you busy.

There are a number of English-speaking ski schools in Arinsal which makes it a popular choice for British travellers who want to learn the slopes.

Many of the runs sit above the 1900m mark meaning decent snow coverage throughout the season, and with 296 snow cannons scattered around the mountain, you’re unlikely to encounter any sad brown hills even with poorer snowfall, as long as it's cold enough.

Families on the lookout for a resort that caters to all levels need look no further than Arinsal. Due to the vast number of easy and beginner-friendly runs, you won’t be constantly watching your back for carefree powder hounds ripping past. This side of the Pyrénées also tends to benefit from quieter slopes in peak ski holiday times so you won’t be battling such heavy queues for the lifts.

The childcare facilities in the resort are second to none, and the on-mountain crèche means you can get your practice in on the slopes while the little ones are taken care of. Ski school is a fantastic option for kids who are ready to take on the mountain, with classes accommodating for snow bunnies aged 4 to 15. They’ll have fun learning and mastering the basic techniques with new friends, while you can make your way down the mountain and perfect your parallel turns. Lift passes are also free to under 16s when you book an adult pass.

Andorra’s virtually tax-free status lends itself well to those travelling on a budget or in larger groups. It can make a big difference when you’re feeding a family of four on the mountain-side every day!

While there’s plenty of piste to keep you busy in Arinsal, why not make the most of the Vallnord lift pass and venture further afield? More challenging tracks can be found in Vallnord’s most northern resort, Ordino-Arcalis. Freeriders and off-piste skiers should head this way to enjoy the quieter slopes and more intimidating descents. Not only has this underrated spot hosted the Freeride World Tour, it’s also home to some of the best off-piste skiing in the Pyrenees.

The free bus service runs Monday to Saturday from the bottom of Arinsal’s gondola and heads back in the afternoon to give you a good day out. Beginners won’t feel left out here though. The gentle green run that stretches for 8km provides some of the most breathtaking views of the area, while intermediates in search of a challenge could test their turns one of the mountain’s red or black runs.

Connectivity to Pal via the 50-person cable car gives you access to miles of intermediate and beginner-friendly runs and, as neither resort is overwhelmingly large, you’ll be able to rack up some mileage without much hassle. Let the trees guide your way down the piste on beautiful alpine runs like La Camellada, or try the red Fontanal de les Roques run for a slightly more forgiving terrain.

Arinsal has a very good reputation for its après scene, with friendly locals and a cheery atmosphere ready to welcome you after a tiring day on the mountain. Of the three resorts in Vallnord, Arinsal is the place to be for après and nightlife, hosting everything from pub quizzes to late night parties.

For a mid-afternoon pint and a proper taste of après on the slopes, make a beeline for Polar Bear which sits conveniently at the top of the gondola. Sit out on the patio and enjoy a few refreshing drinks as you bask in the sun and grab a bite to eat while you’re there.

El Cabin is a firm favourite amongst skiers and snowboarders. Its idyllic location by the river makes it the perfect place to relax with a tipple of your choice after a day of tumbles down the slopes. There’s no better place to party than Cisco’s where DJs and live music will keep you dancing all night, plus at around £1.50 for a small beer your wallet won’t object to a few here.

Vallnord is home to two snowparks, one in Arcalis and one in Arinsal. The latter is the bigger of the two, offering a playground of jumps and jibs to everyone from complete newbies to expert shredders.

If you’re serious about perfecting your slope style, the freestyle school teaches sessions led by seasoned riders who will help you master your technique and give you the confidence to try out some of the more dynamic tricks.

Arcalis’ boarder cross was the site of the SBX World Championship in 2014, but has since been adapted so skiers and boarders of all abilities can enjoy the park’s challenges.

At only 181 square miles, Andorra is one of the smallest nations in Europe so it’s not hard to get around and explore here. The nation’s capital, Andorra la Vella, is roughlya 10-minute bus ride away from Arinsal and boasts the best shopping in the Pyrénées. Meritxell Avenue lies at the heart of the city and it’s here where you’ll uncover all that Andorra has to offer by way of fashion, beauty and designer goods.

After lugging all those shopping bags around you’ll want to relax and unwind, so head to Caldea, Europe’s largest thermal spa. Make like the end-of-season snow and melt into a blissful state with one of the indulgent treatments on offer or simply enjoy the thermal spring waters; just what you need to revive your achy muscles.

Closer to home, Pal is a hub of extra-curricular activity when you want to set your skis or board aside. At El Planell you’ll find everything from sledging to ski bikes, but it’s when the sun sets that the most fun is had. Head out on a night-time snowmobile or dog-sledding excursion from Pal-Arinsal for a true alpine experience before ending the evening with an authentically Andorran meal at one of the resort’s exceptional restaurants.