Richard Jones takes a trip to Pas de la Casa, the spectacular ski resort which is ideal for beginners and adrenaline junkies alike

THE holy trinity of skiing holidays is good snow, exciting apres ski and value for money. And a trip to Pas de la Casa in Andorra ticks all three boxes.

Pas, set in the spectacular Pyrenees, is the highest resort in Andorra and part of the extensive Grandvalira ski area.

Boasting an excellent snow record (2012-2013 was a 20-year high) and a modern lift system that was heavily invested in during the Nineties and Noughties, there’s plenty of off-piste action for adrenaline junkies an an abundance of wide, well-groomed, confidence-boosting tracks perfect for beginners and intermediates.

The superb Andorran ski schools are staffed by English speakers, making the area perfect for families — especially when you throw in a free lift pass for children aged from six-11 years.

A great way to make the most of the extensive Grandvalira area, especially during the Pas Rocks event in March, is to join one of the resort's Crystal reps for a spot of social skiing.

The reps, with their extensive knowledge of the region, give skiers of all abilities a guided tour of the area which was developed prior to the 2012-2013 season, adding a further 5km to the ski area, six new slopes, improvements in the snowparks and new lifts.

As well as Pas, there are a few other gems to be found in the Grandvalira area.

Soldeu is an attractive village, with excellent facilities for families coupled with some lively apres, while down the road at El Tarter you will find a more relaxed atmosphere and a small but refined selection of restaurants and bars.

Slightly further afield is Arinsal — an attractive, compact resort and part of the superb Vallnord ski area which comprises three ski resorts: Arinsal, Pal and Ordino-Arcalis.

Back in Pas, the four-star Hotel Magic Pas is a superb base for a Pyrenean holiday.

Located close to the ski lifts, shops and bars of the resort, Magic has the warmth of a traditional winter hotel and great facilities, including lounge/bar with TV, pool table and free wi-fi access, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, fitness room and games room.

Andorra gained quite a reputation in the latter part of the 20th century as a duty-free haven.

And thrifty travellers will be thrilled to hear cheap booze, fags and gifts are still all over the place in the principality –– with a litre of top-brand spirits still priced at well under 10 euros.

Despite its cheap-and-cheerful image, touches of luxury are commonplace in Andorra and a visit to Caldea Spa, the largest mountain spa leisure centre in Europe, is a must.

In an unmistakable building in the centre of the town, you can discover the pleasures and benefits of the spa water of Escaldes-Engordany in caring for your body, recovering your balance and regenerating yourself.

A relaxing trip to Caldea is perfectly complimented by dinner a short drive away at the Sol I Neu Restaurant at the 5-star Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa, where guests can devour some of chef Nandu Jubany's Michelin-starred cuisine.

Alternatively there is also varied cuisine to be had in Pas, with typical Andorran cuisine and steak available in the open fire restaurant KSB and fast food plentiful for the revellers.

www.crystalski.co.uk (0871 231 2256) offers ski holidays to Pas de la Casa, Arinsal, Soldeu and El Tarter in Andorra and a week’s stay at the four-star Hotel Magic in Pas from £629 including flights from Manchester, transfers and half board (departure January 12, 2014). For more information see www.grandvalira.com; www.vallnord.com and www.skiandorra.ad