Mountain and winter sports Aquitaine

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.

Just 18 km from Lanne-en-Barétous, the Issarbe ski area, with its 31 km of cross-country ski trails in superb wooded surroundings, is accessible either via the south entrance from the Pierre Saint-Martin, or via the welcome chalet from Lanne-en-Barétous, which is also open to snowshoers. From this roof of the world, the 360° view over the Béarn plain, the inland Basque country and the Barétous valley is astonishing. For further information, contact the welcome chalet, where you'll find tickets and equipment hire.

Immerse yourself in all whitewater and mountain sports, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers. Navigate peaceful rivers and brave their rapids in rafting or canoeing, explore the underground world through caving in majestic caves, waters and chasms, descend gorges during canyoning sessions. Adventure isn't limited to climbing; in the mountains, you can also try your hand at via ferrata, via cordata or mountain biking.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the race, as our qualified guides offer you a variety of experiences, from simple walks to multi-day tours, as well as exciting workshops such as trapper or igloo building. They'll share their expertise on the local flora and fauna, revealing animal tracks and helping you discover the territory. Fields days are also available for experts.

The French Alpine Club is over one hundred and forty years old. Its Pyrenees branch is ideally located for outings of all levels and disciplines: skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, climbing, caving... the possibilities are endless. Run by enthusiasts, it's a meeting place for mountain lovers, where strong bonds are forged with the pleasure of getting out into the mountains and nature. It's also an educational center for mountaineering enthusiasts, and an advocate for the preservation of the mountain environment.

In winter, nothing beats the experience of snowshoeing to conquer the mountains. Accompanied by experienced guides, you can venture out into the wilderness, far from the marked trails at Gourette and Col de l'Aubisque. We offer a range of outings adapted to your level: First Steps, Family Special, Half Day, Nordic Walking, offering a complete range of options. An amazing experience to try is the Nocturne, which takes place on an easy route, offering the chance to discover the valley from a whole new angle.

For lovers of grandiose panoramic views, the Nordic area of Issarbe is a real enchantment. As far as the eye can see, the panorama is fabulous, stretching from the plains of Béarn to the inland Basque country. The resort is home to nine runs, including a special circuit for snowshoe enthusiasts, footpaths and a tobogganing area. The ski area boasts breathtaking views of the Pic d'Anie, with trails through the forest and along the ridges.

In the Ossau valley, canyoning spots are numerous and popular in summer, offering magnificent sites. Then, with the arrival of the first cold spells, these spots sometimes become adorned with ice! Experienced canyoning enthusiasts can take on the icy walls with special equipment. For a first experience, the mid-range mountains, with their low temperatures and little snow, are ideal terrain for an introduction to canyoning. The seasons transform the experience, offering enthusiasts a year-round opportunity.

At an altitude of 1,400 metres on the slopes of the Col d'Aubisque, the Gourette resort offers a 14-hectare ski area specially designed for beginners, ensuring their safety and enjoyment. Families and children alike appreciate the gentle slopes and playful facilities, such as the SnakeGliss, a descent on interlocking sledges forming a giant snake. Gourette, surrounded by peaks rising to 2,500 metres, offers a majestic setting for snow sports enthusiasts.

The ascent of the Peak of Pre by the Coutchets is a real winter mountaineering race, an impossible climb… or almost to nirvana! (indispensable: learn about snow quality and possibly take a high mountain guide)

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.

There are 20 tracks (25 km), 13 lifts, 5 lifts, 6 ski lifts and 2 lifts.

Three different spaces, depending on each level:

・the "Mailhné" sector: altitude area with the Pyrenees boulevard, accessible for all levels, with 4,5 km of non-stop descent.

・the "Discovery" sector with the new "cool pist" on which boardercross and fun space are located.

・the "Smugglers" sector with a new, safe but non-damée track.

Just 2 km from the resort, the Braca forest is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The 25 km of carefully marked trails offer routes for all levels of experience. Further on, an area dedicated to downhill skiing offers a 360° panoramic view of Béarn, the Pays Basque and the whole of the Barétous valley. Thrill-seekers can also try their hand at biathlon.

For children between the ages of 3 and 8, a free, free and free space to travel in cross-country skiing was set up at the start of the tracks.

The Via Ferrata de Siala is for thrill-seekers and climbers alike, offering a vertical route that rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramic views. Located halfway between Eaux-Bonnes and Gourette, this safe climbing route follows the Gave river, culminating in a 250-metre-long wall with a 120-metre vertical drop, with sections of varying difficulty. The route begins with a zip line, followed by a Nepalese bridge. Completing the course can take between 1 and 3 hours.

In the Iraty forest, there's a whole network of signposted snowshoeing itineraries for you to enjoy in winter, weather permitting - snow conditions being unpredictable - with 4 trails ranging from 3 to 13 km, for exploring and admiring this exceptional site; a paradise for solo, duo or family outings! There's also a toboggan run opposite the reception area, where you'll find all the information you need to rent snowshoeing and tobogganing equipment.