Mountain and winter sports Midi-Pyrénées

The Maison de la Montagne brings together professionals who will help you discover the mountain in all its aspects. From hiking to climbing the great massifs, from dog sledding to cross-country skiing, including ice climbing, canyoning or rafting, whether in winter or summer, there are many possibilities, for all ages and all levels of practice: just ask them for advice. The prices are also very interesting.

Caminando, a group of passionate guides, offers a unique exploration of the Pyrenees. Offering a variety of activities, from hiking to mountaineering, they cater for all levels. These local experts guarantee a memorable experience, combining sport, culture and gastronomy. They will guide you off the beaten track, in small groups or on your own, for an enriching and convivial discovery. The adventure is punctuated by gourmet breaks and exchanges, creating lasting memories. An unforgettable exploration of the Pyrenees.

This domain is an exceptional site mainly dedicated to Nordic leisure activities. The forest covers the valley and hides the cross-country ski trails. The 5 circuits unfold their rails over 36 km. Amateurs can learn biathlon on a shooting range, from 8 years old. There are also routes for snowshoeing. In summer, there are numerous hikes of varying difficulty. The Gaube lake and the Pont d'Espagne waterfall are unavoidable.

Sleds attached to each other to form an articulated snake, a monitor in the first sled and at the controls... and off you go! The Snake Gliss is an ultra-playful activity, somewhere between bobsleigh and toboggan. Sensations guaranteed for young and old because the activity is open from 3 years old. Your pilot is Julien, a local child who will make you have a good time safely. Different formulas are proposed, even a night with a good meal or the discovery of the lake site of Les Camporells.

At 15 km from Luchon, in a beautiful valley, the resort of Bourg d'Oueil awaits you, ready to reveal all its charms. Ideal for family walks thanks to its pristine fields, you can also enjoy alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and luge.

Intense moments in perspective. The tracks: 4 ski slopes, 3 ski lifts. 14 km of marked cross ski slopes. Station open only on weekends and during school holidays.

Ascou remains the resort "the nice resort close to Toulouse". Specialized in the reception of the youngest, the station reserves them its snow garden and a sledging area apart. But skiers of good level, among which snowboarders, should also find their happiness. Monoskiing, snowboarding, skating and snowshoeing are all techniques used to experience the snow. Nice : shuttle from Ax-les-Thermes on week-ends and during school vacations. Alpine ski slopes : 20 km of slopes, ski lifts, snow cannons.

Born in 1936, the Pyrénées Club is the oldest club in Toulouse! This association organizes numerous outings for all mountain lovers. You can choose between hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering, downhill skiing and cycling. You pay a membership fee, then sign up for the outings that interest you. The rates are fixed for hiking and variable for skiing depending on the areas chosen. The outings are organised in the neighbouring departments: Ariège, Pyrénées-Orientales, Hautes-Pyrénées... for breathtaking discoveries! A friendly and sporty way to enjoy the mountains, each according to his or her own desires.

On the other hand, in winter, the "Fer à Cheval" resort, near Nasbinals, offers 3 alpine ski slopes with a ski lift, 3 cross-country ski slopes including a link to the Royal Aubrac and 2 snowshoe slopes, without forgetting the sled dogs. At the reception, in addition to a bar-restaurant area, you can rent equipment. On the other side, in summer, it is Aventure Aubrac, with four "accrobranche" courses of different heights according to age, four mountain bike courses with possible rental and interpretation trails.

Created in 1964, the only ski resort in the Aude region welcomes holidaymakers until April, depending on snow conditions. With 4 ski lifts, a cable car, 11 downhill ski runs and 2 snowshoe trails, you'll be in the midst of unspoiled nature. Straddling the territories of Camurac and Montaillou, on the edge of the Ariège department, come and breathe and discover a mountain accessible to all, as well as a breathtaking panorama of the entire Pyrenean chain! This family-friendly, medium-altitude resort has retained the authenticity and warmth of a mountain village. Particularly well-suited to beginners, with its ski school, there's something for everyone. Restaurants are located at the foot of the slopes. In mid-February, don't miss the new edition of the Camuraquette, which has become a not-to-be-missed event: over two days, you can take part in 3 snowshoe hikes (different levels: from beginners to full-day outings), as well as several afternoon activities: snowman and igloo building, D.V.A. detection and mountain rescue activities, etc. A themed evening on Friday evening, with stargazing at the end of the afternoon. For a different kind of fun, the resort offers the chance to try out new activities off the beaten track on snowscooters, or why not take the opportunity to try your hand at paragliding?

