Artouste

Located in the Atlantic Pyrenees, near the Spanish border, the resort of Artouste offers an exceptional setting for lovers of nature and new winter sports. Instinct de Montagne – Artouste is a resort nestled at the foot of the famous Pic du Midi d’Ossau. Its 25 km of slopes through the pine trees of the unspoilt Soussouéou valley offer technical skiing in a dream setting.

A fun area allows beginners to learn to ski at their own pace. The Snow Park, the resort’s symbol, and the freeride area will satisfy experienced riders and skiers, while the Kid Park will allow beginners to learn in front of the Ossau. Whether you’re a rider, an experienced skier or a beginner, the Artouste resort has everything you need for a great day’s skiing, with its freeride area, snowpark and slopes in the heart of the pine trees.

The Artouste ski area

In the heart of the Ossau Valley, the ski resort offers a sumptuous landscape. An ideal combination for all mountain activities such as skiing, hiking and sledging. The Artouste ski resort delights lovers of skiing in the great outdoors who enjoy a friendly atmosphere in a village with mountain architecture.

Artouste has 11 ski lifts and 50% of its slopes are blue, making it ideal for learning to ski in a unique setting.

A few kilometres from the Spanish border, the resort is not far from Pau and the Pyrenees National Park. Fresh air guaranteed!

Wild and unspoilt, it is made up of four sectors covering 150 hectares and 17 slopes spread over 25 kilometres amid snow-covered pine trees, offering a real feeling of freedom for experienced skiers and snowboarders alike, as well as beginners! Everything you need to enjoy your skiing holiday!

Artouste in a few figures

The resort offers 17 ski runs at altitudes ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 metres, with a vertical drop of 700 metres for all levels. Freestyle enthusiasts will enjoy the 17 specially designed snowpark modules. The ski area covers 25 kilometres of slopes. For a change of pace, 9 fun activities are also available in the Adventure Park.

The Artouste ski resort is committed to sustainable development

Artouste is committed to the environment through a number of initiatives. Starting with transport. The resort offers carpooling areas to limit traffic congestion.

The resort centre is restricted to pedestrians. Artouste is also committed to the development of the resort. A Local Urban Development Plan (PLU) is currently being drawn up.

In terms of energy, a wood-fired heating system has been installed for the school and town hall in Artouste, which will help to reduce overconsumption and move towards a more natural form of energy.

Artouste is also a resort where waste sorting is very important and essential for preserving the species and greenery that live there. Similarly, for environmental reasons, schools are made aware of environmental issues. The aim is to encourage environmentally conscious behaviour from an early age.

Unforgettable experiences in Artouste

The Vallée d’Ossau resort is a mountain resort known in particular for its train. Yes, you read that right! Embark on an unusual journey to the top of the mountains on the highest train in Europe, offering 10 km of track in the heart of the Ossau Valley at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres.

At the summit, you will find a unique panorama of the authentic Pyrenees countryside.

A unique experience

A 55-minute journey aboard this authentic little train departs from the station and arrives at the Restaurant du Lac, where you can enjoy a gourmet break. From there, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the lake, where you can contemplate the natural surroundings.

Several options are available: The ‘Découverte’ ticket allows you to enjoy a 3.5-hour excursion with return train travel and 1 hour 20 minutes of free time. This option is free for children under 4 years old. Then there is the ‘Escapade’ ticket, for a day trip with 2 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes of free time available, with return train travel at any time during the day. The last option is the ‘One-way’ ticket, which, as its name suggests, is a one-way ticket to the restaurant. You return to the station by your own means, but you have as much free time as you want!

You can also explore the Vallée d’Ossau resort on board the Mountain Karts. Thrills are guaranteed on this 8-kilometre descent, which will delight young and old alike in search of new experiences!

Prices are €22 for adults and €19 for children under 16. The price includes the cable car ride up to the starting point, equipment hire for one hour and a briefing before departure.

The Artouste mountain resort in summer

In summer, the mountain resort offers mountain running enthusiasts eight permanently marked trails for all levels of ability.

Get walking and exercising! Make sure you are well equipped when you set off so you don’t miss anything. Water, food, map, good shoes. This equipment is necessary for your hikes, trails or mountain races to go smoothly.

There are 35 varied walking trails at your disposal, allowing you to discover the region at your own pace, including 6 heritage trails to immerse yourself in local history and culture. The routes are divided into four levels of difficulty, suitable for all walkers. You will also find 12 signposted trails in the heart of the National Park, for total immersion in nature.

Mountain biking, one of Artouste’s must-do activities

With or without electric assistance, set off from the Vallée d’Ossau resort and enjoy marked trails of varying levels of difficulty in a preserved natural environment, then descend 750 metres along our six downhill enduro trails.

There are two trails in the Soussouéou valley, offering rides lasting from 45 minutes to 6½ hours. You will also have access to the Bike Park, which offers six trails and four levels of difficulty. This activity is therefore accessible to everyone and suitable for all levels! Get on your bikes!

Where to stay in Artouste?

Villa Le Clos

Villa Le Clos in Laruns is an elegant and welcoming guest house located in the heart of the Pyrenees, near the resort of Artouste. Offering an intimate and refined atmosphere, this establishment is ideal for travellers seeking peace and comfort. The villa has modern, spacious rooms, tastefully decorated to create a warm setting in which to relax after a day of activities in the mountains.

One of the highlights of Villa Le Clos is its magnificent garden, perfect for enjoying sunny days and recharging your batteries in a natural environment. In addition to its attentive service, the house offers a hearty breakfast made with fresh, local produce to get your day off to a good start. Whether for a romantic getaway, a stay with family or friends, Villa Le Clos is the perfect place to relax and explore the wonders of the Pyrenees.

Hôtel le Biscaü **

Located in the Atlantic Pyrenees in the mountainous region of Béarn in the heart of the Ossau Valley, this hotel-restaurant is in the heart of a mountain hamlet at an altitude of 1,000 metres at the foot of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. Its fully renovated rooms are quiet and spacious. You will enjoy views of the mountains and forest, and its privileged setting for hiking, in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park and 15 minutes from Spain. You can also visit the cheese salting rooms (maturing cellars) of the master cheese maker and taste the famous ‘Ossalois’ cheese.

Hôtel du Pourtalet ***

The Hôtel du Pourtalet, located in Laruns, just 25 minutes from the Artouste resort, offers an idyllic setting in the heart of the Pyrenees. This charming hotel stands out for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for mountain lovers. With its comfortable rooms, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, allowing visitors to fully enjoy nature. The Hôtel du Pourtalet also has a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine, perfect after a day of skiing or hiking. Whether you are here to discover the slopes of Artouste or explore the region, this hotel is the ideal base for a relaxing and authentic stay.

Highlights of the Artouste ski resort:

• Natural environment: Located near the Pyrenees National Park, with breathtaking views of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau and the village of Fabrèges on the shores of Lake Fabrèges.
• Ski area: 17 slopes for a total of 25 km of skiable terrain (2 green, 8 blue, 6 red, 1 black).
• Family activities: Secure Kid Park for children, ideal for learning in complete safety.
• Snowpark & freestyle: 17 modules in the snowpark, snowcross and freeride areas.
• Artouste train: The highest train in Europe (at an altitude of 2,000 m), offering a 55-minute panoramic journey to Lake Artouste.
• Accessibility: 25 minutes from Laruns, easily accessible for a skiing holiday in the heart of nature.