Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch is the highest ski resort in Andorra: it is located at the highest point of the Pyrenees Mountains – 2408 meters above sea level. It is a favorite place for professionals, but it is mega-popular not only for that reason. Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch is located on the very border of Andorra and France, while the capital of the principality, Andorra la Vella, is within easy reach. The distance between it and the resort can be easily covered both by funicular and by bus, and it will take only 15 minutes. Moreover, if you stay in one of the local hotels, you will not have to go anywhere at all – some routes start right next to the houses. And the quality of the snow here is not even in doubt. Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch is part of the Grandvalir area, the largest ski region in the Pyrenees, and they are very concerned about their reputation here.
Pas de la Casa is a cozy town with a friendly population that easily communicates with tourists in French and English (but native Andorrans conduct conversations and business correspondence among themselves exclusively in Catalan). Townspeople are mainly engaged in the tourist business, which includes hotels, cafes, bars, restaurants, schools for beginner skiers, that is, all their work is aimed at serving visitors. Industry in this settlement is not developed at all. However, smart Andorrans take advantage of this by positioning their resort region as environmentally friendly. In fact, it is so. Those who want not only to have a good time, but also to improve their health come here.
It is important to note that Pas de la Casa has all the conditions for a family vacation. Careful townspeople have thought through everything to the smallest detail so that both adults and children can find interesting entertainment here.
How to get there
Andorra does not have its own airport, so you need to go to Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch from neighboring France or Spain. From the two airports closest to the resort in Barcelona (196 km) and Toulouse (160 km), buses run directly from the terminals in Andorra la Vella. And getting to the trails from the capital and its twin brother, Escaldese, is easy – you need to take a bus to the resort or go there by funicular.
Climate and weather
Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch , as mentioned above, is located in a mountain valley that is a bowl. This feature has a significant impact on the weather that forms over this area. Cold air currents descending, mixing with warm air masses coming from the south, form a climate unique in its softness. This affects absolutely everything. For example, even at a temperature of +8…+10 °C, the snow here remains slippery, icy and dry, which allows for comfortable skiing, snowboarding and sledding.
Clouds form, as a rule, below the height at which the city is located, and therefore the gentle sun shines here almost all year round. In summer, the average temperature reaches +15…+20 °С, and in winter – +2…-2 °С.
Nature
The town of Pas de la Casa is surrounded by a mountain range with grassy vegetation and low scrub. 20-25 years ago, ancient pines and firs grew here, but due to active economic activity, they were cut down. However, this does not mean that there are no trees here at all. In the last 10 years, Andorrans have been actively planting coniferous and deciduous trees, thereby beautifying the streets and their own homesteads.
The Pyrenees mountain range is open to the winds that bring here a large amount of snow, so the ski resort of the same name Pas de la Casa is considered the snowiest in all of Andorra.
In summer, many medicinal plants and flowers grow on the mountain slopes. During the flowering season, the surrounding area is filled with their aromas. Some ardent researchers of the local flora note its similarity with the nature of the Himalayas and do not cease to be surprised by this fact.
In the vicinity of Pas de la Casa, several thermal springs have been opened, the water from which is used for heating houses in winter and for medical procedures in spa centers, which are numerous here.
The Ariege River originates in the Eastern Pyrenees and flows through Pas de la Casa in a narrow strip. It is filled not only with numerous springs, but also with melting waters of glaciers. Since ancient times, the local population has been panning for gold on this river, and the coast is rich in marble, alabaster, aspid, coal and other minerals. The Ariege River ends its journey by flowing into the Garonne River in France.
In the same area is the high-altitude Lake Pesson, the shores of which are also arranged for walking and fishing.
Attractions
The town of Pas de la Casa developed in the mid-50s of the 21st century, when the first lift was opened on one of the mountain slopes. From that moment, the active construction of accompanying tourist infrastructure began. Local architects borrowed the architectural style from the French. Houses and other structures were built mainly of stone, which made the town look like a monolithic medieval fortress. However, over the past two decades, large-scale changes have taken place here: the city began to grow with modern style houses and buildings. Some of them were built according to unique projects, such as the town hall and the museum of local history and culture.
All guests of Pas de la Casa must visit the popular panoramic restaurant Coll Blanc, which is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters. Its windows offer a wonderful view of the sprawling city. and French territory.
Attractions include the Funicamp cable car, built in 1998, which allows you to easily and quickly get from the center of Andorra to the red runs on the upper slopes of the Pas de la Casa resort – Grau Roch and the car tunnel leading to the city of Soldeu. which can be driven in just seven minutes.
