France Keeps Pas de la Casa Border Closed Until Sunday Amid Storm Goretti Snow Chaos

**France maintains Pas de la Casa border closure into Sunday as storm Goretti brings over 50cm of snow to northern Andorra**

France's Direction Interdépartementale des Routes Sud-Ouest (DIRSO) and Ariège Prefecture have kept the Pas de la Casa crossing closed to all vehicles since 6pm Friday, with roads RN320, RN22 and RN20 remaining shut until at least Sunday morning at 8am, subject to weather conditions. The decision followed forecasts of heavy snow and winds from storm Goretti, now confirmed by intense accumulations across the Principat.

Andorra's National Meteorological Service activated an orange alert for snow and strong winds above 2,100m in the north, with yellow alerts elsewhere, lasting until Sunday morning. Over 50cm fell above 2,100m, including 53cm at Fonts d'Arinsal and 51cm at Sorteny in 24 hours; 20cm accumulated around 1,500m, and 5-7cm at 1,000m. Northwest winds gusted to 90-100km/h in high areas, reaching 138km/h at Tossa d'Espiolets, causing severe drifting snow and poor visibility. Temperatures dropped to -10°C at Pas de la Casa, with the 0°C isotherm falling to 1,600m overnight.

Avalanche risk hit level 4 (maximum) in the north and level 3 elsewhere, prompting Protection Civil prealerts. Authorities warned of widespread hazardous spots, natural slab releases on northeast-to-southwest slopes, and potential impacts on valleys and roads. COEX conducted preventive blasts at sites including Soldeu, Arinsal and Coma de Ransol, closing Arcalís access until Sunday 6am.

Roads faced widespread disruption. Yellow phase mandates for winter equipment expanded nationwide by Friday evening, requiring chains or snow tyres from Escaldes onward, Pal, el Serrat and Canillo. Incidents included material-damage crashes at Tarter, Incles, Juberri and kilometre-zero roundabout; a 61-year-old Spanish tourist suffered back injuries near Juberri. Police issued fines for non-equipped vehicles. Saturday morning saw yellow phase persisting in higher parishes like La Massana and Canillo.

Ski operations limited: strong winds shut higher lifts at Grandvalira and Pal-Arinsal; Funicamp closed for safety, though Funibus ran to Grau Roig. Encamp reported over 25cm, with cleaning crews active and calls for pedestrian caution against slips.

Pas de la Casa traders expressed frustration, with Òscar Ramon of the Neighbours and Traders Association noting repeated disruptions after farmer blockades, contrasting past convoy management during heavier snow. Hotels saw some rerouting via Puigcerdà or rescheduling, but limited cancellations. Andbus and Hife cancelled France services, reassigning passengers.

Andorra's government, via Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné, reiterated opposition after Thursday-Friday talks, offering COEX snowploughs into France but prioritising safety. Frequent bilateral meetings continue, with France signaling possible earlier reopening Saturday morning. Protection Civil urged advance travel planning, public transport use, and mountain caution, restricting off-piste activity.