Pas de la Casa Retailers Lose 60-80% Revenue After Avalanche Closes Key French Route

Pas de la Casa retailers report 60-80% revenue losses from RN-20 avalanche closure, though fuel voucher scheme shows early uptake without clear sales boost.

Andorra's Head of Government Xavier Espot said Pas de la Casa shops have suffered 60-80% drops in turnover since the 31 January avalanche shut the RN-20, the sole direct route from France via Merens to Ax-les-Thermes. Speaking Thursday on Radio France's ICI Occitanie, he highlighted the blow during peak February tourism, including French Carnival, when the parish handles around 20-25% of national retail—equivalent to 370 million euros in card transactions last year, or 18% of Andorra's total.

French day-trippers from Occitania now face two-hour detours, slashing visits for shopping, skiing and other spending. While hotels hold up thanks to Spanish operators via the south, retail—especially alcohol, tobacco, electronics and fuel—has cratered. Commerce and tourism comprise 40% of GDP.

Launched 11 February via BOPA decree, €30 weekly fuel vouchers per French-registered vehicle and passenger, plus €200 for coaches over 30 seats, aim to offset costs. Claimants visit Pas de la Casa's tourist office for ID and registration checks, then redeem at participating stations with receipts. The scheme has sparked high demand: over 500 vouchers distributed in the first weekend (Saturday alone topped 200), worth more than €15,000, overwhelming fuel stations and offices with calls from surprised French drivers. Government data shows border vehicle entries fell 47% that sunny weekend versus normal—better than the prior 75% plunge.

Retailers remain sceptical. Most reported no client uptick in the initial days, with some noting unaware visitors needing directions to the tourist office. A minority saw minor increases, mainly Saturday, but overall no shift from pre-scheme lows. Argentinos en Andorra president Marcelo Ponce warned of seasonal staff cuts, as strong early-winter snow had spurred hiring now at risk in retail, unlike stable ski and hotel jobs.

MoraBanc joined relief efforts, offering 10% cashback up to €1,000 per person on in-person Pas de la Casa purchases via its credit or debit cards, credited before promotion ends. The bank is promoting it through direct client outreach, media and social channels to boost local spending.

France prioritises repairs on the challenging high-mountain stretch, eyeing a May reopening. Espot pledged technical and diplomatic aid, coordinating with Occitanie and Ariège, and flagged Andorra's single-route vulnerability. He plans to discuss rail extension from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre during French President Emmanuel Macron's late-April visit, post municipal polls on 15 and 22 March, with Andorra ready to co-finance despite hurdles. Retailers seek wider aid as the shutdown enters its fourth week.