Pas de la Casa Sees Partial Visitor Recovery with Spanish Surge Post-Road Reopening

Pas de la Casa is seeing a partial recovery in visitors this weekend, with more Spaniards than French among the crowds, despite subdued overall activity.

Local merchants and restaurateurs report a slower-than-expected rebound on Saturday, the first full weekend since the RN-20 road reopened after its closure. Poor weather forecasts, which proved overly gloomy compared to actual conditions, appear to have deterred many French visitors, who can now access the area freely. Instead, businesses noted higher numbers of Spanish tourists and groups from English-speaking countries or Eastern Europe, drawn by two ongoing festivals.

The Snowrow event, in its second year at the resort, has attracted thousands for daytime snow sports paired with music, followed by evening entertainment. Held away from the village centre and without local government backing—due to criticism from the previous edition over drug checks—authorities have intensified enforcement this time. By 9am Saturday, 25 people were in custody awaiting judicial proceedings, mostly for small drug quantities linked to the festivals.

A smaller, more controlled gathering, the Maricóngelada, has also boosted the atmosphere, though on a lesser scale.

Fresh snowfall overnight improved piste conditions, providing a welcome lift amid the challenges. Business owners hope Grandvalira and SAETDE might extend the season, despite logistical hurdles.

Josep Maria Mas, president of the Pas de la Casa Chamber of Commerce and a key figure in its economic and social council, acknowledged after Saturday's institutional event marking the 33rd anniversary of Andorra's Constitution that "what has been lost cannot be recovered." He and other entrepreneurs aim to end the winter season on a strong note, following disruptions from the RN-20 closure and earlier issues.

Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres, familiar with local commerce, highlighted the positive impact of the road's reopening. He noted significant traffic recovery during the week's working days. While impacts vary—both positive and negative—stakeholders emphasise finishing the season safely.