Parròquia Ordino – Winter holidays amongst ancient villages and majestic mountains: In Ordino, a day’s skiing doesn’t necessarily begin at a valley station. Perhaps it starts with a coffee in a narrow alleyway, whilst the sun is already shining down on the snow-capped peaks from above the rooftops. Parròquia Ordino in the north of Andorra is not a single winter sports resort, but an entire valley region. As well as Ordino, this includes villages such as La Cortinada, Llorts and El Serrat. Those who prefer to stay in a traditional setting rather than amongst large hotel blocks will find a lovely base for their skiing holiday here. The road continues uphill from Ordino, past stone houses and deeper and deeper into the Pyrenees. At the end lies Ordino Arcalís. The ski area is compact but anything but monotonous: around 30.5 kilometres of slopes are spread across hillsides at altitudes between 1,940 and 2,625 metres. Thanks to its north-facing aspect, the snow often lasts a long time. On some days, the landscape up there is deeply wintry, whilst further down in the valley it already looks like spring. On the wide, gentler runs, families and those returning to the sport can enjoy a leisurely ski. More adventurous skiers will find red and black runs, as well as more challenging terrain off the groomed slopes. Ordino Arcalís has a particularly strong reputation amongst freeriders. However, anyone seeking powder snow should be aware of the avalanche risk and conditions and, if necessary, be accompanied by a mountain guide. And sometimes the best decision is simply to do another run on your favourite run. There’s no need to leave the resort for a break. From the terraces of the mountain restaurants, the view stretches across rugged peaks and wide snowfields. Up here, it all seems far away: deadlines, traffic, the usual daily grind. After all, that’s exactly why you head for the mountains. After a day’s skiing, it’s worth not heading straight back to the hotel. In La Cortinada stands the Romanesque church of Sant Martí, whilst in Ordino, old buildings tell the story of the valley. A stroll through the small villages also has its own charm. If you plan a day away from the slopes, you can explore the tranquil mountain landscape around the Sorteny Valley – depending on the weather and snow conditions, perhaps on a guided snowshoe hike. In the evenings, hearty mountain dishes feature on the menus, and if you have time to spare, you can linger a little longer after your meal rather than heading off straight away. A winter holiday in the Parròquia Ordino thus combines two things that don’t always go hand in hand: really good skiing and places that are well worth a visit even without ski lifts. And the next morning? It’s back up to Arcalís.
