guide
An introduction to the main ski resorts of the Hautes-Pyrénées: Grand Tourmalet (La Mongie and Barèges), Cauterets and its two ski areas, Luz Ardiden and its Aulian and Béderet sectors, and Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A handy comparison for choosing your resort before a campsite stay in the region, whether in winter or summer.
Thinking of going skiing in France for your next holiday? The ski resorts of the Hautes-Pyrénées are ideal for a successful family stay in the snow. What’s more, services and activities are offered at reasonable prices. We’ll introduce you to the best of them in this article.
If you’re after a cheap campsite, several best-priced campsites are available in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
This is the largest ski area in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Its 100 kilometres are spread across 68 ski runs, reaching an altitude of 2,500 metres.
On the “east” side is La Mongie, a ski-in ski-out resort, at 1,800 metres altitude. It has every amenity you’d expect of a ski area. The “west” side offers a different atmosphere. The ski resort of Barèges has the charm of a mountain village. Set at 1,250 metres altitude, it has numerous shops.
Enjoy alpine skiing in an exceptional setting! Beginners will find dedicated areas at their disposal. You can also access the freestyle area for free jumping. It boasts a fine snowpark with various features. For freeriders, head to the summit of Pic du Midi!
From the new “Panoramic”, take your time to admire an unobstructed view.
This is both a spa town and a ski resort. It covers 38 kilometres and includes 22 runs. Recognised as the snowiest resort, it promises beautiful descents across its two ski areas.
The first is Cirque du Lys, accessible via the Lys cable car. It’s truly the kingdom of alpine skiing, with 4 runs suited to first-timers. A magnificent view of the Pyrenean peaks awaits you!
If you prefer Nordic activities, head to Pont d’Espagne. You can go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing there in a “Great North” atmosphere. What’s more, 5 trail circuits are reserved for this activity, alongside a sledging run for gliding safely down the slope.
This ski area covers 60 kilometres of runs and peaks between 1,700 and 2,500 metres altitude. It offers a rich, varied playground.
First, there’s the Aulian sector, which gathers the majority of the runs and gives access to the highest point of the ski area, at 2,500 metres altitude. It includes a beginner zone. Fancy some thrills? Head to the snowpark located there.
As for the Béderet sector, it sits at a lower altitude, between 2,168 and 1,680 metres. That said, it enjoys optimal sunshine exposure. It only has blue and red runs. Whether skiing or snowboarding, this wild area offers a breathtaking panoramic view!
Located on the Spanish border, this ski resort is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers 35 kilometres of runs and reaches up to 1,375 metres altitude. Its ice waterfalls are suited to beginners and to mountaineers looking for new adventures. Children will love themselves too in the play areas.
You’ll no doubt fall for the charm of the rich, unspoilt nature. What’s more, a sumptuous landscape awaits you at the Cirque de Gavarnie!
The Grand Tourmalet, with 100 kilometres of pistes spread across 68 runs between La Mongie, the resort town at 1,800 metres, and Barèges, which has kept the charm of a mountain village.
Yes, the Cirque du Lys offers 4 pistes suited to first-timers, and the Pont d’Espagne sector offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in a far-north atmosphere.
The resort tops out at 2,500 metres in the Aulian sector, which also includes a snowpark for thrill-seekers.
Its ice waterfalls are suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers, and children enjoy the resort's play areas.
