Whichever French Pyrenees ski resort you choose, they all have one thing in common: they are Pyrenean! The Pyrenees mountain range stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay, a distance of about 430 kilometres.
It lies on the border between Spain (the Iberian Peninsula) and France, and is home to the principality of Andorra. Its highest peak is 3,404 metres above sea level, in Spanish territory: the Aneto peak.
The Pyrenees are crossed by three hiking trails, the GR 11 on the Spanish side, the GR 10 on the French side and the High Pyrenean hiking route.
Each ski resort in the French Pyrenees benefits from a privileged environment
- The Atlantic Pyrenees or Lower Pyrenees: between the Golf de Gascogne and the Pic d’Anie with a maximum altitude of 2,000 metres.
- The Central Pyrenees: between the Anie peak and the Puymorens pass, which contains the highest peaks in the mountain range (over 3,000 metres in altitude).
- The Eastern Pyrenees or Catalan Pyrenees: from the Puymorens Pass to the Mediterranean.
Due to its orientation and latitude, the Pyrenees mountain range has two major climatic and vegetation zones. On the one hand (to the west and north), an oceanic climate and on the other (to the south and east), a continental and Mediterranean climate.
The flora of the Pyrenees is made up of around 4,500 species and its fauna includes many endemic species (exclusively located in this region). Because of its richness and diversity of cavernicolous (underground) species, in 1978 the Moulis Underground Laboratory was set up.
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Sport and relaxation for your next stay in a French Pyrenees ski resort
The Pyrenees mountain range has over 50 ski resorts along its 430 kilometres. It offers marvellous panoramas as well as a wild fauna and flora, better preserved than its Alpine sister.
The ski resorts of the Pyrenees are renowned for their village spas. It is therefore an ideal place to combine sport and relaxation during your stay. In total, the Pyrenees chain has more than 854 slopes of different levels and 371 ski lifts.
Iraty
Altitude: Min 1327 m – Max 1500 m
Iraty is a cross-country ski resort in the Pyrenees, located in the heart of the largest beech forest in Western Europe, in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (between France and Spain). It has 26 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, divided into three tracks. Once you have completed the circuit, you will enjoy a wonderful and unique view of the mountains of Haute Soule and Navarre.
You can also enjoy a meal in the mountain restaurant while taking in the view. For those who are not so keen on cross-country skiing, there is a tobogganing area and 21 kilometres of snowshoe trails.
Issarbe
Altitude: Min 1450 m – Max 1500 m
Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in the communes of Lanne-en-Barétous and Saite-Engrâce, Issarbe is a cross-country ski resort in the French Pyrenees. It has 31 kilometres of skiable runs, i.e. 9 cross-country ski runs, between 1,400 and 1,500 metres in altitude.
You can explore the Nordic area on snowshoes or go tobogganing. From the heights of the Issarbe resort you can enjoy a view of the Basque Country, the Bearn region and the Pyrenees. The cosy restaurant “Le Grand Tetras” offers home-made dishes, while enjoying the panoramic view.
La Pierre Saint Martin
Altitude: Min 1550 m – Max 2200 m
The Pyrenees ski resort of La Pierre Saint-Martin is a resort located in the Pierre Saint-Martin massif, near the Franco-Spanish border, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The ski area is part of the N’PY (Nouvelles Pyrénées) group of resorts. This family resort offers 23 kilometres of cross-country skiing and 25 kilometres of downhill skiing.
As for activities, there is a choice of snowpark, sledging, mountain biking, snowshoeing, airboarding, dog sledding and igloo building. You will find high altitude restaurants as well as numerous accommodations at the foot of the slopes, with the added bonus of a view of the plain of the Bearn Pyrenees and the Basque Country.
Le Somport – Candanchu
Altitude: Min 1600 m – Max 1700 m
Located on the Somport pass, at an altitude of 1600 metres, Somport-Candanchu is a border ski resort in the Pyrenees, straddling France and the province of Huesca in Spain. It shares a few kilometres with the Aragonese Pyrenean resort of Candanchu.
