Discover Toulouse Ariège & Pyrénées
Discover Toulouse Ariège & Pyrénées
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- Visit Toulouse region and the French Pyrénées
- All the ski resorts
- Visit Toulouse region and the French Pyrénées
- Discover
- Tourism
All the ski resorts
With its 23 ski resorts, the Pyrenees offers cross-country skiing and alpine skiing. Whatever your level, your sport or motivation, the Hautes-Pyrénées, Ariège and Haute Garonne will satisfy your skiing or hiking aspirations either off the beaten tracks in untouched landscapes or on groomed ski slopes on the highest peaks.
all the ski resorts in Hautes-Pyrénées
CROss-COUNTRY SKI AND SNOWSHOE HIKING IN CAMPAN-PAYOLLE (1,130-1,450 M)
The cross-country ski resort of Campan-Payolle offers 50 km of marked crossed country ski paths in the forest and around the lake, one downhill ski itinerary and four circuits for snowshoe hiking and sled dogs. The resort is part of the Grand Tourmalet ski area.
GRAND TOURMALET, THE LARGEST SKIING AREA (1,250-2,500 METRES)
When you reach the col du Tourmalet, you are at the heart of the Grand Tourmalet ski area, at the foot of the pic du Midi with the Mongie Resort on one side and the Barèges resort on the other side.
It is the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees with 70 downhill ski slopes, representing 120 km of marked runs. Snowboard and freestyle complete the other snow sport activities. In the wooden areaof Lienz in Barèges, you will find 18 km of cross-county paths.
And for those who are not into skiing, the thermal spa of Barèges offers spas and massages.
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CAUTERETS for downhill skiing (1,850-2.400 M)
Since the 1960’s, with its 36 km of slopes and renowned for its snowfall, Cauterets and its cirque du Lys ski area are the ideal place for downhill skiing and snowboarding. From the town centre you can hop on the Lys cable cars (15 mn), then the Grand Barbat ski lift and in 25 mn you can be at 2,300 metres altitude, close to the high peaks with a stunning view on the Pic du Midi, Vignemale, Péguère and the Balaïtous.
For cross-country skiing (36,5 km of cross-country paths), for snowshoe hikes (6 km of paths) through pine forests, we prefer le Pont d’Espagne with three downhill ski slopes and sledging.
Crédit Photo - Fotolia ©marytog
GAVARNIE-GÈDRE, FAMILY SKI RESORT (1,650-2,400 METRES)
It is the most sumptuous resort of the Pyrenees with a beautiful view on the cirque de Gavarnie, listed Unesco World Heritage since 1996, from the top of the slopes.
Thirty ski slopes, including many green and blue, wide and easy are provided for downhill skiing. Cross-country skiing can be practised on 7,5 km of cross-country trails on the plateau de la Prade, kids have an exclusive recreation area “Kidpark” as well as sledding. Teens are not forgotten with a Buzzpark. Ice waterfall offer other thrills add to the pleasure of skiing and snowboarding.
HAUTACAM, THE DISCREET CHARM (1,500-1,800 M)
Hautacam is a small and quiet ski resort twenty kilometres from Argelès-Gazost, with medium level downhill ski (26 km), and cross country skiing (15 km of ski slopes either in forests or on the high ridges). Hautacam is a very sunny resort.
Crédit Photo - Fotolia @Philippe Asseray
LUZ-ARDIDEN, ALL LEVELS SKIING (1,680-2,500 Metres)
12 km from the village of Luz-Saint-Sauveur is the Luz-Ardiden ski resort with 60 km of skiing area on three sides, from the longest to the most technical slopes, for all levels of ski fans. Children have their own skiing area as well as the snowboarders with an equipped modules snowpark.
The shuttle bus links the heart of the village and the plateau of Aulian. After skiing or snowhiking sauna, hammam and jaccuzi… are really appreciated by the visitors.
SAINT-LARY-SOULAN, 3 ski areas for one resort (1,700-2,515 metres)
Pla d’Adet is a family resort; Saint-Lary 2400 for the snow sport enthusiasts; Espiaube and its famous Mirabelle slope 3km long, for the experienced skiers.
