Destination stag weekends are becoming popular with UK grooms-to-be, not only for the opportunity to let their hair down on a mini-break abroad, but also because it’s often a lot more affordable than you might think.
While it’s undoubtedly more common for young bucks to jet off to the Costa del Sol, if you’re a fan of winter sports, why not consider a weekend in the snow? One place that ticks all the boxes for a fun, affordable stag weekend is Pas de la Casa.
Party Central at Pas
For a stag group, probably the most important aspect of your weekend away is finding out where you can party. In Pas de la Casa, you’ll be spoilt for choice, and one of the best things about staying in a resort is that you don’t have to worry about getting home safely – everywhere you go is within walking distance of your accommodation.
Start at Paddy’s Irish Bar, where the drinks are cheap and the music is live and loud. It’s one of the staples of the resort and everyone piles in off the slopes and parties on into the late evening.
Wander just up the road (well, everything is really just up the road here!) to the Kamikaze Surf Bar (colloquially known as the KSB), where you boys can get a hearty feast of mostly American-themed food. With regular themed nights, happy hours (with beers starting from as low as €2.50), great music, and a fantastic vantage overlooking the slopes, you might find it difficult to move on from here – and you don’t have to, as it’s open until 3 a.m.
Man-Style Activities in Pas
So, what can you and your boys get up to when you’re not partying in Pas? The obvious answer is, of course, skiing – and you’ll have access to the extensive high-altitude Grandvalira ski area, which covers over 210km of pistes. Even if there’s a range of abilities amongst your mates, there’s something for everyone – even a renowned ski school for total beginners. (Pas de la Casa Ski School offers group lessons from just €69 for two days.)
While we could also tell you about the dog-sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling (there, we told you), it’s a well-known fact that today’s enlightened young men aren’t averse to a spot of pampering… If you need a bit of me-time, head over to neighbouring Soldeu to the fabulous Sport Wellness Mountain Spa, which offers a huge range of ‘a-la-carte’ (and totally manly) treatments, including hydrotherapy, massage, ayurvedic face and body therapy, and a range of luxurious skin treatments. And if anyone happens to comment on your glowing skin and relaxed demeanour, it’s up to you whether you share your secret with the rest!
For something unique and memorable, make like movie stars for a day with Pas Productions. Everyone will be supplied with a choice of fancy dress costumes from a great range, then you’ll all head out onto the mountain to take part in your own mini-film! It makes for a hugely fun few hours, and then the production crew will create a professional DVD including music and bespoke titles.
What happens in Pas doesn’t have to stay in Pas anymore, and having your very own movie is a fantastic way of immortalising an amazing stag weekend…
How to Get to Pas de la Casa
Pas de la Casa is accessible from a number of airports and you can get budget flights from various places in the UK, including Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh – so if you are coming from different points there is no problem. Whichever airport you choose – Toulouse, Barcelona, or Reus – airport transfers are the most convenient way to get the group (and any ski equipment you may have) the rest of the way to the resort.
If you fancy making a road trip from the UK part of the stag weekend experience, with several drivers you could do it in one stretch if time is tight. You’ll travel through France, then along the N145 to Andorra – and don’t forget you’ll need snow chains. To get to Pas de la Casa you’ll drive through the highest pass in the Pyrenees, which is a truly spectacular experience.
Where to Stay:
Apartamentos Madriu Sherpa – For a boisterous stag weekend that won’t break the budget, the Apartamentos Madriu Sherpa offers cosy accommodation overlooking the slopes. Right in the centre of the action, you’re just footsteps away from the nightlife and restaurants, and extra touches like the all-important coffee machine make for the perfect bachelor’s hangout.
Hotel Cristina – Ideal for a boys’ weekend away, the Hotel Cristina offers stylish twin or group room accommodation and fabulous amenities. The onsite bar and restaurant are perfect for an evening get together or hearty buffet breakfast, and the dedicated lounge and games room make for the perfect man cave to meet up for a game of pool before a big night out.
Hotel Sporting – For a very upmarket stag weekend, the Hotel Sporting is the ultimate choice. With a classic ambience and sports themed décor, triple and quadruple rooms make group bookings easy. Meet up for a drink in the opulent bar, then enjoy a hearty buffet meal from the extensive selection of rich cuisine. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax in the huge spa and sauna.