It has a tobogganing area and 34 kilometres of ski runs (six runs). Hikers will be delighted with the five kilometres of snowshoe trails and the new forest routes that it offers. There are several hotels and flats at the foot of the slopes.
Artouste
Altitude: Min 1400 m – Max 2100 m
Located in the heart of the Ossau valley, in Béarn, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the ski resort of Artouste offers an exceptional panorama of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, the Pic de Ger and the Fabrèges lake.
This French Pyrenean ski resort is divided into four sectors of different levels: Sagette (beginner), Arracou (intermediate), Séous (intermediate and advanced) and Soussouéou (advanced). Beginners can progress on the play area and the Kid Park, while the more experienced can hurtle down the 25 kilometres of skiable slopes and their 700 metre vertical drop, between the pine trees. The resort of Artouste will satisfy all desires, as it also has a freeride zone and a snowpark.
Gourette
Altitude: Min 1400 m – Max 2450 m
The ski resort of Gourette is part of the commune of Eaux-Bonnes, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It has a wide variety of terrain and extends over two slopes.
Situated at an altitude of 1400 metres, this French Pyrenean ski resort offers unspoilt nature and spectacular views of the mainly rocky environment. Gourette is the resort with the largest beginners’ area in the Pyrenees, but it also has 40 kilometres of skiable slopes with a vertical drop of 1100 metres, a snowpark and a free-ride area. It also offers a wide range of activities to its visitors.
Val d’Azun
Altitude: Min 1350 m – Max 1600 m
With its 90 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, the Val d’Azun Nordic site, located in the Lavedan in Occitanie, is the largest Nordic site in the High-Pyrenees. Its two domains, at the Col du Soulor and the Col de Couraduque, are 15 kilometres apart and both offer a wide range of activities: sledging, snowshoeing, biathlon or igloo building, not forgetting the Nordic Park which you will find on the Col du Couraduque.
The resort’s slopes offer a variety of panoramas. In addition, Val d’Azun is also a place of relaxation thanks to its baths garden. You can go there for the joys of snow, to discover the mountain or to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Cauterets
Altitude: Min 1730 m – Max 2450 m
The resort of Cauterets, also known as the “Pearl of the Pyrenees”, is located in the Pyrenees National Park. Despite its small size, this Pyrenean ski resort offers 36 kilometres of skiable slopes and has two areas: Le Cirque du Lys, which houses the downhill ski slopes (20 slopes) as well as a snowpark, and the Pont d’Espagne, which is more focused on Nordic activities (cross-country skiing and snowshoeing), but still has a small downhill area.
Cauterets benefits from good snow cover, as it is one of the ski resorts to receive the most snow in the French Pyrenees.
The resort does not have an equipment hire shop, but you will find food and drink at the foot of the pistes.
Hautacam
Altitude: Min 1500 m – Max 1800 m
Located in the commune of Beaucens in the High-Pyrenees, the ski resort of Hautacam stretches between several villages and offers a unique view of the Pic du Midi, Cauterets, Lourdes and Val d’Alzun. This medium altitude French Pyrenean ski resort has 20 kilometres of downhill ski runs and 15 kilometres of cross-country ski runs.
It is divided into two sectors: Cardouet and Naouït. The first one is suitable for beginners: activities, mountain sled, ski school and initiation carpet. The second, because of the steep slopes, is reserved for more experienced skiers.
Gavarnie – Gèdre
Altitude: Min 1850 m – Max 2400 m
Famous for its fresh and natural snow, the ski resort of Gavarnie-Gèdre or Gavarnie-les-Espécières is located in the High-Pyrenees in Occitanie, in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. The site has been classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site thanks to the beauty of its natural and cultural landscape.
