Not only is Pas de la Casa the highest ski resort in the Pyrenees (it sits at a lofty 2100m), but it’s also the sunniest. The après ski scene is arguably one of the best in Europe, and the resort is also home to some of the best shopping in the country… so far, so good!
The first lift was installed by ski legend Francesc Viladomat in 1956, and the resort has been growing ever since. The village of Grau Roig was soon incorporated into the ski area, and when the resorts joined forces (and linked lifts) with Soldeu-el Tarter in 2003, they became known as Grandvalira, and formed the largest ski area in the Pyrenees.
Pas itself is physically very close knit- the main bars, restaurants and hotels are all located around a central strip making everything incredibly accessible. With low drinks prices, an abundance of free shots and late opening times throughout the resort, the après ski alone is enough to justify a visit.
In fact, the town’s architecture is one of the only areas in which Pas de La Casa is lacking, and appears to have been inspired by an art deco housing project. However, after a few free shots (which are often handed out like confetti) the visual appeal of your hotel is likely to become much less of an issue...
With such focus on the off slope attractions, it’s easy to forget about the skiing you’ll have access to. There’s a great selection of runs for all abilities - 210km in total served by 64 modern lifts which can whisk 100,700 snow lovers up the mountain every hour. The area includes Soldeu-El Tarter, Encamp, Grau Roig and Canillo as well as Pas alongside some fantastic freeriding, 3 well maintained snow parks, a permanent boarder cross course and 3 snow circuits for the kids.
Location: Andorra, Pyrenees.
Established: 1956
Open: December - April
Downhill: 210 km
View our detailed Pas De La Casa snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Pas De La Casa snow history.
Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
Lleida-Alguaire Airport - Spain | 150km, 3 hours |
Toulouse Blagnac Airport - France | 195km, 70 minutes |
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Top Altitude: | 2600m |
Bottom Altitude: | 1710m |
Resort Altitude: | 2100m |
Longest run: | 5 km |
Slope Orientation: | NE, NW, E |
Vertical Drop: | 890m |
Skiable Vertical: | 890m |
Night Skiing: | Yes |
Glacier: | No |
Downhill Runs: | 210 km |
Beginner slopes: | 53% |
Intermediate: | 25% |
Advanced slopes: | 21% |
Lift Pass Price: | 240 € (adult 6 day) |
Nearby resorts: Soldeu & El Tarter |
The variety of terrain is apparent as soon as you leave the village- from the six seater Font Negre or the smaller Costa Rodonda you’ll be able to access one of the regions snowparks, the boardercross track, beginners zone and a freeriding area.
The beginners area at the base of the valley has a few incredibly gentle lifts and approachable nursery slopes and at the end of the day all levels of skier can ski right down into the village – the red/blue Tubs will take you virtually to the door of your hotel.
There’s more advanced terrain just over the mountain at Grau Roig- most of the runs here are red and black – though the gentle blue Pastora, which takes you down into the centre is the route favoured by the many intermediates on the way over to Soldeu.
Here, the two six-seater Pla de les Pedres lifts are amongst the most popular in resort and open up both sides of the mountain. The surrounding areas are an intermediates paradise, with a massive selection of red and blue runs- if you’re adept at reading piste maps you’ll be able to pick a route that starts at the peak of the Collada D’Enradort and winds its way all the way down to the village of Soldeu.
Advanced skiers and boarders will also feel at home over here, and will find the Snowpark El Tarter (expertly maintained by the staff at Coliflor freestyle), some technical mogul runs, and more designated freeriding areas. Overall there are four snowparks in the vicinity, and with some of the longest riding hours around (the parks are often open until well into the evening), unprecedented amounts of sunshine and fantastic park grooming, Grandvalira is a brilliant location for budding park skiers.
Pas de La Casa really comes into its own when it comes to the après scene, with locals and tourists alike taking liberal advantage of the duty free drink prices and late opening times.
Eating out is much cheaper than you’d expect in a ski resort as well- most of the restaurants serve a selection of family friendly European food, though you’ll be able to find some local Andorran specialties (such as the warming escudella stew) at Costa Rodona. There’s a McDonalds and a Burger King for the unadventurous, whilst El Gargantua is the place to go if you’re feeling like a fondue and at La Copa you’ll be able to enjoy steaks cooked over an open fire.
It’s the pubs and clubs that really set Pas apart from the competition. The Kamikaze Surf Bar is the first port of call for many- located on the slopes a short ski from town, the party gets going when the slopes close, and often doesn’t end till well into the night… you might want to regress to a snowplough to get home!