These three ski areas on three different sides form the Saint-Lary-Soulan ski resort with more than 100 km ski slopes. It is one of the largest ones of the Pyrenees offering different types of landscapes: forests and high mountain.
The station is listed “Famille Plus Montagne*” (Family Plus Mountain : is the first and only national tourism label to approve the facilities and services available to families with children aged 18 months and above) meeting the needs and expectations of parents and children during their holiday.
Situated in the Aure Valley, at the gates of the Pyrenees, Saint-Lary is a thermal resort offering an aquatic center, with spa and treatments, in summer and winter.
Crédit Photo - Fotolia @bart47
PIAU ENGALY, HIGHEST SKI RESORT OF THE PYRÉNÉES (1,700-2,800 METRES)
Piau Engaly, 20 km from Saint-Lary, is the resort with the most snowfalls. The ski resorts high in the peaks have breath-taking views.
In this resort, you can practice: downhill skiing (41 ski slopes on 64 km), freestyle and snowboard, snowshoe hiking, ice climbing and relaxing moments for the après-ski.
Since 2015, the ski resort expanded its ski area towards Spain via the Bielsa tunnel, especially for downhill skiing or snowshoe hiking on the Sobrarbe area, at the heart of the National park of Ordesa and Mont-Perdu.
PEYRAGUDES, the two valleys resort (1,600 metres-2,400 Metres)
Situated close to the col de Peyresourde, the resort stretches on the Louron and Larboust Valleys and on the Agudes sides (on the Haute-Garonne side) and Peyresourde (On the Haute Pyrenees side) and offer around sixty ski slopes on a 1,500 ha skiing area, with a dedicated space for snowboard and 15 km of circuits for snowshoe hiking.
From winter 2017 the resort has been awarded its “Famille Plus Montagne” (Famille Plus Mountain) offering new amenities and specific entertainments for parents and children. The ski slope 007 has been opened – it was named after the filming of scenes of the James Bond series, « Tomorrow never dies» - it is a 2,7 km long and allowing a return at the bottom of the slopes.
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VAL LOURON, the children’s ski resort (1,450-2,100 M)
Dominating the Aure Valley and the Louron Valley, the family resort offers a skiing area of 19 downhill skiing slopes with a special area for beginners and especially for the children. Marked trails are also reserved for snowshoe hiking. Most experts will prefer the black or red slopes on the Aure Valley and the Néouvielle, Arbizon and Hourgade peaks. For the après-ski, we recommend the balnéo in Génos.
Crédit Photo - Fotolia ©regis
VAL D’AZUN, cross-country skiing (1,350-1,600 M)
From col du Soulor to col de Couraduque, it is with its 90 km, the largest area of the Hautes-Pyrenees reserved to Nordic skiing, snowshoe hiking, sledging and tossing lessons for the children with the Nordic Park. It is a nature area with exceptional landscapes.
all the ski resorts in HAUTE-GARONNE
SUPERBAGNÈRES
Superbagnères, located in the commune of Saint-Aventin, is accessible from Bagnères-de-Luchon either by the departmental road or by cable car.
The plateau, which dominates the valley at an altitude of over 1200 metres, was developed during the 20th century. There are two resorts: the health resort and the ski resort. Those taking the waters can enjoy temperatures ranging from 22 to 67°C to treat respiratory problems and rheumatism.
Access to the resorts was first possible by taking a cogwheel train from Luchon. It also provided the material for the construction of the Grand Hôtel, which now houses a museum dedicated to these facilities.
Take advantage of the gentle slopes, the descents in the forest and the high altitude slopes. Children can have fun in the KidPark and adults in the SnowPark. In summer, take advantage of the many hiking trails around the resort, discover a whole new landscape and summits as far as the eye can see. Guides are available to accompany you on your walks.
Superbagnères is also a starting point for paragliding flights. After a good slide, don't hesitate to relax in the wellness and fitness area, relaxation guaranteed!
All shuss in Ariège
Ax 3 domaines
On the heights of Ax-les-Thermes, the Ax 3 Domaines resort, formerly Ax-Bonascre, consists of 36 slopes spread over three ski areas: Bonascre, Saquet and Campels (from the lowest altitude to the highest).