Gavarnie-Gèdre has 34 kilometres of ski runs, including the longest green run in the Pyrenees (5.5 km) and a toboggan area, all served by seven lifts. In this French Pyrenean ski resort, you will have the opportunity to do ice climbing, mountaineering, via ferrata, or skating.
From the village, you can contemplate the Cirque de Gavarnie (3,000 m) and the largest waterfall in Europe (427 m).
Luz – Ardiden
Altitude: Min 1680 m – Max 2500 m
The ski resort of Luz-Ardiden is located in the High-Pyreees, in the commune of Luz-Saint-Sauveur. It is part of the N’PY (Nouvelles Pyrénées) group and offers 60 kilometres of skiable slopes, a snowpark and an off-piste area (Bernazou).
Luz-Ardiden is divided into two sectors: Aulian, which has 60% of the pistes, the snowpark and access to the highest point of the area (Cloze). And Béderet, situated at a lower altitude, which is made up solely of blue runs.
The resort is ideal for all kinds of activities while enjoying a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenean peaks.
Grand Tourmalet – Barèges – La Mongie – Pic du Midi :
Altitude: Min 1400 m – Max 2500 m
Located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the ski resorts of La Mongie and Barèges form the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees: the Grand Tourmalet – Pic du Midi. These two resorts have a total of 100 kilometres of skiable slopes, a snowpark and over 50 kilometres of Nordic skiing.
Thanks to its traditions, its pastoralism, its gastronomy and its thermal waters, the Grand Tourmalet-Pic du Midi is a great destination for travellers looking for authenticity and discovery.
Piau Engaly
Altitude: Min 1420 m – Max 2600 m
Located at the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park, Piau Engaly is the highest ski resort in the French Pyrenees. There, you will be able to practice different activities, depending on the season and your desires (alpine skiing, ski touring, freeride, snowpark, sledging…). In addition, it was named the snowiest resort in the world in 2015. It offers 65 kilometres of skiable slopes, divided into 42 runs for all levels and rises to an altitude of 2,600 metres.
Piau is an authentic Pyrenean ski resort, full of amenities: pedestrian areas at the foot of the slopes, a spa centre and free shuttle buses. Thanks to its avalanche of activities and its numerous play areas, Piau is an ideal Pyrenean ski resort for families.
Saint – Lary Soulan
Altitude: Min 1700 m – Max 2500 m
Situated just 20 kilometres from the Spanish border in the high Pyrenees, the ski resort of Saint-Lary Soulan stretches over several slopes and is one of the largest ski areas in the Pyrenees. With more than 100 kilometres of skiable runs spread over three zones, the resort welcomes beginners, experts, families and children.
Labelled Famille Plus Montagne by ski-france, this Pyrenean ski resort is full of fun activities and entertainment for young and old. In addition, you will find a wellness centre and many services nearby.
Val Louron
Altitude: Min 1450 m – Max 2100 m
From an altitude of 2,100 metres, the Pyrenean ski resort of Val Louron overlooks the Col d’Azet and dominates the Aure and Louron Valleys. It offers 20 kilometres of skiable runs and has one of the most remarkable beginners’ areas in the French Pyrenees, making it one of the best learning ski resorts in the region. When snow conditions permit, the resort becomes a real paradise for freeriders.
Val Louron is an ideal place to enjoy the snow and to relax. Indeed, Balnéa, the first thermal relaxation complex in the French Pyrenees is located 8 km from the resort (Loudenvielle). Not to mention that it is part of one of the most unspoilt areas in the Pyrenees.
Peyragudes
Altitude: Min 1600 m – Max 2400 m
The family ski resort of Peyragudes is located in the High-Pyrenees, near the Peyresourde pass and is part of the N’PY (Nouvelles Pyrénées) group. Since 1988, Peyragudes is the fusion of the resorts of Peyresourde and Agudes. Its east/west orientation means that you can ski in the sun all day on either side of the mountain.
