Perhaps the liveliest and most tourist-centric area in Andorra, Pas de la Casa is the quintessential Pyrenean ski resort for large groups and families. It is snow-sure and modestly priced, with the winter season often extending well into late May.
What sets Pas de la Casa apart from other ski resorts in Andorra such as Grau Roig and Pal Arinsal is the evolved après-ski scene and abundance of entertainment.
Locale and Logistics
Locally known as Pas, Pas de la Casa is a village in the parish of Encamp, situated at a lofty 2080 meters, just a stone’s throw away from the French border.
Like the other resorts here in Andorra, it forms a part of the Grandvalira area, with its highest lift at 2640 meters, right below Pic d’Envalira at 2827 meters — the tallest peak in Andorra.
“Pas de la Casa” translates to the “pass of the house” which refers to a shepherd’s hut which was once the only settlement overlooking the Pyrenean pass until the 20th century. The “pass” is the only ridgeline in Andorra linking to the Atlantic Ocean; it also marks the origin of the Ariège River.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Pas is the only ski resort with direct access to nearly all of Grandvalira’s 216 slopes — that’s 308 km of pistes across 7 different resorts, which means you don’t need to take a lift up to the ski area and you can ski or board right back into town.
Mixed-ability groups will be well served here, with terrain suitable for all levels. Intermediates can expect access to tricky reds and laid-back blue runs for easy cruising with plenty of bunny hills for beginner skiers.
Despite being a high-traffic resort, hardpack is not an issue thanks to the strategically placed snow canons and high altitude ensuring frequent pow-pow.
Novice
Novice skiers can take the Els Pioners telecabina up to the beginners’ area where there are easy green runs and a ski school to get started with.
Isards and Pioners are some of the easier blue runs to check out once you get the hang of things. They’re wide, quiet, and have less traffic.
To head back to the resort when you’ve had your fill for the day, you can either ski down the green run next to the Els Pioners telecabina or take the lift instead.
Intermediate
The vast majority of Grandvalira’s ski area constitutes long wide blue runs and rolling reds, which means intermediates will be in for a treat.
If you want to dial things up a notch, you can head on over to the Grau Roig sector; specifically the Montmalus and Moreto reds. For gentler runs, check out the long blue run called Gall de Bosc. The red home runs will bring you back to town.
Expert
Those who have a Grandvalira pass can access the entire ski area — all 216 slopes. Freestylers and boarders can hit the floodlit snow parks at El Peretol, Grau Roig, and El Tarter which has the gnarliest one of all three.
Test your off-piste skills Grau Roig or bash down bumps and bowls on black runs like “Llebre” in Soldeu and “Avet” in Peretol.
Stats at a Glance
Lifts: 31
Slopes: 16
Snow range: 1,710 meters to 2,640 meters
Highest lift: 2640 meters
Resort height: 2080 meters
Après-Ski and Nightlife
If it’s not your first time in Andorra and you’re revisiting Pas de la Casa, it’s probably for the nightlife and après-ski activities. Of all seven resorts in Grandvalira, Pas easily tops the charts when it comes to post-sunset entertainment.
Take it easy out there or you might have to forego the next day recovering as opposed to being on the slopes. If you’re someone who likes to eat their cake and have it too, consider stocking up on Alka-Seltzers.
Coll Blanc: You’ll spot this place atop the TSD6 lift; can’t miss it thanks to its whimsical, 60s sci-fi elegance. The place welcomes you with a panoramic view of the Pyrenean snowscape. Walk in and you’ll notice prismatic elements with vibrant pops of colour — a welcome change in contrast to the snowy monochrome outdoors.
Paddy’s Bar: The go-to watering hole in Pas, Paddy’s Bar seamlessly blends traditional Irish pub culture with a modern-day sports bar spin. Music aficionados, ravers, and bassheads will all find something of value depending on what day of the week it is, although unplugged acoustic sets are the norm.
The Dubliner: A short walk from the TSF4 Solana lift on Career del Maià, The Dubliner is another Irish bar that’s known for its exceptional service and intimate atmosphere. This is the place to be if you prefer a sit-down type of evening with great food and a good ol’ Guinness pairing. That or experimental daiquiris — whatever butters your biscuit.
Milwaukee Bar: Just along from Paddy’s bar on the main road, you’ll spot a bright green neon sign that spells the name of this iconic sports bar. Touted by tourists for its Rib Shack evenings, it’s the place to be if you want to keep up with sports and enjoy slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs.
Bilbord Nightclub: This place is right next to Paddy’s Bar at Carrer del Maià. The first thing you’ll notice is the muffled bass spilling over into the cobbled alleyway and for good reason. It’s among the most active nightclubs in Andorra known for staying open well past midnight.
Underground Bar & Grill: Indoor BBQ when it’s snowing outside hits different. Expect Fresh local produce and select meats grilled on an open fire, with plenty of vegetarian alternatives. Underground Bar & Grill is located right behind the main lift in Pas.
Costa Rodona: If the juxtaposition of beach and mountain holidays fascinates you, then Costa Rodona should be on your list. Picture Ibiza vibes but on a heated snowy terrace; complete with authentic Mediterranean cuisine, hammocks, a solarium, and music — the kind you’ll hear on Berlin Beach House Radio. It’s strategically located on the slopes at the bottom of Pas, so you can ski directly to it.
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