The pirate themed Perla Negra is a sure crowd pleaser. With decent pub grub served all day, live sports on the big screens (often with English commentary) and a nightly DJ, it never disappoints. At Deja Beer you can pull your own pints- there’s a different beer on tap at each table- and the nightly and weekly league tables on the big screens can often lead to things getting a wee bit out of hand… luckily they also serve some great tapas and delicious pizzas!
Underground is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a London Underground themed bar and is one of the oldest and most popular in resort. The party gets started here as soon as the slopes close and carries on well into the night- it’s often the reason you’ll see people still dressed for the slopes wandering the streets in the early hours!
Whilst the snow here isn’t as guaranteed as in some of the larger European resorts, it is the best in the Pyrenees, and off the slopes you’re assured of a great time year round. Visiting over peak dates is a lot less stressful, expensive and crowded than you’d expect, and the resorts infrastructure easily keeps up with an increase in the crowds. The main holiday dates are always enjoyable in Andorra- New Year is especially well celebrated- so a visit during these times is highly recommended. The best snow conditions are during February and early March, so a cheap half term trip is certainly on the cards. Late season snow isn’t always the best, but with so many al fresco restaurants and bars you’re almost guaranteed to come home with a suntan.
Christmas in Pas de La Casa will see you celebrating with Spanish, French and Catalan locals, as well as the great expat crowd. Pas De La Casa Christmas ski holidays ‣
Spend New Years in Pas de La Casa and you’ll be partying all week. There’ll be a truly international vibe from the locals, and tourists are made to real right at home. Pas De La Casa New Year ski holidays ‣
February half term in Pas de La Casa will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. With great skiing, unbeatable après and far less crowds than you’d expect, it’ll be a relaxing week for the whole family. Pas De La Casa Half Term ski holidays ‣
You’ll see so much sun over Easter in Pas de La Casa that your friends will think you’ve been on the beach! Good snowmaking should ensure there’s still enough snow, but if not just head to a terrace for some sunny après. Pas De La Casa Easter ski holidays ‣
Despite the sometimes raucous après ski scene within resort, there’s a lot to be said for a family trip to Pas de La Casa. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place for a first time family trip, and with costs much lower than a more mainstream destination it’ll be much friendlier on the pocket as well.
Ski passes, equipment hire and tuition are all less expensive than many of the larger resorts, so if you’re not too sure how the kids will take to the snow it’s a safe choice of destination. There are plenty of family friendly restaurants to try out in the evenings as well, with most serving a range of European favourites, from fondue and raclettes at the La Gratinada to the more traditional Andorran delicacies on offer at Costa Rodonda.
The range of slopes is also ideal for families, especially mixed ability runs. The beginner area at the base of Pas de La Casa is perfect for anyone taking their first steps on snow, intermediates will have the whole of the mountain at their disposal thanks to a great network of blue and red runs, and any adventurous youngsters will soon be at home in one of the four snow parks or many freeriding areas.
Even during peak dates the airports aren’t usually too crowded, as don’t serve too many ski resorts so pick one of our packages including flights and transfers for the ultimate convenience. Though if you fancy adding a few days to the holiday, why not pick a self drive package? You’ll save a few pennies for when you get to the resort, and you’ll be able to make the journey itself part of the adventure!
Pas de La Casa is without a doubt one of the best destinations in Europe for an all singing, all dancing group trip. There’s a fantastic amount of terrain to cover in the days- Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees- and off the pistes there’s enough entertainment to keep the party going for hours.
Any beginners will be heartened by the gentle blues just outside of the resort area, and those who have never skied before can easily find their feet on the beginner areas. Tuition and hire are relatively inexpensive as well, which makes it a great location for any first time skiers. Intermediates will be able to ski the whole area with ease- the routes from Pas de La Casa to Soldeu, via Grau Roig are packed with long blues and reds- whilst the group’s experts will enjoy the four snowparks and freeriding areas, not to mention the many groomed black runs.
There’s even more fun to be had off the slopes. The duty free drinks prices and late opening hours of the bars give you an idea of what to expect- the Kamikaze Surf Bar is often open until 3am and is actually on the slopes above the resort (!)- and many of the resorts visitors spend more time in the bars than on the slopes. You’ll be sure to end up in the Underground bar at least once or twice, though if you’re after a quieter night then you’ll feel right at home in Paddy’s Irish bar.
Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
---|---|---|
Hotel Grand Pas | 7 | £ 749 |
Hotel Magic | 7 | £ 759 |
Hotel Font D’Argent | 7 | £ 899 |
Hotel Catalunya | 7 | £ 699 |
Hotel Camellot | 7 | £ 719 |
Caribou Apartments | 7 | £ 387 |
Hotel Sporting | 7 | £ 571 |
Hotel Font d'Argent | 7 | £ 643 |
Aparthotel Les Olimpiades | 7 | £ 276 |
Hotel Caribou Andorra | 7 | £ 491 |