[Resort Insider] Pas de la Casa

The border town of Pas de la Casa is found at one end of the Grandvalira ski area, the largest skiable domain in the Pyrenees, offering 210km of linked slopes suitable for all abilities. Known as a party resort as well as having excellent shopping opportunities with low tax, the town locally known as “Pas” is just a two-hour drive from Toulouse–Blagnac Airport and easily accessible from Barcelona too.

 Favourite ski run:

Technically not in the Pas de la Casa sector but taking you from the top of Pas de la Casa down into Grau Roig, the red slope Pala Nova has to be my favourite here. It’s wide, quite steep in places and with some awesome lips to drop off, plus on the way past the Igloo hotel it flattens out a little, so you know you can pick up plenty of speed with a nice run-off.

Unusual après activity:

For a unique experience, spend the night at the Igloo hotel. Start your evening with a glass of cava and a ride UP a red run in a piste-basher before watching the sunset and enjoying a delicious dinner served inside the igloo. After dinner you get the chance to relax in a Jacuzzi before snuggling up in a cosy sleeping bag. This experience is topped off by getting first tracks back down off the mountain for breakfast.

Top tip for maximising ski holiday enjoyment:

If one of the reasons you are coming to Pas is to party, don’t burn yourself out on your first night! With loads of bars all offering great drinks promotions, the temptation is there to hit it hard, but that means you might lose out on hitting the slopes on your first morning. With 210km to explore you’re going to need all the hours possible up the mountain to get the most out of your stay.

Favourite restaurant:

My favourite restaurant is KSB in the centre of town. They have a large open grill with an excellent choice of meats cooked to order whilst you enjoy the superb views from the picture windows overlooking the slopes. It’s friendly service and a cosy atmosphere, which works great once the music is turned up after dinner for an electronic dance party!

Favourite local shop:

Andorra is renowned for its shopping as it is still duty free and has low sales tax at just 4.5%, so plenty of bargains to be had. The choice of shops is enormous with most offering a range of electrical goods, sportswear, perfumes and tobacco products; however, head to Pyrénées department store for 6,000m² of shopping delights where you can immerse yourself in bargains.

Favourite on-slopes bar:

Personally, the Vodka Bar is a must for a trip to Grandvalira, just over the mountain in the Grau Roig sector. The bar is beautifully decorated with traditional wood and gorgeous leather chairs with a superb cocktail menu, wines and of course vodka! You can also enjoy tapas and/or dinner here either during the day or after the slopes have closed in the evening. You’ll find it next to the Montmalús chairlift.

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