Food
Restaurants in Pas de la Casa will surprise even the most prejudiced gourmet with a variety of dishes. Special attention is paid here to the quality of cooking and service. It is understandable, because if tourists do not like something, then they are unlikely to return here again. However, according to the advice of those who have visited, you should not stop at one restaurant, cafe or bar – it is best to visit many of them in order to fully enjoy the variety of tastes.
All restaurants in Pas de la Casa specialize in national dishes of European countries. This is done deliberately so that visiting Europeans feel at home in Andorra.
Delicious and hearty food is served in the Blau Envalira restaurant. Signature meat with potatoes will appeal to many who care about this classic dish. It is important to remember that 4% tax and 10% service charge will be added to the bill. At this, the restaurant’s visitors are not let go, offering everyone a stack of excellent schnapps.
In the French restaurant El Marselles, from 17:00 to 19:00, food prices are reduced by up to 20%. Here they serve great salads, as well as a signature chicken breast with a wine sauce that melts right in your mouth.
La Borda restaurant has a rich selection of beers. A large glass of this foamy drink costs only €3. You can order a meat fondue with it for €10. The service charge for this restaurant is 15% of the total cost of the order. Thus, you can have a delicious and inexpensive lunch here.
A French restaurant with a Spanish name, El Carlit, serves a signature lasagna for €17, the cheapest in the whole city.
Comfortable conditions for eating are created in the cult restaurant La Copa. It is believed that a similar restaurant was once located on the Spanish coast, its regulars were sailors and often pirates. La Copa in Pas de la Casa has an interior, stylized as a port restaurant, with inherent maritime and ship paraphernalia. Here, mainly, meat dishes are served, which are prepared by the chef on a large fireplace right in front of the visitors. In addition, free cocktails and schnapps are served here. True, the prices in this restaurant are an order of magnitude higher than in other restaurants in the city. This is due to the absence of tax and commission fees, which are already included in the cost of meals.
An unusual approach to serving visitors can be noted at the Deja Beer bar. He starts his work at 17:00 and finishes exactly at midnight. An important feature: beer prices are the lowest here. The interior is not typical for most drinking establishments of this kind. In the center of the hall there are taps from which different types of beer are served, and tables are located around them. On the wall hangs an electronic scoreboard that calculates the amount of beer consumed in euros. There is a special place for table football, which you can play for only € 1. It should be noted that there are many people who want to compete in a match: they play, as a rule, “table against table”.
The Milwaukee Pub is a meeting place for English people. It’s always fun and noisy here. The institution’s management often organizes themed parties and discos.
Milwaukee Pub
Bar Deja Beer
Residence
49 hotels of various categories welcome city guests in Pas de la Casa . In the period of tourist activity, finding a free room is a difficult task. In most cases, they are already occupied or booked. The average price of a one-star hotel room varies between 18-25 €. They are inhabited by students and people who do not make high demands on the comfort of living conditions. There is a minimum of what a road-weary person might need in the first place: a shower, a bed and a small kitchen equipped with a kettle, an electric stove and a microwave oven. For a hotel fee, you can access the Internet, use the safe, send a fax, and park your car in a guarded parking lot.
Hotels of the second star category have rooms at a price from 30 to 50 €. TV, refrigerator, cable or satellite TV, separate shower cubicle and others are added to the above minimum.
Pas de la Casa hotels
Hotels with three stars position themselves in the market of tourist services as the most affordable in terms of price and comfort: Yes, a double room, equipped with everything necessary for an unburdening life of tourists, costs 60-70 € per day.
Hotels in the four- and five-star category maintain a high price level. They are decorated not only with convenient and comfortable rooms, but also with spa complexes, wellness offices, and here you can use the services of cosmetologists and massage therapists. Prices per day here start from 150 €, and then are limited only by the size of the guests’ wallets.
Cal Ruiz 3-star hotel
Hotel Cal Ruiz is located in the center of Pas de la Casa resort, 300 meters from the nearest ski slopes. This small, family-run mountain hotel also has a restaurant. The windows of the rooms offer a view of the mountains. Each room features free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.
Hotel Cal Ruiz is simply decorated and furnished with wooden furniture. All rooms have satellite TV and heating.
In the hotel restaurant, dishes are served according to the “buffet table” system. Guests can order drinks from the bar and receive a 40% discount on visiting the sports center.
The town of Pas de la Casa is located in the Grandvalira ski resort. There is a ski school 200 meters from the hotel. The Grau Roch and Soldeu ski slopes can be reached in around 20 minutes by car.
