Fancy a ski holiday in the Pyrenees?

Fancy a ski holiday in the Pyrenees?

The Pyrenees has been enjoying some of the best snow conditions for decades. At one point this month, Cauterets had the world’s top snow coverage at a whopping 5.5m. So have you thought about the Pyrenees as a skiing destination? Perhaps the snow reports have got you thinking about taking your next holiday in this mountain range? Here we bring you a guide to some of what’s on offer for skiers and snowboarders in the Pyrenees.

The mountain range of the Pyrenees runs along the border between France and Spain, with the small country of Andorra located in the middle. The advantages of the Pyrenees for skiing include less people on the slopes and generally cheaper resorts and day-to-day expenses when compared to many of the resorts in the Alps.

Guide to the Pyrenean Ski Resorts

Gourette sits high in the Pyrenees at an altitude of 1400m to 2,450m. There are 16 ski lifts, many kms of marked pistes, including four green, eight blue, one black and 12 red routes, numerous snow cannons, two ski schools and two mountain restaurants.

The Domaine du Tourmalet, at an altitude of 1,400-2,500m, will ring a bell with cycling fans. The Tourmalet has often featured on the Tour de France route and is renowned as a difficult climb on two wheels. When covered in snow, the Domaine becomes the largest resort in the French Pyrénées, offering 125km of downhill pistes, including 23 green, 21 blue, 20 red, 5 black.

La Pierre St Martin is situated at 1,500-2,200m. You’ll discover some 20 slopes, 30km of cross-country ski terrain and 55 hectares of pistes, including three green, nine blue, five red and one black trail. There are 14 ski lifts, 45 snow cannons and lots of fun ski attractions, such as a border cross trail and a mogul field.

Peyragudes has lots to offer skiers and snowboarders, including cross-country skiing, para-skiing, snow-cat skiing, sledging and dog-sledding. There are 60kms of trails, lifts, a mountain restaurant and a ski school.

Saint-Lary comprises three resorts at an altitude of between 1,600m and 2,500m. More than 100km of pistes offer a wealth of skiing and snowboarding options. The three resorts are Saint-Lary village, Saint-Lary 1700 (Pla d'Adet) and Saint-Lary 1900 (Espiaube).

The highest resort in the French Pyrenees is Piau-Engely. From an altitude of 1,850m, the skiable area climbs to 2,560m at its highest point. The resort has 41 runs and has lots to offer novice skiers and snowboarders.

Other Pyrenean ski resorts to check out: 

• Luz-Ardiden resort (altitude1,680-2,500m)
• Cauterets (altitude 1,450-2,450m)
• Gavarnie-Gedre (altitude 1,650-2,400m)
• Guzet resort (altitude 1,100-2,100m)  
• Mont d'Olmes (altitude 1,500-2,000m)
• Mijanès-Donezan (altitude 1,530-2,000m)

Tell us about your experiences skiing or snowboarding in the Pyrenees.