El Pas de la Casa Opens New Ski Slope Medical Centre

El Pas de la Casa has launched a new ski slope medical centre in the basement of the Frontera Blanca building, replacing the facility previously operated by the Escoda family and now run by Ambulàncies del Pirineu (ADP).

The 200-square-metre space, formerly a ski rental shop, opened on December 5 at the start of the ski season. Located 150 metres from the previous site, it features three consultation rooms, four treatment booths, and a radiology suite equipped for X-rays and ultrasounds. Staffed by two doctors—including medical director Pedro Luis Esteban and traumatologist Paloma Bustos—two nurses, and an administrator, the centre operates daily from 9am to 9pm. It handles immobilizations, functional bandages, casts, suturing, and other on-site treatments for injuries from minor sprains to serious trauma, with only about 10% of cases requiring hospital transfer.

Local entrepreneur Miquel Pirot provided the empty premises after the Escoda family's centre closed at the end of last season following decades of provisional operations. Dr. Pedro Esteban noted the team has treated around 100 patients so far, including some work-related accidents among local residents. Extended hours until four hours after slopes close at 5pm address cases where skiers initially dismiss falls but later experience pain, such as shoulder injuries, back at their hotels.

ADP describes the project as embryonic, with plans to keep it open year-round, potentially including summer services with primary care doctors and traumatology support for the Grandvalira resort and village. The modern setup fills a key gap by offering rapid assessment and initial care at the slopes' base.