Pas De La Casa
Ski Resort

The first thing most people mention about Pas de la Casa is its duty-free status. Quite simply, it’s a good place to buy cheap alcohol – and tobacco, perfumes, electrical goods and anything else that normally has VAT or some other tax loaded onto its price. And inexpensive alcohol is a proven way to kick-start a party, and that’s the other thing Pas de la Casa is famous for. And whilst neither the resort nor its apres-ski scene are pretty, they can be fun, particularly if you like free vodka shots. And if you’re too old and sensible for that kind of holiday, try neighbouring Soldeu instead which is quieter and classier.

Then there is the skiing, and slightly to some people’s surprise, it’s quite impressive. Grandvalira is the name of the large lift-linked ski area that Pas de la Casa is just one part of, and it certainly lives up to the Grand part of its name, stretching over to Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter and finally onto the El Forn sector above Canillo. In total there are about 75 lifts (including a long one down to Encamp), 135 runs, 200 km of piste and 3 freestyle parks to choose from, which is more than enough to keep most skiers and boarders busy for a week, even if they stay sober and take advantage of uncrowded early morning slopes.

As well as being a large ski area, Grandvalira is also a high one, especially around Pas de la Casa itself, which is situated at 2050m above sea level, making it one of the highest ski resorts in Europe. The Grandvalira slopes also mostly face north and there is a lot of artificial snowmaking too, so the pistes should remain skiable into April.

Beginners and intermediates are spoilt for choice, and there are plenty of ski schools for those who want to learn or improve. Advanced skiers have a few challenges on-piste like the steep Avet run, as well as off-piste opportunities, particularly around Grau Roig and Pic d’Encampadana. The resort also organises day trips to Ordino-Arcalis which is included on the Grandvalira liftpass, and has good freeriding and ski touring, but it’s a long bus ride away.

As a resort to stay in, Pas de la Casa is charmless but convenient. Most of the accommodation is built of concrete but is situated on or near the slopes. The road running through the centre of the resort is also a busy one, but given the nightlife that surrounds it, it’s unlikely to be the main reason why visitors to Pas de la Casa seldom get a good night’s sleep.

Ultimate-Ski partner ALPINRESORTS.com works with several rental shops in Pas de la Casa and throughout Andorra and it also can secure significant discounts – check here for the latest special offers and shop locations