Mountain and winter sports Midi-Pyrénées

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

With an east-west orientation for optimum sunshine, the ski area guarantees constant snow coverage thanks to a high-performance network of snow guns, ensuring perfect skiability whatever the weather conditions. Situated at altitudes between 1,600 m and 2,400 m, the ski area enjoys ideal natural snow conditions every winter. It offers 51 runs on two slopes. Skiers will particularly appreciate the Vallée Blanche, a 5 km itinerary in the heart of nature, and the famous 2.7 km piste 007, which offers splendid views.

More than a great mountain professional, Yoann is passionate about the Pyrenees. He will take you to meet the shepherds in the summer pastures, he will take your family to observe the marmots and isards, he will make you watch by the fire for an evening of tales and extraordinary stories. He knows all the paths that run through the mountains, from those used by the men's smugglers between France and Space during the war to those that allow you to reach the summits of more than 3,000 metres. In winter, Yoann puts on his snowshoes.

The Saint-Lary ski area boasts over 100 kilometers of slopes and 3 snow parks spread over 700 hectares of terrain. One of Saint-Lary-Soulan's main assets is that it has been designed so that all members of the family can enjoy the whole area. As well as being served by numerous lifts open to pedestrians, the ski area offers a number of easy-travel alternatives to the more difficult pistes.

AP SPORTS Peyragudes is a ski rental service located in Germ, in the Peyragudes resort. They offer a range of skis for hire, from beginner to top-of-the-range, at great prices. They also offer snowshoe rentals for those who want to go for a walk. The AP SPORTS team is professional and welcoming, ready to advise customers on how to make the most of their stay in Peyragudes. The store also offers a rental equipment storage service, enabling customers to collect their dry skis and boots the next day.