The 6 best ski resorts in the Pyrenees

The Pyrenees offer an exceptional playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Between France and Spain, this mountain range is home to around forty ski resorts that rival each other for charm and authenticity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, in search of adrenaline or just relaxing with the family, the ski resorts of the Pyrenees offer a wide range of activities to suit all tastes. From France’s largest ski area to picturesque spas, discover our selection of the 6 best ski resorts in the Pyrenees to make the most of your stay in the mountains.

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1. Grand Tourmalet: the largest ski area in the Pyrenees

When it comes to the best ski resorts in the Pyrenees, the Grand Tourmalet naturally tops the list. Created from the merger of the villages of Barèges and La Mongie, this is the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, with 100 kilometres of pistes at altitudes of between 1,400 and 2,500 metres. Situated at the foot of the legendary Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Grand Tourmalet attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year who come to enjoy its 69 diversified runs.

The ski area extends over two complementary slopes offering radically different environments. On the La Mongie side, you’ll discover a high mountain landscape with wide, well-groomed runs, perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. In Barèges, the atmosphere is more intimate, with a picturesque village and pistes winding through the forest. This diversity is what makes the Grand Tourmalet so special, with something for every level of skier.

With 33 ultra-modern lifts, including several detachable chairlifts, waiting times are kept to a minimum even in high season. There’s also a snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts and several secure beginners’ areas. Lift passes range from €38.50 to €44 per day, depending on the season, with weekday packages from €206 to €234. An excellent option for discovering the Pyrenees ski resorts in all their splendour.

2. Peyragudes: the family resort par excellence

Awarded the Famille Plus Montagne label in 2016, Peyragudes perfectly embodies the spirit of family-friendly ski resorts in the Pyrenees. Straddling the Haute-Garonne and Hautes-Pyrénées, this modern resort stretches from 1,610 to 2,400 metres above sea level and offers 51 runs spread over 60 kilometres, more than half of which are accessible to beginners with 6 green runs and 23 blue runs.

The layout of Peyragudes is ideal for families who want to ski together despite differing levels of ability. The two sides of the resort, Les Agudes and Peyresourde, are linked by a high-speed lift network comprising 18 lifts. Children can ski in complete safety in dedicated areas, while parents can enjoy the more technical red and black runs. The resort has invested heavily in comfort, with heated chairlifts and covered carpets for beginners.

The atmosphere at Peyragudes is decidedly friendly and relaxed. There are two high-altitude restaurants, perfect for a gourmet break with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Prices are attractive for a resort of this size, with day passes ranging from €35 to €40 and 6-day passes from €185 to €210. Excellent value for money, making Peyragudes a must-visit ski resort in the Pyrenees.

3. Saint-Lary-Soulan: pure Pyrenean excellence

Saint-Lary-Soulan is one of the leading ski resorts in the Pyrenees, with a reputation that extends far beyond the borders of the massif. Located in the magnificent Aure valley, this spa resort has been transformed into a top-class ski area with 100 kilometres of pistes spread over 700 hectares. The area is divided into three distinct sectors: Pla d’Adet (1,700 m), Espiaube (1,900 m) and the Myrtilles sector, each with its own special atmosphere.

The diversity of Saint-Lary-Soulan’s slopes makes it a destination of choice for all types of skier. The 56 runs are evenly distributed, with 9 black runs for experts, 14 reds for good skiers, 26 blues for intermediates and 7 greens for beginners. Easily accessible from the valley thanks to two modern cable cars, the resort skilfully combines high-mountain skiing with forest passages, offering varied skiing conditions throughout the day.

But there’s more to Saint-Lary-Soulan than just skiing. It’s also an authentic spa resort where you can enjoy the Bains de Sensoria, a 2,500 m² wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and hammams. After a day on the slopes, what could be better than relaxing in the beneficial thermal waters? Ski passes range from €37 to €43 per day, and from €188 to €221 per week, depending on age. A complete destination that fully deserves its place among the best ski resorts in the Pyrenees.

4. Font-Romeu: the sunny diamond in the Pyrenees-Orientales

Perched at an altitude of 1,800 metres on the Cerdagne plateau, Font-Romeu enjoys exceptional sunshine, earning it the nickname of the sunniest resort in the Pyrenees. Together with Bolquère-Pyrénées 2000, it forms an impressive ski area with 43 slopes covering 58 kilometres at altitudes of between 1,700 and 2,250 metres. This Pyrenees-Orientales resort has a unique atmosphere, blending Catalan influences with mountain traditions.

Font-Romeu is particularly well known for its cross-country skiing, with no fewer than 111 kilometres of marked cross-country ski trails, which have been awarded the 3 Nordiques France label. It’s a real paradise for cross-country skiers, who can ski between the La Calme plateau and the Estanyols forest in an unspoilt natural setting. But downhill skiers are not to be outdone, with 15 green, 11 blue, 7 red and 10 black runs to suit all abilities.

The resort boasts a remarkable array of equipment, with over 500 snow cannons, making it one of Europe’s best-equipped areas in terms of artificial snow. Even in less generous winters, you’re sure to find ideal skiing conditions. The atmosphere at Font-Romeu is renowned for being festive and lively, with numerous bars and restaurants keeping the resort buzzing right through to the end of the night. Day passes range from €34 to €39.50 and week passes from €169 to €199. An excellent choice among the ski resorts of the Pyrenees for those seeking sun and conviviality.

