Grand Valira Ski Area

Pas De La Casa

One of Europe’s, highest ski areas, Pas de La Casa’s lift system has now extended to cover half the width of Andorra, stretching from the French border to the town of Encamp, only 5km3 miles from the capital, La Vella. The resort is also now linked to the skiing of Soldeu and it seems only a matter of time that all five of Andorra’s ski areas, already participating in a joint lift ticket, will be physically linked by ski lifts too. The link back to Pas de la Casa from Soldeu was upgraded for the 1999 – 2000 season with two new six-seater chairs aiding the return effort. The mood is more French than elsewhere in Andorra and even if the resort is slightly bland and uninteresting accommodation is usually plentiful and fairly cheap. Apartments are mostly convenient for the slopes and are generally pretty well served with shops and bars nearby. An increasingly popular package destination. So far Pas de La Casa has not yet become as Brit dominated as Soldeu or Arinsal, but it does get very busy and is more international during the high seasons. The resort’s snow record is good both in real terms and compared with Andorra’s healthy reputation gained over recent seasons.

Accommodation & Après Ski

No shortage of entertainment, restaurants and pubs. Drink remains cheap compared with the rest of Europe and consequently the nightlife is prolonged and lively. There is a good choice of French, English, Spanish and Catalan food served in the cafes and restaurants. Five half decent nightclubs with dancing in many of the bigger bars also. The Discoteca Billboard, Millwakee and KYU are among recent recommendations for late night action. Families may prefer to choose to stay in the quieter, outlying areas and avoid some of the noisy, late night revelry.

Soldeu El Tarter

Soldeu’s ski area is accessed by parallel chair and gondola lifts from the two bases at Soldeu and El Tarter, giving at least four choices to get up to the above-treeline terrain first thing in the morning, minimising queues. There are two large ski areas specifically designed for beginners at Els Espoiolet in Soldeu and Riba Escorada in El Tarter and more than 160 multi-lingual teachers ready to give advice. Beginners will soon progress on to the gentle slopes of Solana del Forn above the resort. Intermediates will enjoy Soldeu’s skiing the most, with predominantly easy and intermediate trails to enjoy. The new lift link to Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig opens up 150km (93 miles) of terrain best suited to intermediates. Expert skiers have eight trails to choose from and a drag lift serving the off piste terrain of Pic d’Encampadana. Here you will find a snowcat operation, unique to the Pyren

es, bringing off-piste powder to those who want it. It may be unique to the world in that the service is offered free of charge to lift pass holders without supplement. The ski school manages heli-skiing excursions, snowcat and off-piste ski lessons if you need them and can also offer telemark and snowboarding tuition. The resort’s bump skiing stadium was extended a couple of years ago season and you can pick up free technique tips there on Friday evenings.

Accommodation & Après Ski

One of the big attractions of Soldeu is the fun and friendly après ski scene. There are lots of fantastic bars and restaurants throughout the village. Most of the bars are situated on the main road but you will also find some on the road running behind Hotel Himalaia.

The Harp is an Irish themed bar with live music during après and every night. Fat Alberts is open daily from 3pm through until 3am making it the perfect late night party venue. Aspen is a large bar with big screens for sports, pool tables, good pub grub and regular live music.

Andorra is well known for its duty free shopping so you will find brilliant value within the bars restaurants, supermarkets and ski shops in Soldeu.

Other activities:

• Snow shoeing (Canillo, El Tarter, Grau Roig & Pas de la Casa)
• Snowmobiling (Grau Roig & Soldeu)
• Ice skating (Canillo)
• Paragliding (El Tarter)
• Zipline (Canillo)
• Dog sledding (El Tarter & Grau Roig)