GrandValira is making special celebrations this week as it’s been 50 years since the Collblanc surface lift, the first lift in the region, opened at Pas de la Casa, changing the course of history for the small principality between France and Spain.

The idea of Andorran ski pioneer and entrepreneur, Francesc Viladomat, today Pas de la Casa’s ski lifts extend over the border in to France and are linked to long-time rival Soldeu, to create one of the world’s 50 biggest ski areas, with more six-seater chairlifts than any other.