14 kilometres from Ordino and 22 from Andorra la Vella, the ski resort of Vallnord is one of the most active in looking for incentives for its visitors. On the one hand, they have a new run called Les Marrades, which allows skiers to descend directly down to the village of Arinsal. On the other, the beginners Túnel run has been extended and is now the longest green run in Andorra.

For the more daring, enthusiasts can combine skiing with paragliding thanks to the second year of speed riding in the resort with its own school. With the snowplus package, the client has his own personal instructor for the duration of his stay in Vallnord.

In Arcalís, the resort has eight runs which have been officially approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Vallnord offers the possibility of emulating a World Cup trial, with slalom flags, timekeeping and even a podium. They can also be booked for private use.

Heliski can be enjoyed at the heliport, but this is only for the most experienced skiers. To descend on powdery snow after having been dropped from a helicopter is only for the most intrepid. The heliport is also the centre for more relaxed activities such as a trip over the Valles del Norte (parishes of Ordino and La Massana).

Scuba-diving in a lake formed by a glacier 

If what you have read up to now seems spectacular, you are now in for a surprise. The experience is called Diving Vallnord. This innovative activity offers you the possibility of scuba-diving in the frozen lakes of Andorra. The initiation for beginners takes place in La Bassa de la Canaleta, at an altitude of 2,060 metres. This is a semi-artificial reservoir which can be accessed on foot.

For the more experienced divers, immersion takes place in Tristaina, a lake originating from a glacier 2,305 metres high and 23 metres deep, which you can get to along a track using snowshoes. This is a real adventure forcing you to defy extremely low temperatures.

Leisure activities in La Massana 

Back on dry land, La Massana offers good leisure alternatives. El Parque Natural Comunal de los Valles del Comapedrosa gives visitors the opportunity of appreciating the surroundings of the villages of Pal, Arinsal, Aldosa and La Massana. You can also visit the Romanesque Interpretation Centre. Afterwards, we recommend completing the tour with a personal visit to the churches of Sant Cristòfol de Anyós or Sant Climent de Pal.

The iron-working museum of  Farga Rossel, very recommendable, reminds visitors of the importance of Andorra as a source of this mineral between the 17th and 19th centuries.

The visit to La Massana is in no way complete without sitting at a table at restaurants such as Borda Raubert (tel.: 376 835 420) or El Rusc (tel.: 376 838 200, awarded with one Sol in the Repsol Guide). These typical buildings of Andorra are large houses which were formerly used at different moments as granaries, stables or storehouses. Today, the majority have been reformed and are restaurants where you can try the Andorra's traditional cuisine, such as game, trout, barbecued meat, cured meats, sausages and escudella  soup.