Hotel Kandahar 4-star hotel
Hotel Kandahar is located in the immediate vicinity of the ski slopes of the Pas de la Casa resort in the Andorran Pyrenees. It offers free Wi-Fi and an exquisite restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
All rooms at the Kandahar Hotel are equipped with heating and a private bathroom. In addition, each room has a work desk and satellite TV at your disposal. On request and for an additional fee, rooms with a terrace and a mountain view are available.
Guests can purchase lift passes or book ski lessons at Kandahar Hotel’s front desk. Every day from Monday to Friday, the hotel hosts various free events. These include ski tours, free aperitifs on the slopes and free Irish coffee in the bar.
In addition, the Kandahar Hotel has a spa with a sauna and Turkish baths. A playground and a game room are available. On weekdays from 18:00 to 20:00, free activities are organized for children, which are conducted under the supervision of hotel staff.
The price of half board includes dinner in a restaurant of fine cuisine, located on the territory of the hotel.
Hotel Panda 2-star hotel
Hotel Panda is located in the center of Pas de la Casa, near the Grandvalira ski resort. It offers a restaurant with a free Wi-Fi zone and functional rooms with a flat-screen TV.
All rooms at the Panda Hotel are equipped with central heating and carpeted floors. The private bathroom has a spa bath or hydromassage shower. In addition, bathrobes, toiletries and a hairdryer are provided.
In the restaurant of Hotel Panda you can order French and Catalan cuisine, and in the morning a varied breakfast buffet is served. There are many bars and restaurants within a 5-minute walk of the hotel.
Guests can make use of a ski equipment rental service and a ski storage room. Lift passes can be purchased at the hotel. The ski lift to the Grandvalira resort is only 200 meters away, and the border with France is 300 meters away.
Hotel Grand Pas by Pierre & Vacances Premium 4-star hotel
Hotel Grand Pas by Pierre & Vacances Premium is located in Pas de la Casa in Andorra, just 50 meters from Grandvalira Ski Resort. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant. Guests can relax in the lounge, as well as visit the indoor pool and sauna.
The rooms of the Grand Pas by Pierre & Vacances Premium Hotel are equipped with a central heating system and a TV with satellite channels. Guests have their own bathroom. Amenities include a minibar.
The area is popular among hiking and skiing enthusiasts.
Covered private parking is available upon request and for an additional fee.
This seasonal hotel is open from December to April.
Tracks, slopes, lifts
Not far from the city is one of the most popular and large ski resorts of the Principality of Andorra Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch . It received the first skiers back in 1957. It consists of two valleys-slopes, on which various tracks are arranged, which are suitable for both beginners and aces of skiing. A modern system of lifts allows you to climb to the top of the mountains in a matter of minutes. Recently, a new Funicamp lift was opened here, equipped with cabins for 24 and 32 places. It takes 15 minutes to reach the skiing area. During this time, tourists can enjoy the beauty of nature.
In the highest part of the valley there are tracks for experienced skiers and snowboarders. They are characterized by sharp changes in height and complexity. Trails slightly lower down the slope are intended for beginners. There is also a slalom track for night skiing. It is well lit and wide enough that many people can ride it at once without the risk of collisions.
The Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch skiing area is conventionally divided into two halves. It is believed that the first – Pas de la Casa – is suitable for professionals, and the second – Grau Roche – for beginners and slightly more experienced skiers. However, every year there are those who successfully prove the opposite.
The height difference is 2-2.6 km. The length of the tracks will pleasantly surprise lovers of variety – 100 km with an area of 626 hectares. This includes 55 tracks, from which beginners can ski on 8 “green”, advanced skiers – on 11 “blue”, experienced skiers – on 23 “red”, and professionals – on 13 “black”.
There are 33 lifts here, most of them are rope lifts, others are chairlifts. They are thoughtfully distributed over two valleys, and queues for them are extremely rare.
Pas De La Casa is suitable for both beginners and professionals. The upper area of Pas De La Casa is rich in extreme and steep descents marked in black and red. The lower area, at the foot of the mountains, is suitable for those who are still uncertain about skiing. Here is the most even part of the slope, the most suitable for learning the technique of downhill skiing. The ski area, formed by four valleys, connects Pas De La Casa and Grau Roch. Unlike its neighbor, Grau-Roch will appeal more to fans of forest trails, skiing here is quite safe, thanks to wide spaces and long rolling hills.
