Goulier

Goulier Neige is a small ski and winter sports resort located in the French Pyrenees, in the Ariège department, Occitanie region.

The ski domain is placed in the town of Goulier, since 2019 known as Val-de-Sos, which is nestled in the Vicdessos valley, in the territory of Sabarthès.

History and location of the Goulier Neige ski resort

The resort was created in 1988. It holds the valley floor among the Garbié de Brésoul (2047 m) and Pédrix (2213 m) peaks, in a valley parallel to Ourtou, at the foot of the north-northwest face of Pique d’Endron (2472 m).

To get to the resort, we must travel 24 km west of Tarascon-sur-Ariège towards Auzat, via departmental highway 8.  Goulier Neige is characterized by a family atmosphere, where luxury is shunned in favor of simplicity and respect for the environment.

Goulier slopes layout

Traced in a cold valley between the peaks of Garbié (2047 m) and Sarrasi (2213 m), on the northwest face of Pic d’Endron (2472 m), the Goulier Neige ski area deploys its 6 alpine ski slopes (2 red, 2 blue and 2 green). The length of its tracks totals a modest 7 kilometers, which are served by 3 ski lifts and a cable rope.

Mainly geared towards nature and family, the resort is perfect for beginners and to lose the sliding on the snow fear. Among 1500 and 1850 m above sea level, you will ski in a cozy and pleasant environment, always keeping in mind the sustainable development of the mountain.

Baby and Espace green beginner trails will delight kids and beginners. The two blue slopes, Garbié and Montagnette, allow you to progress at your own pace on gentle slopes and without crowds (equiped with artificial snow cannons) to guarantee optimum gliding quality.

The red slopes of Orri de Nan and Cauderas will be the playground for intermediate and sports skiers. Although the slopes are a bit short compared to other resorts, they allow carving and turning without disturbing other skiers.

Goulier does not stand out for its size, but for its charm

Local skiers are naturally linked to their small ski resort in Goulier and they share opinions: “this is the kind of place you discover being just a kid and where you always return.” But Goulier Neige not only concentrates its main market on local skiers. It also attracts skiers from other regions, as it is reasonably near Toulouse (95 km) and Tarascon-sur-Ariège (15 km).

Beyond alpine skiing, Goulier Neige welcomes  walks and outdoor hiking lovers. Whether on snowshoes or touring skis, alone or accompanied by mountain guides (organized by the FSE), routes to the Grail refuge or Sarrazi peak will be unforgettable experiences.

It’s not all about getting on skis

For excitement lovers, speed courses and baptisms are offered on the ski slopes. If we want to enjoy the mountain without skis, there are paragliding courses supervised by professionals from the Zéphir school, and ice climbing not far from the resort.

Children will enjoy one of their favorite activities, sledding, in the dedicated and safe space located on the snow front.  And there is bad weather, head to Le Barri museum in Auzat to discover the history of the men and women who shaped the Vicdessos valley (it has 3 exhibition halls).

As for services, we will find an equipment rental and sale store on the snow front, the ESF (French Ski School) in Goulier Neige and a snack bar to eat and warm up.

In the valley (villages of Goulier, Auzat and Vicdessos) there is a wide variety of accommodation (hotels, rural houses, flats, resorts, hostels), as well as a leisure center and a kindergarten open on weekends on demand.

A constantly changing resort

The asotiation of the Haute Ariège communes focused their efforts during the last summer period in the Goulier ski resort restaurant. The establishment, taking advantage of the minor renovation works that had been planned, has increased the size of the dining room. Now it has a 80 m2 terrace with a magnificent panorama of the slopes and  Vicdessos valley, crownded by the Montcalm peak at 3075 meters above sea level.

These reforms always had the comfort and welcoming of skiers in mind; Proof of this has been its new rest area and snack bar that can hold around 40 people. The parking area has also been expanded and properly equipped.

As a result, after these work done on the snow front, the Goulier-Neige ski resort enters a new era. On the slopes, improvements have been made to ensure optimal snow conditions and increase safety during the season.