In this article
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The UCI MTB World Cup returns to Pal Arinsal from 9 to 12 July 2026. This edition includes Olympic cross-country (XCO), short track (XCC) and downhill (DHI). See the official programme for details.
If you already have tickets, this guide will help you decide where to stay. Compare the areas, recommended hotels and transport options so you can focus on enjoying the races.
Getting to the venue: this will determine where you stay
The main access to the venue is the La Massana cable car. If you come by car, the road to Pal is restricted to non-accredited vehicles from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so the best option is to leave your car in La Massana and take the cable car up. The organiser runs shuttle buses between La Massana and Pal on Saturday and Sunday, departing every half hour from La Massana and every hour from Pal.
Bike parking is also available if you are cycling. Urban bus lines L5 and L6 connect Andorra la Vella with the Centre Vila stop in La Massana, right beside the cable car. Children up to five enter free. Access to the venue is included with an Andorra Pass, Nord Pass or Bike Pass season pass.
- L5 (Andorra–Arinsal) and L6 (Andorra–Ordino) serve Centre Vila in La Massana.
- Allow for event traffic restrictions on the road to Pal.
- Children up to five enter free; season-pass access is included.
Three areas to stay for the event
La Massana is the most practical choice: it is beside the cable car that takes you to the venue, so you do not need a car or bus to enter the event. Availability is limited and may already be low, so book as soon as you find a suitable room.
Arinsal is in the same Pal Arinsal valley, a few minutes by car or bus from La Massana. It has a mountain-bike atmosphere and is ideal if you also plan to ride; hotels offer bike-friendly services and bike storage, and event shuttles connect with the venue.
Andorra la Vella and Escaldes are a little farther away, but have more hotels. Buses L5 and L6 reach the La Massana cable car, and a central stay also makes it easy to shop or enjoy activities in Andorra's main town.
- La Massana: best for immediate cable-car access; limited accommodation.
- Arinsal: mountain setting, bike-friendly services and nearby resort access.
- Andorra la Vella and Escaldes: more hotels and central-town activities, about 30 minutes away.
| Area | Access to the venue | Why stay here |
|---|---|---|
| La Massana | Beside the Pal cable car | Most practical; no car or bus needed to board the lift |
| Arinsal | A few minutes by car or bus from La Massana | Mountain atmosphere, bike services and storage |
| Andorra la Vella and Escaldes | L5/L6 bus to the La Massana cable car; about 30 minutes | More hotels, shopping, restaurants and activities |
Recommended hotels
These are several hotels I personally recommend, from a cable-car-side mountain stay to central alternatives in Escaldes.
| Hotel | Area | Guest score | Location and facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Rutllan & Spa | La Massana | 8.9/10 | Five-minute walk to the cable car; spa, restaurant and parking |
| Yomo Patagonia | Arinsal | 8.6/10 | Slope-side; bike workshop, wash area and parking |
| Hotel Roc Blanc & Spa | Escaldes | 9.0/10 | About 30 minutes to the cable car by L5 from Centre Vila; spa and restaurant |
| Hotel Metrópolis | Escaldes | 9.2/10 | Modern central hotel near the bus stop and shopping area |
“A true mountain hotel”
9.0 — Exceptional+ A mountain hotel like they hardly make any more: cosy and warm, with a lounge that invites you to read or play in the evenings. The fireplace is wonderful, breakfast is very good and varied, and the location by the cable car is exceptional.
− The rooms are a little dated, although that is part of their charm. When they renovate, they might lose some of that character.
“Excellent”
9.0 — Exceptional+ Very friendly staff, delicious breakfast and large, well-equipped rooms with a small kitchen and fridge. They let us take our bikes up to the room balcony, which made us feel more at ease. Overall, very good.
− The dinners could have been a little more varied, but everything was well cooked.
“A pleasant stay”
10.0 — Exceptional+ Everything was impeccable. We were very happy and satisfied with our stay at Roc Blanc.
− I did not notice anything that could be improved.
“Perfect, very close to Caldea and central Andorra”
10.0 — Exceptional+ Very spacious and very clean.
− Nothing.
Partner hotels — book officially through Pal Arinsal
If you prefer an official booking, the event organisers list partner hotels in La Massana and Arinsal with special conditions for the World Cup. You can check availability and book directly through the official accommodation page.
This is a convenient option if you do not want to compare hotels one by one or have questions about which area to choose. The Pal Arinsal team can advise you and manage the package.
- Official partner accommodation: hotels in La Massana and Arinsal.
- For specific requirements, contact the event accommodation team directly.
Tickets and programme
Tickets start at €25 per day, including the cable car. An Early Booking discount is available until 28 June. Children up to five enter free, and season-pass holders have access included.
Tickets are available from the official Pal Arinsal website. The organiser also offers hotel-and-ticket packages from €39 per night if you have not booked accommodation yet.
Born and raised in Encamp, Andorra. In my free time I explore my country and share the best activities, trails and hidden spots that most travel guides don't mention.
