Sector: Arinsal
The imposing pyramidal peak of Pic Alt de la Capa, which towers over Arinsal's upper snowbowl, offers this sector's highest and steepest slopes.
The uppermost lift-accessible point is reached via the steep La Capa button tow, although this is seldom open because high winds often strafe across these exposed heights. Fresh snowfalls are thus frequently blown off as soon the weather clears, leaving the face of Pic Alt de la Capa bare and inaccessible. However, when conditions are right, these slopes offer Arinsal's most thrilling rides and the feeling of having truly conquered the mountain.
One tried and tested route (
‘La Capa’) is marked on the Vallnord piste map, but the slopes are never groomed and this whole area is designated as a
‘FreeRide Area’; allowing riders to experience the buzz of off-piste conditions without having to stray from the patrolled ski area.
This is also a great place to build cheese-wedge ramps, to launch off for some seriously big air when the snow depth provides for a safe landing zone. Put your best posing head on though, because everyone on the nearby lifts and over at the
Xina Igloo bar/restaurant terrace will be watching; but you probably knew that!
To access the
FreeRide Area, take La Capa button tow from the
Port Negre ridge; or, if that lift is closed, simply traverse as high as you can across the face of Pic Alt de la Capa beyond the main
La Pala piste. Once on the face, the most technical route is achieved by riding furthest out to the skier's right, with a couple of rocky outcrops to negotiate before running out on to the
Port Vell & Margarida pistes and/or
La Tossa piste. These will take you to the
Port Negre chairlift and towards the
Comallempla 1950 base level, via the
MexicObelix bar/restaurant area.
