What to wear
What to wear skiing in Arinsal.
Arinsal weather changes fast and the sun bounces off the snow harder than you'd expect — pack layers, pack sun cream, and don't skimp on the basics.
If this is your first time at a winter resort, you may be surprised by the range of weather you can encounter in a single day. The weather in Andorra is very localised and changes very quickly — you can leave the village in beautiful sunshine and be caught in a blizzard an hour later.
This guide walks through the gear we'd take for a week of skiing or snowboarding in Arinsal and Pal — what's essential, what's nice to have, and the bits that often catch first-timers out.
The kit list
Everything you'll want on the mountain.
Roughly ordered from most-important to nice-to-have. If you're unsure on something, our team in resort have probably tested it on the slopes themselves.
Helmet
Helmets keep you safer and warmer. Wearing one on the slopes in Andorra isn't compulsory, but it's highly recommended — for yourself and for everyone else on the mountain.
Hat
Plenty of shapes and styles to choose from. Whatever you go for, the important thing is keeping your head warm when you're not in a helmet.
Goggles
Essential, especially in bad weather. Goggles protect your eyes and you can get lenses designed for low light, which make a big difference when visibility drops.
Sunglasses
When the sun is out, snow reflects it back at you brutally. UV-protected sunglasses protect your eyes and help you actually see the piste. Plastic lenses are safer than glass.
Ski jacket
Waterproof is non-negotiable; windproof is highly recommended. Jackets with zip-in linings let you adjust to the weather — useful given how quickly conditions change here.
Salopettes / ski pants
Waterproof, weatherproof salopettes or ski pants keep your legs warm and dry. Especially worth investing in if you're a beginner snowboarder — you'll spend a lot of time on your bum.
Base layers
Layering is the easiest way to regulate your temperature on the mountain — pack a few base layers so you can add or strip one off without needing to head back to the hotel.
Ski socks
Good ski socks keep your feet warm all day. Wear one pair — doubling up causes rubbing and your feet end up uncomfortable by mid-morning.
Gloves
Waterproof gloves are essential whether you ski or snowboard. Snowboarders can find gloves with built-in wrist guards, which save your wrists a lot of effort on the learning curve.
Scarf
Handy for keeping the wind out of your face and stopping drafts running down inside your jacket. Quick and cheap, and you'll find yourself reaching for it on the windier days.
Neck warmer
Many find a neck warmer easier than a scarf on the mountain — less faff, doesn't come loose, and some double as a hat in a pinch.
Sun cream
Reapply often to anywhere exposed — at altitude, on snow, you'll burn faster than you expect. Snow-sport-specific creams come in small tubes designed to live in a pocket.
Lip salve
Lips dry out fast in extreme temperatures and the sun's still strong. A high-SPF lip salve protects against both — bring one and use it.
Hydration backpack
With all this gear, a rucksack is handy. A hydration pack means easy access to water on the mountain, plus you can stash snacks and save on lift-side prices.
Worth knowing
First-timer tips.
Weather here changes fast — leave the village in sunshine and you can be in a blizzard within an hour. Layer up.
Bring one pair of good ski socks rather than doubling up — doubling causes rubbing.
Snow reflects UV strongly. Apply sun cream regularly even on cloudy days.
Plastic-lens sunglasses are safer than glass on the mountain — easier to live with if you crash on them.
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