Årdal, who started for the Jølster IL , took part mainly in FIS races from 2002 to 2013 . He achieved third place three times. His first race in the Continental Cup was in Gaasbu in December 2002 and finished in 57th place in the sprint. He made his debut in the cross-country skiing world cup in March 2005 in Drammen , which he finished in 37th place in the sprint. In 2006 and 2007 he achieved positions 45 and 46 at the Sprint World Cups in Drammen. In January 2008 in Joulumae he achieved his best placement in the Scandinavian Cup with sixth place in the sprint . He completed his fourth and last World Cup race in March 2008 in Drammen. He got his only World Cup points with the 24th place in the sprint.