November 29, 2008

What’s New for 2009 in Vallnord Ski Resort, Andorra

Vallnord Ski Resort in Andorra, formerly Pal-Arinsal and Arcalis, has invested 10 million Euro in the resort this year. Among the most important upgrades are a new declutchable sextuple chair lift in Arinsal and improved snowmaking net in the 3 ski areas: Arcalís, Arinsal and Pal.

Arcalis Area

  • 15 more snow machines in Arcalís area (Portella del Mig and Basera trails, with a total of 3 more km. covered).
  • Remodeling and adaptation of the Túnel trail in Arcalís area. It will change from blue (medium) to green (easy), gaining more room for beginners in the area that contains the most spectacular challenges of VALLNORD.
  • New Leitner snowplough, to keep offering the best ploughs of the Pyrenees.
  • As an innovation addressed to groups, Arcalís improves its quality this year by including home-made cooking.
  • From this season on, the brave ones will have a new activity to enjoy: Speed Riding. It combines paragliding with ski, allowing people to ski in the best trials of Andorra powered from a paraglide.

Arinsal Area

  • New declutchable sextuple chair lift “Arinsal” (which replaces the old double one). It will connect faster and in a more comfortable way, the mountain base at Arinsal (1550 mts. above sea level) with Comallemple, at 1950 mts. above sea level.
  • Snow machines installation at De la Pala trail, guaranteeing snow at almost 100% of the area.
  • New Kassbohrer snowplough to keep offering a perfect snow plough.
  • Remodeling of Freestyle area.
  • Remodeling of Obelix Snack-Bar-Restaurant in Arinsal, offering an easier access for skiers and making them feel comfortable during their ski pause.
  • Among other news for the upcoming 2009-10 season, it is expected snowmaking in the total area of Marrades trail in Arinsal. In doing so, Marrades will be skiable the whole season and skiers will enjoy the biggest Andorran slope (more than 1000 mts.), which goes from Alt de la Capa, at 2572 mts. above sea level, to Arinsal, at 1550 mts.

Pal Area

  • New chair lift at Pla de la Tosa, above Pic del Cubil. This chair lift will duplicate skiers transport capacity from Pal to Arinsal, Setúria or Coll de la Botella areas, being the latter, the neuralgic centre of winter activities (snowmobiles, snowshoes, mushing, sledges). Thanks to the new snow machines in this area, access from one area to the other is guaranteed.
  • Widening of Del Camí Inferior trail from Coll de la Botella up to Planell, and installation of snow machines, so skiers can enjoy both areas, Pal and Arinsal, during the whole season.
    New Freestyle area for beginners.
  • New terrace and outdoor “chiringuito” in Planell area (mountain base of trails in Pal), so people can enjoy the sun and beautiful views.

Ischgl Searching For “The Queen of the World”

Ischgl is looking for the most beautiful girl in the world and they’re pretty confident they’ll find her as the “Queen of the World” will be elected in the Tyrolean event ski metropolis Ischgl on 13 December.

Beauty queens from 50 countries will present themselves to the jury in the third largest beauty contest in the world

The Pardorama, a modern construction of steel and glass on the Pardatschgrat, with its terrific views of the mountain panorama, will provide the perfect setting for the beauty contest. Competitors will arrive from Australia to Nigeria, from Korea to Iceland – the most beautiful of the beautiful will present themselves to a celebrity jury in Austria’s highest event centre.

Erich Reindl, founder of “Miss Austria” and organiser of “Miss Germany” and “Miss World” for 20 years now, is an expert regarding Miss contests and, as co-organiser, will guarantee a glamorous event.

Queen of the World contests have already taken place in Moscow on the Red Square and on a Boeing 767 from Berlin to Frankfurt.

Tickets are available for 69 euros – including cable car access ticket, buffet and show – from Paznaun – Ischgl Tourist Association or at www.ischgl.com.