Andorra’s largest and most popular ski area comprises adjacent valleys with a growing base village. It has wide open bowls above the tree line and its 100kms of slopes are rated mostly intermediate to expert. Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig (linked by lift) is very popular with young skiers in search of great skiing and après-ski.

Set high on the border into France (2,050m), Pas de la Casa really does feel like a frontier town. The resort town boasts 20 shops with great duty-free shopping, and over 9,000 beds in hotels and apartments serving the various clientele; families in the former, the young in the latter.

There are 55 runs and 100kms of pisted slopes at Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig, divided into 14 per cent beginner slopes; 22 per cent, intermediate; 42 pe rcent, intermediate-advanced; and 22 per cent for expert skiers. The longest run is 2kms. Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig’s 30 lifts can handle over 47,000 skiers per hour. In addition, there are 12kms of cross-country prepared runs.

Other winter activities include: a snowpark with halfpipe (snowboarding on all pistes); mono-skiing; snowshoeing; indoor swimming pool; and a sports centre. Après-ski in Pas de las Casa-Grau Roig can be wild, especially in the high season. There are more than 30 cafés and restaurants, plus 30 bars and six nightclubs.

The best time of the season for great snow is usually from February to the middle of March, and the cheapest rates can be had at the beginning and end of the season, and after the New Year’s celebrations, for three weeks.

The most practical way to get to and from Pas de la Casa is to fly to Toulouse, or Barcelona, and buy a return ticket on the Novatel bus. These buses leave several times a day from both airports and take you right into the resort. Hiring a car is a lot more comfortable and convenient.