Cross-country skiing is the fetish activity of the station: the four tracks are kept on a daily basis and are supervised, with or without a 40 km walk. Its alpine ski slopes are perfect for children and

Go Sport Montagne's La Mongie Tourmalet ski rental service offers a wide choice of ski equipment for winter sports enthusiasts. The store is located in the Résidence Mongie Tourmalet Galerie Commerciale. The rental service also offers free and unconditional cancellation, with a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the first day of skiing. It should be noted that the Ski Service - Place des Monges store has recently rebranded as part of the Netski network. Skiers will be redirected to the Netski.com website by clicking on the link provided.

Le Tourmalet remains a landmark for all ski enthusiasts! As the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, it stretches for almost a hundred kilometers, offering some 69 slopes for your enjoyment. You can opt for downhill skiing, snowboarding, free riding, border cross, ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding... Whether you're looking for thrills, excitement, infinity or freedom, the possibilities are endless. A Snow Garden has been set up for the little ones.

The pleasures of snow sports are to be discovered with the family in this traditional resort located at the highest point of Mount Lozère  ! The resort offers 7 downhill and 5 cross-country ski trails. Snowshoe hiking enthusiasts now have two loops of 2.5 and 5 km (snowshoe rental on site) at their disposal. For novices or amateurs wishing to perfect their style, the ski school of the resort offers lessons with professional instructors. Children are not forgotten with a toboggan run.

With the CFO of Nîmes, you are in good hands. Whether you are interested in hiking, climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering, hiking skiing, snowshoe outings or horse riding, the association offers mountain-related activities with rocky walls. And the Gard, which is still very nature, is rather well equipped in exceptional natural sites. For example, the Gorges gorges or those of Cèze are Fabulous climbing grounds with spectacular prospects on the river. For all of these activities, members of different levels are accompanied by guides to graduate réferents. Since the 2010 school year, each member can practice the escalation in the hall in the Bigot College gymnasium in Nîmes: Tuesday from 20 am to 22 pm all year round except during school holidays.

The valley of Campan, with its airs of the Canadian Great North, is an ideal playground to learn about the joys of the mountain in winter. Learn to drive sled dogs along the frozen lake behind the huskies, go snowshoeing to track deer in the Payolle forests... There is something for everyone. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will be delighted, whether you are in walking or skating mode, there are many trails in the undergrowth.

The Grand Tourmalet domain has the particularity of being composed of the two sides of the pass: on the east side, La Mongie and on the west side Barèges. In its heart, the majestic Pic du Midi. These three areas form the largest ski area in the Pyrenees. It includes more than 100 skiable kilometers divided into 62 slopes, 28 ski lifts and more than 300 snow cannons, to ensure optimal snow coverage throughout the season. In addition to alpine and nordic skiing, there are many other activities: ski touring, snowshoeing, grooming, dog sledding, paragliding... The Lienz plateau, just above the village of Barèges, offers a beautiful Nordic area of 18 kilometers including a magical part in the forest, under the snowy fir trees. It is also here that magnificent snowshoe walks are possible with loops adapted to all levels. Dog sledding is another highlight of the area. After a short initiation, you will be able to drive the sled and lead the huskies. The Barégeoise trails, like those of the Ayré pass, are not lacking in charm either. On this side, leisure activities are numerous. The kindergartens, the French ski school, a ski initiation system and a day care center for the little ones make it an ideal family destination.

Special packages allow you to combine the Tourmalet-Barèges resort with the Pic du Midi resort or to enjoy a day of skiing and access to the Cieléo spa.

Accessible via the Col du Soulor from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques or Arrens-Marsous, or via the Col de Couraduque from Aucun, this Nordic area is the largest in the Pyrenees, offering no less than 100 km of trails! The area, with its varied landscapes of ridges and forests, offers a wide range of winter sports activities, with a particular focus on cross-country skiing (alternating or skating), snowshoeing and tobogganing. Whether at Col de Couraduque or Col du Soulor, you'll find all the necessary amenities, such as ticket offices, various equipment rental stores, restaurants, bars and even picnic facilities. An interesting option is the "Tour du Pays du Val d'Azun", a five-day gîte-to-gîte itinerary. The more curious can also discover the work of the groomers in the evenings, with the option of a meal and an overnight stay in a refuge. Nature lovers will be delighted by the presence of large birds of prey on the Soulor site, with 5 large silhouettes of birds of prey in flight (2.50 m to 3 m) close to the toboggan run and cross-country ski trail. An itinerary on passerines offers a fun way to learn how to recognize them. There's also a Nordic Park specially designed for youngsters. For those who don't feel comfortable skiing or snowboarding, ski schools with certified instructors are also available.

The Nordic area of Peyragudes allows to practice several activities. Cross-country skiing, on 15 kilometers of marked trails including 3 green, 2 blue and 2 red circuits, mainly in the forest of Balestas. Snowshoeing on three marked and groomed trails, including one in the forest. Dog sled rides are organized on the Balestas meadow by Sherpa, a dog sledding school.

If the Upper Garonne lends itself particularly well to the summer hike, it is the ski that is at the honor in winter! The Peyragudes ski area is the largest in the department, offering the amateurs of nearly 1500 hectares of pristine snow over two valleys. This is an ideal situation, unfortunately not accessible to many financially. But rest assured, the station has a northern area free of access. Take advantage of its 15 kilometers (not traced) to taste the pleasure of the snowshoe, and even why not cross-country skiing!

Tariff: free; 5 to 7 € per day for the rental of snowshoes and sticks.

Distance: 15 km.

Difficulty: Very easy in snowshoes, a little more complex in cross-country skiing.

The two resorts of Font-Romeu and Pyrénées 2000 offer you more than 110 kilometers of marked and traced Nordic ski trails. Thanks to the quality of its snow and its facilities, the area is popular with the greatest athletes, who come to train there. However, rest assured, there is something for everyone: before becoming a great champion, you can already progress on green, blue and red trails. Pleasant hikes in summer.

Dreaming of a sleigh ride with 4 or 6 Siberian huskies in a Christmas decor? Sylvain will make your wish come true. The program includes a 30-minute, 5-kilometer ride through the Cerdagne forests. And then, if you wish, a musher initiation to lead your own crew. During snow-free periods, the solution is the Cani-Trottinette, with one or two dogs. Quite sporty, as you need a good calf to help the dog, but so much fun!

How would you like to spend a day on the slopes with peace of mind? A comfortable coach, equipped with wifi, picks you up in town and leaves you two hours later at the foot of the lifts, ski pass in hand! Forget the headache of parking, the queues at the ticket offices, the fatigue of the return journey, and enjoy the Saint-Lary resort. It's one of the prettiest ski areas in the Pyrenees, spread over three zones with snowpark and beginners' area. Need to rent equipment? A partnership with an in-resort store means you can get your skis at a smart price. A smart idea for a day out in our beautiful mountains, where you don't have to go to the trouble.

White, the snow is unlimited and you can enjoy it on skis, snowshoes, skating, sledging and even rail sledding! From the pine forests to the wide open spaces, you overlook Argelès-Gazost and the villages of the valley, you are in the heart of the great sites and from Hautacam, the panorama is simply magical. Skiers and snowboarders, experienced or beginners, find here a masterful playground and when the woods open up, you can't refuse this exquisite invitation.

In winter, the biggest waterfall in Europe, the Cirque de Gavarnie, freezes. The spectacle is striking and for the addicts of the climbing it is the top departure of strong sensations! 427 m long, this waterfall is one of the most famous ice climbing spots in the Pyrenees and the best ice climbers tackle it every year. For unforgettable experiences, courses and outings supervised by professionals are offered until mid-March. On the program: draperies, big walls, snowy slopes and faces.

Discover the Cauterets via ferrata, a vertical world accessible to all. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, go at your own pace, independently or with a guide. Experience the thrill of cascading Tyrolean traverse over 1 km of rocky spurs. Unusual and unheard-of in France, suspended picnic tables add a unique break to your adventure. Another new feature is a continuous lifeline for added safety. All the equipment you need to enjoy up to 3 hours of thrills and discoveries is provided.

No Limits specializes in the purchase or rental of high altitude equipment. For skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or climbing, you will need the advice of these professionals to launch you into the mountains. The ski jacket, the boots, the helmet must be particularly adapted to each one. Regularly, all the latest products are presented in order to delight the ferocious appetite of the passionate. The heart of the mountain is mainly skiing, but the store also offers a range dedicated to skateboarding.

Sledding activities open to all, with friendly, well-trained dogs for safe, fun rides. Comfortably seated in the sled, let the pack carry you through fabulous snow-covered landscapes. In summer, experience the mountains in a different way with cani-rando or cani-trott! A worthwhile outing in a magical setting. Adults can try their hand at an introduction to mushing: a must-do just for the unique experience and thrills! Raids with bivouacs guarantee a thrilling experience.

