The Hotel Montane really knows how to make you feel at home and welcome. Little touches like being handed a complimentary hot wine each evening for après-ski just makes you feel like your in a 5 star hotel rather than a really excellent 3 star.

It's incredibly convenient too as you're just opposite the main gondola station, so there's no reason to be late for first lifts. Unless you're fuelling up on the gorgeous (and pretty extensive) continental breakfast that is.

From the hotel to…

Nearest lift: 20m

Tuition meeting point: 20m (top of lift)

Resort centre: In the centre

About the resort

Arinsal is the perfect place for beginners and families as there are plenty of nursery slopes, a superb British-run ski and board school and plenty of après-ski activities. Even though there's only 63km of pistes, improvers, intermediates and even the advanced will be tested at points. Hop on a bus and head to nearby Arcalis for some fantastic off-piste and even a couloir or two.

Off the mountain, Arinsal is small and friendly with a good choice of restaurants, a few shops and several lively bars to choose from. There are also a smattering of late-night bars and discos for the night owls.

Food and drink

Half-board meals are the order of the day at Hotel Montane. A continental breakfast is included but a cooked breakfast is available for an extra local charge. The evening meal comes with a choice of three delicious courses to fill you up after a busy day on the slopes.

The hotel also offers a packed lunch service every day to make it easier for you to stay out on the slopes for longer. Christmas is a full-on feast with a five-course traditional Christmas dinner. See the New Year in with a five-course dinner. Both festive meals are included in the price of your holiday. 

Rooms

The 27 rooms at the Montane are comfortable and nicely furnished with lots of lovely hardwood finishes and clean, open spaces. Each room comes with satellite TV, internet connection and an en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, bath or shower. Happily, all of the rooms have mountain views.

The rooms also have tea and coffee making facilities, so you don't have to leave to get your jolt of java or your morning brew.

Hotel features

Official rating: ***

Reception with small lounge area and open fire

Popular restaurant

Small bar with extensive wine menu

Free Wi-Fi in public areas

Equipment storage available (cost is approx. €30 per week for up to four set of skis or snowboards)

Travel info

Departure airports: Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands or Stansted

Departure day: Thursday (21 December), Wednesday (27 December), Tuesday (2 January) and Sunday (rest of the season)

Arrival airport: Lleida (in Spain)

Flight duration: 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes