Pal Arinsal Ski Resort Achieves Record 460,788 Ski Days in 2025-2026 Season Despite Shorter Operation

Pal Arinsal ski resort ended its 2025-2026 winter season with a record 460,788 ski days sold, up 9.1% from the prior year despite running for just 123 days—10 fewer than before. The performance marks the best results since joining Grandvalira Resorts in 2022-2023, driven by exceptional 540 cm snowfall, the highest in 22 years and 34% above last season. This kept snow depths near two metres, with over 90% of pistes open from January and frequent full operations, cutting snowmaking water use by 35% to 218,000 cubic metres.

Marketing director David Ledesma called the outcome "very good" for Pal Arinsal and "good" for Grandvalira Resorts overall, which includes Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal, and Ordino Arcalís. Prior-year losses of 3.7 million euros narrowed substantially, though final figures await release; sources suggest they could fall well below one million absent February's weather and access issues.

Strong starts at Immaculate Conception and Christmas led to January's 24% revenue rise, the best in years. February slowed amid adverse weather and RN20 closure to France—dropping French visitors to 3%—but hit a single-day record of 6,761 skiers on 15 February, aided by family-friendly Massana and Arinsal cable cars. March grew 15-16%. Growth spanned segments: direct sales +20.4%, one-day passes +15%, mid-stay (3-5 days) + nearly 16,000 days (+11%), season passes like Nord Pass and Andorra Pass +6,000 days with 13.76% more users. Mobile Pass and online sales rose 21%, average spend 3.5%, ski school 14%, and mountain dining 9.7%. Visitors increased across categories: adults +12.7%, children +9%, juniors +11.1%, non-skiers +16.7%. Satisfaction reached 8.91/10, up over last season, with 95% recommending. Spaniards dominated at 53% (Catalonia 26%, Valencia/Aragón/Balearics 16%), followed by UK/Ireland 17% (+10%), Portugal 10%, Andorrans 13%.

Easter week saw over 160,000 passes across Grandvalira Resorts from 28 March, with Good Friday (3 April) peaking at 22,000-22,500 skiers and 66,200 vehicles (46,900 Spanish, 19,300 French). Hotels neared full occupancy; Unió Hotelera's Albert Mora reported "very good" results near 66%—10 points above 2025. AEAT data: Ordino 83.67%, Andorra la Vella 78.29%, Canillo 74.45%, El Pas de la Casa 69.97%, Encamp 64.47% (Massana unavailable).

Ordino Arcalís closed last on 12 April with near-four-metre depths at altitude, 100% pistes open, and second place worldwide for snow per skiresort.info. It hosted the FIS Freeride World Championships and ISMF Comapedrosa Andorra World Cup with 108 athletes from 20 countries; weather cancelled the sprint but the 700m vertical race succeeded.

Caldea posted 11.7 million euros for 1 December-31 March (+4.25%) on higher tickets, 40% restaurant growth, and 8% shop sales despite fewer visitors. Retail saw high traffic but cautious spending.

Summer plans include Pal Arinsal's Bike Park and Bike World reopening 20 June with ANDBike Festival and a World Cup (9-12 July); Ordino Arcalís starts 6 June at Mirador Solar de Tristaina. Grandvalira Resorts promotes 2026-2027 season pass early bookings.