The Sherpa base is located 10 minutes from the ski resort of Peyragudes. Here many activities are offered to enjoy the mountain and its beauty! In summer program, trapper workshops, Amerindian bivouac, archery, or chainsaw-mounted sculpture. In winter you can try the snowshoes, the attelage and especially the baptism of sleigh. Here you'll find some forty Nordic dogs to take advantage of these many activities of full nature.

The Domaine des Dieux de Nistos is a true paradise for cross-country skiers. Eight different itineraries wind their way through the mountain, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Pic du Midi, the peaks of Haute-Garonne and Ariège, and the border peaks of the Luchonnais. With levels of difficulty ranging from green to black, the routes vary from two to ten kilometers. For keen hikers, there are also trails for walking and snowshoeing.

The vast Grand Tourmalet ski area brings together two ski resorts, Barèges and La Mongie, offering a total of over 69 ski runs. Cross-country skiers are not left out, thanks to the Barèges Nordic area. A 14-kilometre route allows cross-country skiers to enjoy the snow-covered landscape. Payolle and the Lienz plateau also offer a variety of circuits, suitable for both snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.

Le Domaine du Chiaoula offers five snowshoe courses, from level to level confirmed. Standard itineraries are relatively short: 2 km (Chemin du Refuge) 5 km (Col du Riufred). It is therefore possible to combine several in the same day, depending on the time and energy you have. The heart of the snow (and skiing) network is the Refuge refuge, which can be reached within an hour's walk. It will offer you a pleasant break, and especially well deserved!

Tariff: from € 6 for the Day Pass.

Duration: free.

Difficulty: at the choice (several possible levels).

Whether you are looking for strong or traditional sensations in winter sports, the Beille resort has what you need. Nordic skiing enthusiasts can take advantage of the courses that strient the station, from the easy to experienced level. Those who want to try something new will be able to try downhill skiing within the Zone of Northern Evolution. You will then have to detach from the linear line to bypass bumps or try jumps and other slides. During the school holidays, "races for laughs" are organised every Saturday.

Tariff: from € 10,50 for the Day Pass.

Duration: free.

Difficulty: .

Situated at an altitude of 1,300 metres, Etang de Lers welcomes sports enthusiasts and mountain lovers in winter and summer alike. When the snow begins to cover the slopes, a vast Nordic area comes to life. A total of 25 kilometers of Nordic ski trails and 23 kilometers of snowshoe trails are marked out every year. A toboggan run and an orienteering course complete this family-friendly area. Dogs are allowed in the pedestrian area.

The CAF de Béziers-Caroux offers a wide range of sports activities, ranging from climbing to climbing, mountain biking, mountain biking and alpine skiing. Travel is organised in the Biterrois hinterland - Caroux massif - or in other mountains depending on the season. The club also manages to train the passionnés in the natural environment. The amount of contributions varies by age and status. To have all the information and to meet members of the club, the simplest is to go to the weekly meeting at the Maison de la vie associative in Béziers.

If Altissimo has managed to win the hearts of climbers all over France, it's in Albi that you'll have the opportunity to discover a place that's truly exceptional for its sheer immensity! This former cement works, transformed into a climbing gym by Patrick Bonami, boasts 1,000^m2 of climbing space, some 4,000 holds, 150 routes (difficulty up to 8B) and a height of 15 metres. This makes it one of the highest climbing gyms in Europe! Talented coaches run the gym with efficiency and care. Audiences of all levels gather here.

Nestled at an altitude of 1450 m, between the Louron and Bagnères de Luchon valleys, the Sherpa base is a total immersion in the world of sled dogs. With 40 Nordic dogs, it offers year-round nature activities: dog sledding, cani-rando, sulky, go-karting and visits to the park. The memorable experience of a dogsled baptism lets you savor the silence of the snow under your skates, carried by 10 to 12 huskies. After training, you can even drive your own team of 4 huskies through snow-covered landscapes!

The teaching team at the French Ski School in Saint-Lary-Soulan offers a wide range of tailor-made products. Opting to learn with one of the French Ski School's instructors means benefiting from the guidance of a highly qualified educator. During school vacations, group lessons last 2 hours, with variable prices. Please note that only ESF instructors are authorized to issue level certificates.

This area includes a mogul track, the first in the Pyrenees, and is waiting for the most dynamic. Snowboard lovers will also be served with a restructured snow-park, with sound, boardercross and quality modules. This is the high altitude area of Saint-Lary. Always well covered with snow, it is as big as many other resorts in the Pyrenees. At the foot of the Pichhaleye peak (2,626 m), you descend between pine trees and waterfalls and you can discover the lake of Loule in a superb setting. A specialist ensures the maintenance of this place.

At Soum-de-Matte, the view on the massif is exceptional and not to be missed. By the cornice, you can ski to the heart of Espiaube, an area much appreciated by snowboarders and good skiers. This area is part of the Saint-Lary-Soulan ski area, for all skiers, and also promises great sensations to the most athletic, with vertical drops of more than 700 meters continuously. For all information, see the tourist office of Saint-Lary-Soulan.

This mountain sport association offers outings for climbing, hiking, canyoning, alpine skiing, trucking. It is a dynamic club that brings together qualified coaches for snowshoe or walking tours, in the Pyrenees, the Alps and even abroad. See the French Mountain and Climbing Federation (FFME) website for all practical information by showing the region.

For the little ones, learning to ski will be done through games and in a good mood with the mini piou club. Group and individual lessons are available from the age of 4. Older children can follow these group lessons and at the end of the stay, take the tests. Adults can also be tempted by ski touring or off-piste skiing at Bernazaou, with a difference in altitude of 1,250 m. The school also offers handiskiing: an individualized and adapted teaching formula, with some instructors speaking sign language.

Looking for a guide for your hikes in the Pyrenees? Don't worry, the Aventures en Pyrénées team is here for you. Explore Haute-Bigorre, in the heart of the Pyrenees, and the Campan valley. The range of excursions on offer is vast, and if you've got a few days to spare, the Pyrenees on the Spanish side await you, with overnight stays in hostels. The catalog is extensive, offering not only summer holidays, but also activities such as trekking, climbing, canyoning, snowshoeing and mountain biking.

The Cambre d'Aze ski resort is accessible from the villages of Eyne and Saint-Pierre Dels Forcats, which are the two entry points. Its ski area, from 1,640 to 2,400 m altitude, offers 22 km of slopes sheltered from the pines and the wind, it stretches under an imposing glacial cirque, offering you an exceptional panorama of the sea, the Capcir, the Cerdagne and Spain. You will find 23 alpine ski runs for all levels, beginners' areas and toboggan runs.

French craftsman since 1986. La Maison Joseph is the cocooning address with its slippers, charentaises, mules and socks made of pure sheep's wool. And if, like many inhabitants of the region, you go up to Luchon for a day of skiing, you can equip yourself at Les Accrocs du Ski: the store is 150 meters from the gondolas. Rental of ski equipment but also purchase of masks, gloves, hats, snow shovels, sledges, snowshoes... Smart services: online reservation and babysitting, very useful if you have travelled by bus or train.

Canyoning, climbing, snowshoeing, descending the Pic du Midi, skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing... These are just some of the activities offered by Matthias and his team. Thanks to Pyrénées Guides, the mountains are accessible all year round. Matthias, a true mountain enthusiast and expert on the Pyrenees, guarantees optimal conditions. You'll benefit from the supervision of mountain guides, ensuring safe outings whatever your level. These passionate people are here to help you discover the splendor of the valleys and summits.

It is sometimes considered "the balcony of the Pyrenees", do you know why? Go ahead and you will understand soon… Fort of its four slopes, the Skiable-Superbagnères ski area offers nature lovers and passionnés glisse a breathtaking panorama of the Luchon valley, the mythical peaks of the Maladeta, and the Aneto - the roof of the Pyrenees. Let us admit that the framework is rather tempting! If the portfolio does not always agree to take you to the top of the alpine ski slopes, please note that a hiking itinerary is available free of charge in the lake area: a good opportunity to enjoy the joys of raquette or cross-country skiing!

Tariff: free access; 8 € per day for snowshoes and sticks, and 12 € per day for cross-country ski equipment (skis, shoes and sticks).

Distance: 4 km.

Difficulty: pretty easy.

Special provisions: if you leave solo, we recommend that you prevent the gendarmerie by specifying your itinerary.

"The family resort par excellence. Many little Catalans, or others, have put on their skis for the first time here, at the resort of La Quillane. Only 5 slopes and 2 lifts, instructors who are pleasant with beginners, ideal for getting familiar with skiing. A conviviality until the restaurant of the station where the broad smiles show the happiness to receive you. A 4 seasons resort, open all year round for a lot of activities.

Ski area at 2,470 m altitude with a 900 m vertical drop, 10 lifts for 35 runs, a total of 50 km groomed and prepared by a staff dedicated to customer care. A 500-meter-long Snow Park, freestyle area, half-pipe, snowshoeing, ski touring, dog sledding, snowkiting, groomer baptism, kite-school, as well as a children's play area with igloo building. You're sure to fall in love with Porté-Puymorens.