5. Cauterets: thermal elegance at its best

In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, at the entrance to the Pyrenees National Park, Cauterets brilliantly combines the pleasures of skiing with the benefits of spa treatments. This resort of character has managed to preserve its Belle Époque spa village character while developing a modern, attractive ski area. Accessible in just 12 minutes by gondola from the village at an altitude of 950 metres, the Cirque du Lys ski area rises to 2,415 metres, offering an impressive vertical drop.

With 60% of its ski area above 2,000 metres and many of its runs facing due north, Cauterets is certainly one of the snowiest resorts in the Pyrenees. The resort offers 36 runs over 36 kilometres, suitable for all levels of skier. Beginners will particularly enjoy the dedicated area at the foot of the pistes, while experienced skiers will love the technical black runs winding through the glacial cirque.

What makes Cauterets so special among the Pyrenean ski resorts is, of course, its spa facilities. After your runs, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the Bains du Rocher, a modern spa with pools, hammam and saunas, or at the Thermes de César for traditional thermal treatments. This unique combination of skiing and spa treatments makes Cauterets a complete wellness destination. Ski passes range from €31 to €35 per day. An experience that’s both sporty and rejuvenating, and well worth the diversions.

6. Piau-Engaly: the highest resort in the French Pyrenees

Crowning our selection of the best ski resorts in the Pyrenees, Piau-Engaly holds the title of highest resort in the French Pyrenees, with its highest point at 2,600 metres. Situated at an altitude of 1,850 metres in a spectacular natural cirque at the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park in the Néouvielle massif, this resort boasts exceptional snow conditions and an unspoilt wilderness setting that will appeal to lovers of authenticity.

The Piau-Engaly ski area covers 65 kilometres of runs with 41 different layouts: 7 black runs, 11 red runs, 19 blue runs and 4 green runs. This balanced distribution means that everyone can progress at their own pace, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Pyrenean peaks. The resort is distinguished by its typical 1970s architecture, harmoniously integrated into the mountain landscape, and by ski-to-door access from most of its accommodation.

Thanks to its high altitude, Piau-Engaly guarantees optimum snow conditions from December to April. Skiers particularly appreciate the quality of the snow at the end of the season, when other resorts start to close. The atmosphere here is relaxed and family-friendly, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts. Ski passes range from €32.50 to €37.50 per day, and from €162.50 to €187.50 for 6 days. For lovers of nature and wide open spaces, Piau-Engaly represents the very essence of Pyrenean ski resorts.

In conclusion, the ski resorts of the Pyrenees offer a remarkable diversity that will satisfy every skier’s profile. From the gigantic Grand Tourmalet to the intimate Piau-Engaly, via the family-friendly Peyragudes, the excellent Saint-Lary-Soulan, the sunny Font-Romeu and the thermal Cauterets, each resort has its own character and specific assets. Far from the hustle and bustle of the Alps, these Pyrenean destinations cultivate authenticity, friendliness and attractive value for money. Whether you’re looking for the largest ski area, a family atmosphere, spa treatments or simply pure mountain air, the Pyrenees welcome you for an unforgettable ski holiday in an unspoilt natural setting.

FAQ : Everything you need to know about ski resorts in the Pyrenees

When is the best time to ski in the Pyrenees?

The ski season in the Pyrenees generally runs from early December to mid-April. January and February offer the best snow conditions, while March still combines good snow with longer sunny days. High-altitude resorts such as Piau-Engaly and Cauterets continue to enjoy excellent snow conditions until April.

What is the average price of a ski pass in the Pyrenees?

Day passes at ski resorts in the Pyrenees range from €31 to €44, depending on the resort and the period. For a week (6 days), you can expect to pay between €144 and €234. These prices are generally more attractive than in the Alps, making the Pyrenees an attractive value-for-money destination.

Are the resorts in the Pyrenees suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Resorts like Peyragudes, with over 50% green and blue runs, are particularly well suited to beginners and families. Most resorts offer safe beginners’ areas with conveyor belts and gentle learning runs, as well as renowned ski schools.

How do I get to the ski resorts in the Pyrenees?

The main resorts are accessible via the airports of Toulouse (1h30 to 2h30 drive), Pau (1h to 1h30) or Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées (30 min to 1h). By car, the A64 motorway serves most of the Pyrenean valleys. Shuttle services are available from major towns and TGV stations.

Which resort to choose for a family holiday?

Peyragudes is the benchmark with its Famille Plus Montagne label, but Saint-Lary-Soulan and Font-Romeu also offer excellent family facilities. These resorts offer day nurseries, snow gardens, play areas and a variety of activities for children of all ages.

Can you combine skiing and well-being in the Pyrenees?

Yes, there are several spas in the Pyrenees where you can combine skiing and well-being, including Cauterets with its historic thermal baths and Bains du Rocher, Saint-Lary-Soulan with Sensoria, and Ax-les-Thermes. This is a unique feature of the Pyrenees, ideal for recharging your batteries after a day on the slopes.