Make the most of your next ski holiday in the French Pyrenees with a range of winter events to enjoy or take part in!

Although the French Pyrenees resorts are not the largest in the world, they still put on fantastic winter events, big enough to rival other ski regions. Starting from December, the second biggest area of skiing in France welcomes the new winter season and a variety of events take place. Whether you come with your family, alone or with your friends, the French Pyrenees offers a spectacular range of day and night-time events.

We have chosen the resort of Saint Lary in the Hautes Pyrenees to create a quick guide of ski & snowboard events so you can get an idea of what to expect across the Pyrenees this winter.

Sporty Saint Lary

Saint-Lary offers one of the greatest skiing areas in the French Pyrenees, spread over three inter-connected sectors, all at different altitudes. The resort is renowned all over the world for its sporty events during the winter. This is the place to be for all the freestyle and freeride lovers… Did you Know? Double world champion, Xavier De le Rue, is a member of the Saint Lary snowboard club!

For the hikers: The Grand Raid in Saint Lary / March 2016

This is the first time the Grand Raid has been scheduled in winter. Normally occurring in August, the second most important mountaineering trail after l’Ultra-trail of the Mont Blanc, will take place on the 13^th March. 3 routes of 10km, 18km, and 25km around the Saint Lary resort in front of the Massif du Neouville.

La Poney Session TTR / March 2016

More than 30 riders & wildcard selected worldwide will fight for the 14th Edition of the Poney Title all for the viewer’s delight. Previously described as the “snowboard event of the year”, this spectacular event will take place from Thursday 3rd March 2016 until Sunday 6th March 2016.

Want an example, watch this video: https://goo.gl/ID2Ez4 of the 2015 edition

Xtrem Freeride 2016 / March 2016

Organised for more than 10 years, the event’s goal is to reunite all the lovers of freeride and freestyle in a same place. In teams of two, this freestyle race will take place on the most beautiful spots in Saint Lary.

For more info on events: http://goo.gl/ODyu6m
For more info on Saint-Lary and accommodation: http://goo.gl/QRVyCb

Other resorts

Some resorts have a more chilled set of events if you’re looking for relaxing time. One example of this type of event has just been announced in Cauterets in early December:

Ski and Snowboard Festival in Cauterets

The International Free Ride Film Festival has built itself upon a strong goal: discover a wider audience showcasing artistic merit and quality snowboard/ski films. This festival is open to the public and is completely free, perfect for families, couple and friends!

Enjoy the beginning of the ski season in Cauterets at the Ski & Snowboard Festival from the 8th December 2016. Come with your ski boots and your swimsuit and enjoy some of the best ski movies selected by a panel of experts on a giant screen in an open-air thermal (or in indoor if you feel the cold). Meanwhile, with a bit of luck, you may also make your own movie under the first snowflakes on the slopes!

For more info on Cauterets : http://goo.gl/rdo21D 
For more info on the festivals : http://goo.gl/xNo3EC


Stay tuned for the others upcoming events in French Pyrenees!
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If you want to book your next ski holiday in French Pyrenees or if you need further information, contact our specialist reservations team on 0844 576 0176 or email reservations@pyreneescollection.co.uk.

Select The Right Ski Holiday For You & Your Group - Resort & Accommodation

Choosing the right resort and accommodation for your ski holiday to the French Pyrenees.

Many of our clients value the information we provide them before they book. Information regarding resorts and accommodation can influence where you end up going on holiday and crucially, can be the difference between having a good time and having a great time.

Some people are happy to make some sacrifices on holidays if it means they get to enjoy the superb slopes etc., but if you do your research or ask us some questions, you will find that there is a resort out there which is exactly what you are looking for!

Handpicked self-catering accommodation offering a great level of comfort and spaciousness alongside value for money and facilities.

To help you plan your perfect ski holiday, we have made an accommodation selector to create a selection of ski apartments and chalets: directors' choice, 4* ski holidays, family ski holidays & value ski holidays.

The Pyrenees offers ski holidays at a lower price because they are less commercialised compared to the other ski locations, this means that the level of accommodation, resort facilities and fantastic ski conditions are available at a much lower cost. The French Pyrenees also benefits from fantastic family based resorts and accommodation with ideally placed kindergartens and ski schools to make it a lot easier to manage.

What are you looking for?

Directors' Choice

Our Director’s Choice Residences offer little extras that our loyal clients have come to value and that you won’t often get in other residences.

These benefits can include: beds made on arrival with high quality linen & duvets; wider double beds; a selection of towels; bath mats; heated towel rail; hairdryers; toiletry welcome pack; double the apartment capacity for all plates, crockery, mugs, bowls and coffee cups; satellite TV with some English channels; plenty of coat hooks; phone in each apartment; free Wi-Fi access (for one device) in the main reception area..... etc. etc.

4-star ski apartments

As always, we at Pyrenees Collection want your ski holidays to remain a real treat with the authentic feel of the Pyrenees…

Pyrenees Collection is always on the look out for 4 star Ski Apartments in the French Pyrenees to offer its clients the higher quality stay they may be after, but still retaining the ski holiday at an affordable price. We have given priority to the ski residences’ location in the French Pyrenees resorts themselves, with, where possible, ski in/ski out facility for convenience or with an easy link, together with a whole at-hand range of activities, facilities and amenities such as restaurants, markets, ski-hire shops or bars.

