Skiing in Midi Pyrenees , France

The gentle slops of the Pyrenees are a perfect place to enjoy ski mountaineering and cross-country skiing for the first time. Compared with the Alps, the avalanche risk is lesser, and the chance of falling into a crevasse is minimal. There is no better way of getting real solitude than ski-traversing in the Pyrenees in winter. In terms of down skiing, snow quality on prepared runs seldom approaches the powder standard more often found in the Alps – late in the season things get downright mushy and/or thin near the bottom. As general rule, resort in eastern half of the range of the Pyrenees have these problems compounded by low precipitation and strong sun (also a problem on much of the Spanish side of the Pyrenees), and by wind, which either packs the snow hard or scours it away. In the west there is a tendency to mist – also a great snow-eater - and rain, brought in by the Atlantic weather systems. Don’t set out especially for a week’s holiday without checking conditions at your chosen resort first.
Snowboarding is a big thing in the Pyrenees, and boarders are well catered to in virtually every resort. Snow-blading is less widespread, as is carving; the latter are adapted skis some 10cm shorter than conventional ones – much more manoeuvrable


Midi Pyrenees - midi Pyrenees ski resorts guide


Bareges La Mongie - The ski area around Bareges consists of the linked resorts of Bareges and La Mongie. The 100 km of skiing would mainly appeal to intermediates. You can ski back to Bareges but there is no nursery slope adjacent to the village, the nursery area being is at the top of a gondola lift. Pretty tree...


Ax-Bonascre - Between the Saquet peaks and the Bonascre plateau lays Ax-Bonascre ski resort combining snow and sun. Ax-Bonascre will generously share all that nature has bestowed on it. After making the most of the beautiful and varied ski runs, you will enjoy the healthy warmth of the thermal springs.


Piau Engaly - Piau Engaly is the highest ski resort in the Pyrenees, benefiting from the natural advantage of good snow cover. Excellent facilities, unusual architecture right at the foot of the slopes. This top-quality resort is designed for you to enjoy the pleasures of gliding sports. Just to prove it, you...

Cauterets - Cauterets is a village resort offering vast areas for all gliding sports at the Cirque du Lys (facilities for snowboarders, beginners, children...). Here you can choose your favourite sport and enjoy it at your own pace.

Gavarnie Gedre - Among spectacular mountain scenery, Gavarnie Gedre offers families a widely varying ski area, with the longest green run in the Pyrenees as well as runs for experienced skiers. Cross-country skiing at the foot of the Cirque de Gavarnie is free.

Luchon Superbagneres - Luchon Superbagneres, a Pyrenees season: a varied, family skiing area in the heart of the Pyrenees with all the advantages of a major spa.

Val d'Azun - With the coming of winter, the Val d'Azun retains its harmony and offers you the biggest Nordic area in the Midi Pyrenees. Cross-country skiing, walks in snowshoes, trips with dog sleds. An expert knowing the valley is available to guide you if desired.