I went on my first snowboarding holiday in March 2005 and had no idea what to expect. We picked Andorra (partly due to finances - it is much cheaper than many other resorts!). I was a little bit concerned as I had heard that snow could be sparse here, but our coach transfer from the airport was delayed by 5 hours due to avalanches and snow blocks - so definitely no problems here! In fact my first experience up a mountain was in blizzard conditions - very cool! But yes, the coach transfer of an average 3 hours from toulouse to resort is a bit of a pain.

We chose the Princesa Park which is a 4 * hotel. It was absolutely fantastic, particularly for the price we paid (£500 half board). The room was quite small, but very comfortable and extremely clean. The restaurant was lovely - all buffet food but very varied, and you could also get steak and kebabs cooked to order. The only problem is eating too much! you can also have champagne breakfast everyday if you like (only spotted this on the last day !) You do have to queue in the evening to get in the restaurant at peak times as it is a popular hotel, but you can book tables in the "posher" end of it if you want (in a raised section with nicer tables, linen and service).

The hotel has an in door pool (more of a "bathing" pool, not really big or deep enough to swim, with hydrotherapy chairs, two jacuzzis, two saunas, turkish bath and ice showers! Just the thing when your muscles are aching from boarding . However, the hotel does charge extra for this, can't remember the exact charge but somethign like £10 for 2 hours. We found this best on our last day when we came off the piste early - there was no-one else in there so had it all to ourselves!

Ski school was excellent, a very good resort for beginners. I'm told that it's not great for advanced, don't really know about intermediate (being a beginner myself!). But if it's your first or second time, definitely worth a try. The gondolas are a 2 minute walk from the hotel doors - not exactly ski in ski out as there are steps etc , but very convenient!

If you like nightlife, Arinsal has a small but lively centre. We spent most of our time in the Bar Solana (below hotel Solana) - try being suspended from a snowboard attached to the ceiling whilst drinking half a lager in under 5 seconds (Kelvin can!). And if you are handy with a hammer you will rule at the "Nail game" that is everywhere out there! But there are quieter options aswell, and the bar at the Princesa Park is very tranquil with piano music most evenings.

Overall, great beginners resort with a bit of everything, hotel very good value for money and we were told the best hotel in the resort. Will be going next year - Enjoy!