Andorra Ski Resorts Reopen After Storm Oriana Shutdown

Andorra's ski resorts, including Ordino Arcalís, shut down on Saturday due to severe weather from storm Oriana, with high-altitude sectors across stations closed amid strong winds and avalanche risks reaching level 4/5. Operations resumed Sunday under clear skies, though Arcalís and Naturland continued to face major limitations from snow buildup and access challenges.

The Comú d'Obres Exteriors (COEX) conducted intensive overnight work, including snow ploughing and preventive avalanche blasts along the CG-3 road to Arcalís, triggering visible slides. Similar efforts on Saturday targeted Bordes d'Envalira and Ransol. These measures ensured road access and supported the partial reopening of most resorts.

Grandvalira and Pal Arinsal reported nearly full domains operational Sunday, recovering from Saturday's wind-driven closures. Sector links remained disrupted earlier, such as between Arinsal and Pal, Encamp and Soldeu, Tarter and Encamp, and Tarter and Canillo—some requiring road travel. Areas like Peretol were deemed impassable due to conditions.

At Arcalís, only 10 of 27 pistes and 6 of 16 lifts were running, with sledding zones, children's circuits, freeride areas, and most skimo trails closed. The Hortell skimo circuit stayed open. Ordino Arcalís had fully suspended activities Saturday for safety, offering affected customers vouchers from Grandvalira Resorts for use in the current or next season, applicable to lift passes and ski/snowboard rentals.

Naturland struggled with heavy snow accumulations: at 1,600m, just a few activities operated, and the Tobotronc ride remained buried and unlikely to reopen soon despite continuous clearance. At 2,000m, monobikes, sleds, snowshoes, and Nordic skiing circuits were available.

The Meteorological Service maintained avalanche warnings Sunday despite sunny conditions, citing recent precipitation and winds. A yellow alert (level 3/5) applied to central and southern areas, with an orange alert (level 4/5) in the north, where natural triggers posed risks. High pressure was forecast to bring stability, though a front could introduce snow above 1,800m overnight into Monday. Authorities urged sticking to marked pistes.