Do not think that the “joys of life” at this resort are only for those who know how to ski. First of all, there are tracks for cross-country skiing, and there is also a half-pipe for snowboarders” – a special hollow for jumping dug in the snow in the shape of a pipe, a slalom track and freestyle parks. Secondly, those who do not yet know how to ride can be taught here. In Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch, there are a huge number of instructors and ski schools, including for children, there is even a crèche for children from 1 to 3 years old. All tourists are taken care of at this resort!
The skiing season at this ski resort is quite long – from December to April.
Characteristics of tracks
Professionals love the tracks located in the upper part of the slopes of Pas de la Casa, as they are famous for their difficulty and sharp differences in altitude. Descending lower, towards the foot of the tracks become more gentle and flat, which attracts skiers of an intermediate level. A slalom track is equipped at the bottom of the slopes.
For beginners, there are ideal training “tables” – from practically horizontal slopes with decent slopes and convenient low-speed bugles.
For snowboarders, Pas de la Casa also has something to delight the soul: a half-pipe, wide unspoiled slopes and a separate lift are at their service.
Max. height – 2640 m.
Min. height – 2050 m.
The height difference is 590 m.
Embankment tracks – 29.5 km.
The total area of ski tracks is 626 hectares.
The number of tracks is 55
Slalom stadium in Pas de La Casa
Mini-stadium in Grau Roig
Half-pipe – 40 m.
Snow park – 2
Alpine skiing school – 3
180 instructors
There are 8 restaurants and bars
Medical center – 2
Kindergarten – 1 (children from 1 to 3 years old)
Nursery – 1
Boardercross – 1
Slalom cross at Pas de la Casa
In Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch, it is possible to purchase a Ski pass GrandValira, which gives you the opportunity to ski in Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch and Soldeu – El Tarter . In addition, the Super Ski Pass is offered, which opens the door to any ski resort in the Principality of Andorra.
Entertainment and recreation
If you suddenly feel tired from the snow-white mountain slopes, don’t worry: the district has a whole bunch of entertainment and attractions that you can use to dilute active skiing on the tracks. At the resort itself, you can organize a dog sled race, arrange a helicopter tour or “hang out” in nightclubs. And the capital of Andorra, not far from Pas de la Casa – Grau Roch will definitely not let you get bored. In it you can probably find everything that the soul can desire: museums, boutiques, various shows, friendly Andorrans and much more. Well, the “nail” of the program is the “Caldea” complex in Escaldes with thermal springs that have a health-improving effect.
Complex “Caldea” in Escaldes
After skiing, you can visit the cozy restaurant Coll Blanc, which is located at an altitude of 2600 meters. One of its walls is a huge window with a beautiful view of the mountain valley. Also nearby (20 minutes by car), near Lake Pesson, at an altitude of 2,350 meters, the Refugi dels Llacs dels Pessons French restaurant is also open, where you can enjoy a quiet romantic evening.
For families who came to Pas de la Casa with children, kindergartens offer their services, where knowledgeable educators and teachers look after the little ones while their parents go skiing or relax in a secluded setting in a restaurant.
In Pas de la Casas, the sports and entertainment center of the same name welcomes visitors early in the morning and until late in the evening, where you can do aerobics, martial arts, bodybuilding, dancing, swimming, play squash, tennis, mini-football, water polo, visit sauna, swimming pool, solarium, take thermal baths.
Refugi dels Llacs dels Pessons
In the center of the city on the square there is a water rink. It is festively illuminated, there is music playing, which creates a festive atmosphere.
Snowmobiles are available for rent in ski centers at a price of €20 for 20 minutes.
Shopping
Shopping is another reason to visit Pas de la Casa . Basically, there are small shops that sell goods of any one product group. For example, in the Castle store you can buy the best wines of French varieties. Diamonds studio jewelry store offers chic jewelry made of precious metals and stones.
In Pas de la Casa, there are sports shops at almost every turn, where you can buy equipment for physical education and sports. There are so many of them here that there is no point in listing their names.
Pas de la Casa Shops
Olympia is the largest shopping center in Pas de la Casa. It offers a wide variety of products at low prices, from ski accessories to stylish and fashionable clothing.
Transport
Pas de la Casa is a small town and there is no need to use a bus or car to get around within its boundaries. Any neighborhood of the city is within walking distance from the center. Public transport here is used exclusively to get to ski resorts or move to other settlements.
Pas de la Casa is located in the immediate vicinity of the border with France, so French regular buses often run here. They do not pass by popular stops. French carriers are interested in attracting passengers and they do it in the most effective way – by reducing ticket prices in peak passenger hours by up to 40%. They can be distinguished from Andorran cars by the characteristic colors of the French flag painted on the sides of the buses.
