What hikes can you do at Pas de la Case in summer?

The most popular summer hikes at Pas de la Case are Lac des Pessons (1h30, easy to intermediate, +400m), Lac de Font Negre (45 min, ideal for families) and the Estanys de Siscaró (3-4h, intermediate to advanced). The trails are walkable from mid-June to late October.

Does tax-free shopping also work in summer at Pas de la Case?

Yes, the shops at Pas de la Case offer their tax-free prices year-round. In summer, footfall is lower than in winter, which makes shopping more pleasant. Shops are open 7 days a week from 9:30am to 8pm. Perfumes, spirits, tobacco and electronics are up to 30-40% cheaper than in France.

What activities are there for children in summer at Pas de la Case?

Children can enjoy easy hikes to the lakes (Lac de Font Negre), the Grandvalira Bike Park with mountain bike trails suited to kids, Naturlandia (40 min away) with the Tobotronc — Europe's longest rail sled run — and outdoor play areas. The Caldea thermal baths (30 min) also have family-friendly areas.

When is the best time to visit Pas de la Case in summer?

The best period is from early July to late August, when all the trails are clear and the Grandvalira Bike Park is open. June and September are quieter, ideal for avoiding the crowds. Accommodation costs up to 40% less than in peak ski season.

Are there any ski lifts open in summer at Pas de la Case?

Yes, the Grandvalira Bike Park generally opens from early July to mid-September and offers lifts for mountain bikers (day pass ~€25-35). For the rest of the summer season, hiking trails are freely accessible on foot.

Published on 2026-06-27 — pas-de-la-casa.net

What to Do at Pas de la Case in Summer: The Complete Activity Guide

In summer, Pas de la Case turns into a real playground for nature lovers, hikers and tax-free shoppers. From June to September, this border resort, sitting at 2,085 metres of altitude, offers a wealth of activities for every age and skill level, far removed from its purely winter image.

Whether you're travelling with family, as a couple or with friends, Pas de la Case and its surroundings are packed with ways to enjoy the Andorran mountains under the sun. Here's our full selection of the best things to do during the warmer months.

Hiking and Mountain Lakes: The Jewel of Summer

Hiking is without doubt the top summer activity at Pas de la Case. The resort is the starting point for numerous marked trails winding through the valleys and ridges of the Andorran Pyrenees. The high-altitude scenery, dotted with deep-blue glacial lakes, offers breathtaking views.

Must-see lakes:

Lac des Pessons: reached in around 1h30 on foot from Pas de la Case, this circular route takes in several high-altitude lakes set within a spectacular rocky cirque. Easy to intermediate level, around 400 metres of elevation gain.
Lac de Font Negre: a shorter hike (around 45 minutes) ideal for families. The trail starts right from the resort and is an accessible walk even for beginner hikers.
Estanys de Siscaró: for more seasoned hikers, this 3-to-4-hour excursion reaches isolated lakes in an unspoiled, wild setting. Intermediate to advanced level.

Recommended gear: high-top hiking boots, walking poles, SPF 50 sunscreen, a windproof layer (weather can change quickly at altitude), at least 1.5 litres of water per person, and a topographic map or a hiking GPS app.

Most hikes are walkable from mid-June to late October, depending on residual snow cover. Trail access is free.

🥾 See our 5 detailed routes (map + elevation) →

Tax-Free Shopping: The Other Big Draw

Pas de la Case is world-famous for its tax-free shopping. In summer, footfall is lower than in winter, making the experience far more pleasant. The main street and its side lanes are lined with hundreds of shops offering attractive prices thanks to Andorra's favourable tax regime.

What can you buy?

Perfumes and cosmetics: savings of 15% to 30% compared with French prices, on major international brands.
Spirits and tobacco: tax-free prices remain a major draw. Do watch the customs allowances, however (1.5 litres of spirits over 22°, 300 cigarettes per person — always check the current customs allowances before your visit).
Electronics and sports gear: phones, smartwatches, sunglasses, and technical hiking or ski clothing at reduced prices.
Food and Andorran specialities: cheeses, local cured meats, artisan chocolates.

Shops are generally open every day from 9:30am to 8pm in summer, including Sundays and public holidays. Parking is free in most of the resort's car parks.

Mountain Biking, Fishing and Outdoor Activities

Beyond hiking, Pas de la Case offers plenty of other summer activities to mix things up.

Mountain Biking

The ski slopes turn into mountain bike trails as soon as the snow melts. The Grandvalira area offers marked routes for every level, from accessible cross-country to more technical enduro trails. During the summer season, the Grandvalira Bike Park (generally open from early July to mid-September) gives access to lifts adapted for bikes. Expect to pay around €25 to €35 for a day lift pass, and €40 to €55 for a full downhill mountain bike rental (bike, full-face helmet and protective gear).

Mountain Lake Fishing

The high-altitude lakes around Pas de la Case are stocked with trout and offer an exceptional setting for sport fishing. An Andorran fishing licence is required, available from the Comú d'Encamp or online. Expect to pay around €10 to €15 for a day licence and €40 to €50 for a season licence. The fishing season generally runs from mid-May to mid-October.

Other Nearby Activities

Naturlandia (around 40 minutes by car): a forest adventure park with zip lines, the Tobotronc (Europe's longest rail sled run — around 5.3km), and treetop courses. Prices from €15 to €30 depending on the activities chosen.
Caldea (in Escaldes-Engordany, around 30 minutes by car): the largest thermal spa complex in Southern Europe. Ideal after a day of hiking. Adult admission is around €39 to €45 for 3 hours of access.
Cultural visits: the historic centre of Andorra la Vella, the Casa de la Vall (the former parliament), and the tobacco museum in Sant Julià de Lòria. Admission generally between €3 and €7.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Summer at Pas de la Case

Best time to visit: from early July to late August for mountain activities, since all the trails are generally clear and the lifts are running. June and September are quieter and ideal for avoiding the crowds.
Accommodation: the resort's hotels and apartments charge noticeably lower rates in summer compared with ski season. Book ahead for July and August weekends.
Altitude: above 2,000 metres, the air is drier and the sun stronger. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and always pack a warm layer, even in high summer: evenings can be cool (10-15°C on average).
Customs: a customs check is standard when returning towards France. Stick to the permitted allowances to avoid confiscation or a fine.
Currency: Andorra uses the euro. Cards are accepted everywhere.

Conclusion: A Summer of Mountains and Shopping

Pas de la Case in summer offers the best of both worlds: outstanding Pyrenean scenery for outdoor lovers, and some of the most attractive tax-free shopping in Europe. Whether you want to hike to crystal-clear lakes, tear down mountain bike trails, try your hand at trout fishing, or simply browse the shops, this mountain resort has enough to keep you busy for several days.

Start planning your summer stay at Pas de la Case now and check out all our recommendations on pas-de-la-casa.net to make the most of your holiday in Andorra!