Ski Pyrénées-Atlantiques

The Pyrenees mountain range is situated between Spain and France and stretches for 400km between the Atlantic ocean and Mediterranean sea. The Pyrenees Atlantique ski area has the following resorts; Artouste, Gourette and La Pierre Saint-Martin. In addition, further cross country skiing can be found in the Iraty Forest, one of the largest broad-leaf forests of Europe.

Artouste has access to 25km of downhill piste and reaching a height of 2100m, snow is generally assured. There is a range of slopes to suit all levels and some great tree lined runs, a snow park and snow garden for children. Gourette offers 31km of downhill slopes, a good smattering of green, red and black. As the slopes are all north facing snow quality is good. Gourette has seen an impressive investment programme recently adding new lifts, which in total, can carry 9600 skiers per hour!

Visiting Pyrenees Atlantique

The third resort of La Pierre Saint Martin is also a little gem, 25km of downhill piste set amidst magnificent scenery looking out over the Pic d'Anie, the Spanish summits and the Bearn plains. This is a great area for families and those wanting a quiet skiing holiday. This resort has also seen lots of investment in lifts, snow canons and in widening the pistes.

This ski area is conveniently located near to the airports of Pau, Gourette is only 60km away, Biarritz and Zaragoza. This ski region offers skiers and boarders surprisingly good skiing and good snow yet no lift queues and uncrowded slopes. With chalets nestling in pine forests at the bottom of slopes and an unhurried relaxed atmosphere, this really is one of Frances hidden gems.