Pas de la Casa – Skiing in Andorra’s Grandvalira: Pas de la Casa isn’t one of those mountain resorts where you first have to hunt for the historic centre. Here, hotels, shops and restaurants are clustered close together, and the ski slopes begin just a few steps away. Anyone travelling to Andorra to ski will find this rather handy. After all, you want to spend your time in the snow, not waiting for a shuttle bus every morning. The village lies at an altitude of around 2,100 metres, right on the border with France. You really notice this in winter. It can get properly cold, and sometimes the wind whistles through the streets. On the other hand, the high altitude makes it a great base for a long skiing holiday. Lifts run directly from the village to the Grandvalira sector of the same name. The first runs are practically on your doorstep. Once at the top, it quickly becomes clear why so many guests return year after year. The wide slopes offer plenty of space to carve your turns in peace. In between, there are steeper sections that demand a little more concentration. The views on clear days are particularly beautiful: no dense forests, just open mountains and snow as far as the eye can see. But you don’t have to limit yourself to Pas de la Casa alone. Via Grau Roig, you can access other parts of the Grandvalira ski area, including Soldeu and El Tarter. In total, the network offers more than 200 kilometres of slopes. Those who like to cover some distance can spend a whole day out and about here and still make it back to the starting point in the evening – provided you keep an eye on the time and the last lift runs. This is also ideal for groups with varying levels of skiing ability: whilst some prefer to stick to wide slopes, others seek out more challenging runs. Everyone meets up again for lunch before setting off on their own adventures. After a day’s skiing, the village takes on a different character. Holidaymakers stroll past the shops with their shopping bags, the restaurants fill up, and music can already be heard coming from some bars in the early evening. Pas de la Casa is lively and sometimes a bit noisy. Those seeking absolute tranquillity and romantic alleyways are more likely to find what they’re looking for elsewhere. On the other hand, anyone who appreciates short distances, plenty of choice and an uncomplicated nightlife will quickly feel at home here. And, of course, you can also take it at a more leisurely pace. A coffee after the last run, a cosy dinner, then an early night – so that there’s plenty of time for Grandvalira again the next morning. Because the real attraction of Pas de la Casa isn’t to be found amongst the houses. It begins just behind them, at the lift.
