Pas de la Casa - 2010

Even before the link with Soldeu, Pas de la Casa had the biggest ski area and highest lift-served terrain in Andorra. Now the two resorts have a combined 186km of pistes - that's about the same as some big-name Alpine resorts such as Kitzbühel, Wengen-Grindelwald and Les Deux Alpes. Sited right on the border between Andorra and France, Pas de la Casa is a size-able collection of concrete-box style apartment blocks and hotels, indicative of the rapid development Andorra saw in the late 60s and early 70s. At least some thought has gone into its development, with most accommodation conveniently placed near the main slopes.

The slopes cater for aspiring intermediates far better, with plenty of top-to-bottom reds and blues on the main ridge, though the criticism that they are a little bland, being of consistent gradient most of the way down, is not wholly unjustified.There are two areas for beginners and there are plenty of gentle slopes in the main area to progress to. Snowboarding is popular with the young crowd that Pas de la Casa attracts, and there is a small, lift-served board-park and half-pipe on the Grau Roig side of the mountain.

Liftlines occasionally build up, mainly at the resort base in the mornings, where a high-speed quad gets through them reasonably efficiently. Over the other side, in the Grau Roig sector, high-speed chairs have eliminated most problems.
The ski school has an excellent reputation, with good English spoken. There's floodlit skiing every Wednesday night on the Font Negre.

 

We will be staying the Manzano Apartments in Pas. These apartments conveniently located next to the main telecabin in the centre of town. The restaurant- bar is excellent for everyone meeting up as it is situated on the edge of the last run down of the day. These spacious, well-located apartments offer great value. Their long, sunny balconies overlook the slopes.

Located just around the corner from the famous Mulligans Irish Bar and Underground Club, these apartments are central to the nightlife in Pas. For great food check out the Rib's place, where all you can eat ribs will cost you next to nothing!

Bed linen is provided but please bring your own towels.

The Flight Details:

 Flight details are yet to be confirmed but it will most likely be a very early morning start! We'll need to meet in Dublin airport 3 hours before the flight to get all our gear checked in, so it will probably be around 3 or 4 am. Will update you all when we know for sure!

Things to Bring:

The following items you will definitely need:

Snow Socks- 8 pairs
a hat
a snow jacket
snow pants
thin layers (t shirts, long and short prob need at least one a day)
gloves
goggles
hoodies esp the red one for the ramble
warm clothes when off piste, jacket, scarf, gloves.towel

the following are optional but we would advise people to get them if they can:

impact shorts
wrist guards
hiking or at least waterproof boots... it gets slushy in the town
back guard*
helmet*


*(only if you are planning big jumps and rails in the park)


Personal:
Chap stick: (the wind and sun at that height wrecks the lips or so i'm told, i reckon yer all just big wusses :P )
painkillers: both for the hangover and if you are injured
supports: in case wrist or ankle injuries
screwdriver (snowboard bindings tend to loosen over the week)
school uniform (school disco wooo)
fancy dress

 

Below you will find the weeks weather report, Pas de la Casa webcam and a Pistemap


The webcam is updated every time you refresh this page. Don't be too disheartened by the lack of snow, with any luck it will be dumping when we arrrive on the 28th

 

 

We have the Grand Valaria ski pass this year which will give people access to the largest boardable area in the Pyrennnes, covering the resorts of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, el Tarter and Cannilio. just click on the map to the right in order to get a larger more detailed map.see you all on the trip.