Pas de la Casa - Barcelona - Resorts Guide

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Overview: In the last decade or so the tiny mountain principality of Andorra, atop the Pyrenees between France and Spain, has become a world favourite for winter sports enthusiasts, helped along by its good snow, sunny clear weather and duty-free status. Another plus is the fact that the tiny country's mountain resorts are just a short hop (109 miles or 175km) from Barcelona International Airport, and close to the French border. Pick of the Andorra resorts is Pas de la Casa, the highest of the bunch with the largest skiing area, well-served by a hi-tech lift system which has been linked to the nearby Soldeu resort, providing about 116 miles (186km) of pistes suited to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Snow conditions here are excellent, well maintained with top-notch snowmaking, and the resort rarely closes before April. 'Pas', as it is fondly known by loyal regulars, can hardly be described as picturesque, consisting mainly of modern, unattractive box-like apartment blocks and hotels, but all the accommodation and facilities are conveniently situated for the slopes and provide all the trappings necessary for a rollicking winter holiday at affordable prices.

Shopping: Pas de la Casa, like the rest of Andorra, stands out as one of the world's best duty-free shopping enclaves, its shopping precinct a gold mine of bargains. There are, of course, sports shops for snow gear like the multi-storey Olympia Esports, but shoppers here also stock up on electronic goods at establishments like Florencia; perfumes and cosmetics, designer clothing, photographic equipment and car and motorbike accessories from tyres to leathers. British visitors revel in the tax-free tobacco, alcohol and fuel.