At an altitude of 1,390 metres, you can enjoy kilometres of slopes, complete with snow cannons, for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ax 3 Domaines is a resort offering many sporting activities including speed riding (a mix between skiing and paragliding).
In summer, the snow-covered plateaus offer visitors numerous hiking and mountain bike trails. Refuges welcome hikers like the one at La Jasse.
Ax 3 Domaines has a privileged setting for an excellent stay in Ariège: great ski slopes, the thermal baths of Ax nearby, leisure and outdoor activities galore!
The Olmes Mountains
Attached to the commune of Montferrier, the Mont d'Olmes ski resort rises to an altitude of over 1955 metres. This naturally snowy resort is located less than two hours from Toulouse and not far from Montségur, in Cathar country.
21 slopes, ranging from green to black, allow young and old alike to have fun and practice their favourite sport. There are several specialised areas on the site: freeride, freestyle, children's and boarder-cross.
The resort is accessible by chairlift and ski lift.
The Chioula
Not far from the Ax 3 Domaines resort, with which it is a partner, the resort of The Chioula rises to an altitude of 1461 metres. These two resorts are similar in terms of their activities: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, gentle slopes and descents in the forest, toboggan runs.
The Col in The Chioula offers all its visitors an exceptional panorama, visible from the panoramic terraces. There are also special areas for children to ensure that they have an unforgettable stay. Several refuges will allow you to stop during your hikes, winter or summer.
The Chioula was also a frequent stopover for the Tour de France cyclists until 2001 when it was replaced by the Port de Pailhères.
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Ascou-Pailhères
The ski resort of Ascon-Pailhères is located in the commune of Ascou, to the west of the Col de Pailhères. It is partnered with other resorts in Ariège, namely Ax 3 Domaines and La Chioula.
Several activities are offered: 17 ski slopes, toboggan runs, school runs as well as activities and workshops on mountain professions.
The whole resort is equipped to ensure that all visitors have a pleasant stay in Ariège. Restaurants, picnic areas, cafeterias, children's areas, playrooms, ski schools and rental shops are all close to the ski area.
Mijanès-Donezan
On the other side of the Pailhères pass, the ski resort of Mijanès-Donnezan dominates at an altitude of 2000 metres. It is nicknamed "the Quebec of the Ariege" because of its many surrounding forests.
Several activities are offered with ski runs adapted to all visitors. Whatever your level, your motivation and your discipline, you will find the slope that suits you (downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, carpet for beginners...).
The resort is known as a family resort and offers all the pleasures of the snow and numerous outdoor activities (snowshoeing, hiking in summer, sledging). Hire shops, snack bars and accommodation are located close to the ski area.
Plateau de Beille
A ski resort with an exceptional setting, the Plateau de Beille welcomes many visitors every winter. A former cattle breeding plateau, the ski area has been open since 1989.
The Plateau de Beille is bounded by the Aston and Labail rivers, two tributaries of the Ariège. It is a natural zone of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest (ZNIEFF): pines and peat bogs, isards and eagles enliven the landscape.
The ski area consists of 14 slopes. You can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and the dog sledding school for unforgettable rides. You can even build your own igloo! There are also mountain bike trails and several hiking trails that allow you to discover this unique flora and fauna.
The Tour de France cycling race regularly passes through the Plateau de Beille, which also hosts many other cycling races (cyclosportifs de l'Ariégeoise).
Credit Photo - Fotolia © Nico 09
tout shuss en Andorre
Grandvalira (en Andorre)
Leaving Ax-les-Thermes in the direction of the Port d'Envalira, the highest road pass in the Pyrenees (2,409 metres above sea level), you reach the village of Pas-de-la-Case (well known for its many bargain shops!) after crossing the border with Andorra.
From Pas-de-la-Case you can reach the large ski resort of Grandvalira and its 200 kilometres of ski runs (118 runs in total). Chairlifts and gondolas take you directly to the ski area, so all you have to do is enjoy. There is plenty of accommodation in the villages of Soldeu, El Tarter and Canillo.
Credit Photo - Fotolia © Bysinka