Peyragudes has 60 kilometres of skiable runs and 6 km of off-piste. It offers very good quality skiing thanks to its artificial snow network. In this Pyrenean ski resort, you will also find a giant toboggan run and two snow parks. The village of Loudenvielle is only 900m away and can be reached by the Skyvall gondola.
Nistos
Altitude: Min 1600 m – Max 1800 m
The Nordic ski resort of Nistos is located in the communes of Sarrancolin and Nistos, in the High-Pyrenees. This human-sized resort offers 43 kilometres of skiable runs, 12 kilometres of snowshoeing runs and two toboggan runs. At the top of the slopes, you will enjoy a unique panorama of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Anéto, as well as the valleys of Aure, Nistos, Nestes and Barousse.
At the foot of the slopes, you will find a range of services to satisfy your needs. In addition to the activities offered by the resort (biathlon, snowshoeing, tobogganing) you can also discover the charming villages that are hidden in the surroundings.
Bourg d’Oueil
Altitude: Min 1350 m – Max 1500 m
Located in the Haute-Garonne department, the small but charming ski resort of Bourg-d’Oueil is one of the smallest alpine ski resorts in the French Pyrenees. Run entirely by volunteers, it has six runs as well as a snow slide and a toboggan run. And despite its small size, it offers a wide range of activities (hiking, sledging, snowshoeing and paragliding).
Its attractive price and size make it one of the best options for beginners. To complete your sporting sessions, the resort of Bourg-d’Oueil is close to several beautiful villages.
Luchon – Superbagnères
Altitude: Min 1465 m – Max 2125 m
The ski resort of Luchon-Superbagnères is located in the commune of Saint-Aventin in the Haute-Garonne, only 1 hour 30 minutes from Toulouse. It is divided into three sectors: Tréchou, Lac and Céciré. Thanks to its four slopes, it offers a magnificent view of the Luchon valley, the Maladeta peaks, the Bénasque massifs and the Aneto.
Luchon-Superbagnère has 32 kilometres of ski runs, four kilometres of cross-country skiing, a snowpark and a boardercross. A gondola lift connects this Pyrenean ski resort with the centre of Luchon, where you will find hotels, a spa, restaurants, a discotheque and even a casino.
Le Mourtis
Altitude: Min 1380 m – Max 1816 m
The ski resort of Le Mourtis is located in the commune of Boutx, at the gateway to the Val d’Aran, in the Haute-Garonne department. It is divided into three sectors: the Courraou, the snow front and the Artigue, linked together by free shuttles. Mourtis offers 20 slopes of different levels, i.e. 23 kilometres of skiable slopes, a Nordic route as well as two ski schools.
This Pyrenean ski resort offers other activities to enjoy the snow: fatbike, airboard, sledging, snowshoeing and night skiing.
Le Mourtis has a variety of accommodation (hotels, gites, chalets or flats) and restaurants, and has the advantage of having a nursery.
Guzet
Altitude: Min 1100 m – Max 2100 m
The ski resort of Guzet is located in the Ariège region of the Pyrenees and is divided into three areas. The Prat Mataou, with gentle slopes and a beginner’s area, the Combe de Guzet, with a snowpark, a freeride area and slopes for all levels and finally, Freychet, for thrill seekers (steep slopes).
It has a total of 40 kilometres of skiable slopes, i.e. 29 slopes of different levels, three kilometres of cross-country ski trails and two snowshoeing itineraries. From the resort of Guzet, you will have a panoramic view of the Couserannais summits.
For accommodation, a shuttle bus runs between the centre of this Pyrenean ski resort and the Prat Mataou chalet area.
Goulier Neige
Altitude: Min 1500 m – Max 1900 m
The small ski resort of Goulier Neige is located in the Ariège, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees. It has seven kilometres of skiable slopes spread over six runs of different levels and a toboggan run. Goulier Neige is also a great place for hiking. With snowshoes or skis, it offers many routes to its visitors.
Thrill-seekers can try speed-ringing, ice-climbing and even paragliding.
