Pas de la Casa Information

Apres-ski

Pas de la Casa, and the wider Grandvalira area, is one of the best resorts in the world for après ski. This being the Pyrenees the partying doesn't really peak until shortly before midnight, with bars open to 0300 and clubs an hour later than that.

The Red Lion (tel: +376 685 634) has a reputation for its inventive shot menu, while Paddy's Irish Bar (tel: +376 856 546) is a perennial favourite.

Les Olimpiades (tel: +376 755 460) is a popular stopping off point at the end of the day at the base of the slopes. It has a wide ranging drinks menu that includes delectable cocktails.

Eating out

There are now around 80 places to eat in Pas de la Casa, with a good mix of cuisine on offer, mostly at good, affordable prices. Most establishments are relatively small and family run.

The Underground Sports Bar and Grill (tel: +376 856 808) is especially popular, with the ribs served here acquiring something of a legendary status. Bo & Gola (tel: +376 856 777) serves great tapas dishes and KSB (tel: +376 856 453) is particularly good for meat dishes, with some cooked on an open grill.

If you're interested in the cross-boarder French influence, Els Flocs (tel: +376 856 390) is worth a visit, serving good crepes, fondue and raclette.

However, those looking for fine-dining restaurants in Pas de la Casa need not be disappointed, as The Marmita in Hotel Grau Roig (tel: +376 755 556; www.hotelgrauroig.com) is highly regarded for its use of fresh, local produce in its culinary creations.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Pas de La Casa ski resort has fairly limited facilities beyond snow sports, but there is a leisure centre with an indoor pool and a gym. However, other resorts on the Grandvalira pass, linked by a bus service, do widen the choice.

Test your skills behind the wheel when ice karting or ice driving on the Grandvalira Circuit, located at Port d'Envalira, five minutes from Pas de la Casa. The circuit is the highest in Europe (2,370m/7,775ft) and is the site for one of the stages of the prestigious Andros Trophy and the Andorran 'Speed on Ice' championships.

Canillo, a 20-minute bus ride down towards La Vella, has another sports centre with a small indoor pool, ice rink and squash courts. Other activities here include snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Nearby Encamp also offers a range of on-snow activities; while a large and luxurious spa centre, the Sport Wellness Mountain Spa (tel: +376 870 510; www.sportwellness.ad), can be found in Soldeu.

Family fun

Pas de la Casa is a friendly resort for families, with very good childcare and ski-school facilities – just be wary that the accommodation does not incorporate a lively late-night bar, as getting children to sleep may be an issue. Dining patterns in the Mediterranean region can also mean it's hard to find a place to eat in the early evening, if you're planning on dining out.

For younger children, the local nursery (tel: +376 872 920) in Grau Roig accepts children from a year old, while there are additional nurseries in Canillo, El Tartar and Soldeu. The Grandvalira Ski and Snowboard School (tel: +376 871 920), which has a special snow garden nursery incorporating indoor areas, takes kids from age three.

Retail therapy

Pas de la Casa's location on the French border, and its duty-free status, has been key to its success.

The most widely available duty-free items in the resort are tobacco, spirits, electronic goods, music, jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics, designer clothing and photography equipment.

For a wider choice, it's a 30-minute drive to the province's capital, La Vella, where there's a vast range of retail options.

Splashing out

Ease the post-ski aches and pains at the Caldea spa (tel: +376 800 999; www.caldea.com). For the ultimate in relaxation, choose one of the spa's two-day packages encompassing various massages and treatments; among the options is the Massages of the World package that includes a Thai massage, Hindu foot massage and a facial Ayurvedic massage.

Hotels

Although not the prettiest resort - accommodation in Pas de la Casa is mainly found in concrete box-style hotels and apartment buildings near the lift base and slopes - there is plenty of choice when it comes to apartments and hotels in Pas de la Casa; and there are also a few chalets.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap