Sports and leisure activities Artouste

Artouste is a wilderness resort par excellence, distinguished both by its slopes winding through fir trees and its magical setting facing the Pyrenees National Park. This authentic, unspoilt setting offers majestic views of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. The resort is open from late December to mid-March, depending on snow conditions. It is advisable to enquire a few days beforehand about snow conditions and available runs. The ski area offers 18 runs spread over 150 hectares, including 1 black run, 5 red runs, 9 blue runs and 3 green runs. There are also 11 lifts, including a gondola, 3 chairlifts and 6 drag lifts. A freestyle area with snowpark, halfpipe and snowcross track is available, as is a high-altitude restaurant. The Séous lift extends the ski area to 2 red runs, Gypaète and Génépi. In the Soussouéou sector, a blue run, La Raillère, offers a descent with a vertical drop of 300 meters and a length of over 600 meters. In addition, the downhill run for snowboarders and skiers offers impressive speeds. The beginners' area is equipped with a carpet for all skiers, offering a breathtaking view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. Access is by gondola ticket, and a toboggan run is also accessible via this carpet. Ski instructors are available for beginners or those wishing to progress with a guide.

Departing from Artouste, you have access to a variety of organized activities, supervised by professionals, that can take place on a half-day or full-day basis. Among these options, you can choose from hikes ranging from one day to several, with the possibility of spending the night in cabins or tents. Also available is the Grand Tour du Lac excursion, which lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and starts and finishes behind the Maison de Fabrèges. For further information, please contact the tourist office.

Discover Lac d'Artouste and its walks from the train station at the foot of the dam. A 30-minute walk (easy) will take you to the lake. On site, a variety of activities are available for all ages and tastes. Walkers will enjoy the scenery, anglers will have the opportunity to discover Arctic char and fario trout, while children can take part in a treasure hunt with a questionnaire on the fauna, flora and history of the train, complete with information panels. As a bonus, budding explorers will receive a diploma and a gift.

Explore the flora and fauna of the region, with the chance to spot marmots, isards, bearded vultures, the griffon vulture, the largest bird of prey in the Pyrenees, or the Egyptian vulture, the oldest vulture in the world. You can also discover edelweiss and rhododendrons along the paths.

Located in the Ossau valley, the ski area of Artouste blossoms in the heart of a wild landscape of breathtaking beauty. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, it stands majestically, facing the Pic du Midi, offering a breathtaking view of imposing peaks. Nestled near the Pyrenees National Park, this unspoiled environment adds a unique dimension to the skiing experience. Artouste is not just about skiing. It also offers you the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of this wilderness by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or Nordic walking. The Artouste International Ski School (ESI) is at your disposal.