You will find a range of accommodation (hotels, gites, flats) and services (restaurants, bars, shops) in the neighbouring valleys.
Beille
Altitude: Min 1800 m – Max 2000 m
The Beille Nordic site is located on the Beille plateau, south of the Ariège valley. It is the first Nordic area in the Pyrenees and offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees. The Beille Nordic area has 70 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 42 kilometres of snowshoe trails, a dog sledding school and a biathlon stadium. For hiking enthusiasts, the GR10 hiking trail passes through the Beille plateau.
With family or friends, you will have a great time in an exceptional natural setting.
The Monts d’Olmes
Altitude: Min 1500 m – Max 2000 m
The Monts d’Olmes ski resort is located in the commune of Montferrier, in the Tabe massif, in Ariège. It is the third largest ski area in the Ariège after Ax 3 Domaine and Guzet. It offers 20 kilometres of skiing, spread over 21 runs, a children’s area, a ski school and a freeride area. Thanks to its consistent snow cover, this ski resort in the Ariège Pyrenees attracts many freeriders.
As for activities, you can enjoy the ice rink located not far from the resort, or try the big jump in paragliding from the top of the domain.
Ax 3 domains
Altitude: Min 1400 m – Max 2400 m
The Ax 3 Domaines ski resort is located in the heart of the Ax valley in the Ariège department. As its name suggests, this Pyrenean ski resort is divided into three areas, depending on the altitude: Bonascre (1,400/2,000 m), Saquet (1,800, 2,300 m) and Campels (2,400 m).
The resort offers 83 kilometres of skiable runs spread over 37 slopes, a “Natural Forest Park” snowpark and a cross-country ski run.
For your stay, you can opt for accommodation at the foot of the slopes or in the town of Ax les Thermes (10 min by cable car), where the town’s famous thermal springs are located.
Porté – Puymorens
Altitude: Min 1600 m – Max 2500 m
Situated at an altitude of 2,471 metres in the Eastern Pyrenees, the small resort of Porté-Puymorens offers 50 kilometres of skiable runs spread over 35 pistes and 15 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. Its sporty character will please skiers of all levels as well as snowboarders and cross-country skiers. Thanks to its north-western exposure, the whole area benefits from very good snow conditions.
Located only 20 kilometres from Spain and 15 kilometres from Andorra, its high mountain village will seduce you with its authenticity and warm welcome. Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous itineraries in the neighbouring massifs.
Le Chioula
Altitude: Min 1240 m – Max 1725 m
Le Chioula is a Nordic ski resort located in the Ax valleys, in Ariège, in the French Pyrenees. Between forests, plateaus and valleys, it has 60 kilometres of Nordic ski slopes, 32 kilometres of snowshoe slopes and a toboggan run.
This Nordic ski resort in the Pyrenees will amaze you with its snowy itineraries, its villages, its high altitude restaurants and its panoramic terraces. Within 15 minutes of the resort, you will find the Ax 3 domaines and Ax les Thermes. Not to mention the many starred accommodation options in the valley.
Camurac
Altitude: Min 1550 m – Max 1800 m
The Camurac ski resort is located in the commune of Camurac, in the Pays de Sault and is the only ski resort in the Aude department. It has 11 downhill ski runs, two snowshoeing routes, a toboggan run, a ski school and a beginners’ area. It offers various activities, from sledging to paragliding.
The resort of Camurac combines the charm of a mountain village with snow sports. Its main asset is its unspoilt nature. At an altitude of 1,200 metres, you will find in Camurac Village all the amenities you need for your stay in the mountains.
Ascou-Pailhères
Altitude: Min 1500 m – Max 2000 m
The Ascou-Pailhères ski area is located a few kilometres from the Spanish border, in the commune of Ascou, in the Ariège department. It has 20 kilometres of skiable slopes, i.e. 17 runs, served by seven ski lifts. Thanks to its northern exposure, Ascou-Pailhères benefits from a very good snow cover. Despite its small size, it also has a toboggan run and a school run and offers various activities.
At the foot of the slopes of this French Pyrenees ski resort, you will find numerous services (shop, games and rest room, picnic area, cafeteria), as well as accommodation.
Mijanès – Donezan
Altitude: Min 1530 m – Max 2000 m
The family resort of Mijanès-Donezan is situated, as its name indicates, in the commune of Mijanès, in Donezan, in Ariège. It offers 12 kilometres of alpine ski slopes, spread over 15 runs and 15 kilometres of cross-country ski slopes.
Mijanès-Donezan offers several activities related to skiing: sledging, snakegliss, snowshoeing and even dog sledding. Not far from the slopes, you will find restaurants, shops and accommodation.
Font-Romeu Pyrenees 2000
Altitude : Min 1700 m – Max 2213 m
The ski area of Font-Romeu Pyrenees 2000 is the result of the union of the resorts of Font-Romeu and Bolquère – Pyrenees 2000, located in the Eastern Pyrenees. It is considered one of the best equipped ski areas in Europe and is divided into four sectors. Les Airelles, Pyrenees 2000, les Aveillans and la Calme.
The Pyrenees ski resort of Font Romeu-Pyrenees 2000 has 43 kilometres of alpine slopes, three of which are reserved for sledges, 111 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, a play area and a freestyle area.
Located at an altitude of 1,593 metres, it is the highest in France. You will have a beautiful view of the French Sardinian landscape.
Les Angles
Altitude: Min 1600 m – Max 2400 m
Les Angles is a ski resort in the eastern Pyrenees with over 190 hectares of skiable terrain, including 45 runs stretching over 55 kilometres. This Pyrenean ski resort is both modern and traditional, as it has kept its authenticity as a small mountain village while innovating.
As far as lifts are concerned, it is equipped with a unique 16-seater gondola lift, ski lifts and chairlifts. Its eight free shuttles will allow you to move quickly between the village and the resort. Finally, the Les Angles ski area is divided into five sectors, depending on the difficulty of the slopes.
Formiguères
Altitude: Min 1500 m – Max 2400 m
Located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park, the Formiguères ski resort has been offering visitors a magnificent ski area for over 40 years, with 19 runs in the middle of 65 hectares in the heart of the forest. Off-piste enthusiasts will be delighted as 10 hectares are reserved for them.
Moreover, after an intense day, visitors will have the chance to recharge their batteries in the Roman baths of Dorres or in the natural hot water baths of Llo, only a few minutes away from the Formiguères resort. Finally, to recharge the batteries, the clientele has the choice: hotels, gites, guest houses, residences and much more are available.
Cambre d’Aze
Altitude: Min 1640 m – Max 2400 m
Right in the centre of the Catalan Pyrenees regional park, Le Cambre d’Aze ski resort offers 23 runs for all levels as well as two sledging areas and two beginners’ areas, which will delight young and old alike. At an altitude of 2,400 metres, this ski resort in the Eastern Pyrenees, located in the communes of Eyne and Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcat, is the ideal place for nature lovers, thanks to its views of the Cerdagne, Conflent and Capcir plateaus, the Catalan Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
Moreover, Cambre d’Aze adapts to the seasons: in winter you can go canyoning or take a dog sled ride, in summer you can enjoy long walks, horse rides or mountain biking.
Capcir
Altitude: Min 1500 m – Max 1900 m
Located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park, the Capcir Nordic resort is one of the most famous in the Pyrenees thanks to its four ski areas: the Col de la LLose area, the Quillane area, the Matte forest area and the Lac de l’Olive area. But also thanks to the numerous activities it offers, such as biathlon, pony sledging and skijoëring.
This Catalan Nordic site offers visitors 56 kilometres of cross-country ski trails on the Col de La Llose domain and 83 kilometres of white trails on the domains of La Quillane, the Matte forest and the Lac de l’Olive.
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