Family Skiing

Skiing with the family makes for such a rewarding holiday especially when you have planned it right.

The French Pyrenees as a whole are generally regarded as a family destination and can provide the perfect location for your family ski holiday. The Pyrenees Collection has been put together with families in mind and there are a number of resorts and accommodations that are particularly suited to families.

Value Skiing

Here at Pyrenees Collection, we understand the importance and need to stick to a budget when it comes to booking your ski holiday.

One of the major benefits of the French Pyrenees is that accommodation prices can often be significantly lower than those of the French Alps. The accommodation in our programme has been carefully selected to offer the best possible choice to our clients, catering for all budgets and requirements.

A Good Deal?

You will always get amazing value for money when you travel to the Pyrenees. If you are just looking for a great deal to capitalise on the already fantastic; price, service, ski conditions, restaurants etc., then have a look at our Early Booking Offers page to see if you can grab a wonderful ski holiday at an equally wonderful price!

Looking for anything else or something in particular? We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us now on 0844 576 0176 or email reservations@pyreneescollection.co.uk.  

Upcoming ski & snowboard events in the French Pyrenees

 

Action-packed Calendar of Events for March in the French Pyrenees! 

The run up to the Easter week sees March awash with a variety of ski & snowboard competitions in a number of French Pyrenean resorts. Saint Lary, Les Angles and Peyragudes see their fair share of winter sports events aimed at wowing the crowd.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Pyrenean resorts at the time, check out what is guaranteed to be fantastic entertainment. Many of the events are back by popular demand so if you like winter sports, music or competitions, these events are for you!

Saint Lary - Xtrem Freeride 2015: 13th-14th March 2015

The Pyrenean free ride event of 2015 sees two teams take on the finest free ride spots in Saint-Lary. Two days of free ride ski & snowboard pits men and women in mixed teams against each other.

Les Angles - The Dispatch Pyrenees Snowboard Tour: 14th - 15th March 2015

Pyrenees Cup: The Pyrenees Snowboard Tour makes it's way to Les Angles! This is the flagship event of the Pyrenean season. The LDPST allows snowboarders, from an early age, to compete in the competition. Go and participate or just sit back and enjoy the entertainment of this event as Slope Style in the snow park hits Les Angles.

Peyragudes - N'PY King for a Day Cup: 14th - 15th March 2015

Back for its 4th edition, the N'PY King for a Day Cup brings together a young audience, offering music, winter sports and fun entertainment. After three preliminary rounds in Piau, Gourette and Grand Tourmalet, Peyragudes hosts the final, with over 300 competitors expected to compete.

This is a quirky event is inspired by American and European shows and is a must for the young winter sports fan. The N'PY Cup is a winter sports cocktail combining slalom, big air & big air bag, with the added benefit of live music from DJ sets with chill out zones too.

Saint Lary - Trophée Philippe Ribatet: 27th March 2015

Trophée Philippe Ribatet is a mountain ski competition organised by the Club St Lary Aure Mountain in Saint Lary. Competitors ski free ride runs either in a team or as individuals. The course details are as follows: 

Course A: As a team - Vertical drop: 2300m
Course B: Individual - Vertical drop: 1300m
Course C: Individual - Vertical drop: 860m

So, with plenty to do in the French Pyrenees in March, which events will you be going to? Not booked yet but want to go to the French Pyrenees? Call us now on 0844 576 0176 or email reservations@pyreneescollection.co.uk.

Where to go for your French Pyrenees Ski Holiday

The French Pyrenees are often overlooked but really are an excellent option for your ski holiday in France. Generally, people from the UK are far more familiar with skiing in Andorra, just a stone's throw away from the French Pyrenees. In a good season, snow fall in the Pyrénées often outperforms that of the French Alps. The Pyrenees are also famed for their thermal baths and plethora of spas, for those looking for total relaxation off the piste.

The French Pyrenees also offer great value for money. Although the location of Pyrenean resorts is further away in terms of actual distance from Calais, access to the resorts from the airports can be very easy and not very far. You can even get a €15 transfer from Tarbes Lourdes airport to your chosen ski resort. Plus people are often surprised to find out that the drive from Calais to the French Pyrénées is only 10-11 hours.

Read on for more information about resorts and accommodation in the French Pyrenees.

Saint-Lary

Family Skiing in Saint Lary © David Vilanova

A traditional and large Pyrenean resort, Saint-Lary is located in the Hautes-Pyrenées. One of the major benefits of this resort is that it offers the best of both worlds - an authentic Pyrenean village combined with up-to-date facilities including lifts and snow cannons.

Saint-Lary is a great location for a family ski holiday, holding a 'Famille Plus' award, showing that the resort has facilities and services geared towards families.

Saint-Lary Soulan ski area is suitable to all levels of skier and consists of 100km of slopes. There are 7 green runs, 26 blue, 14 red and 9 black with 270 snow cannons.

Off the slopes, there is plenty of apres-ski choice, with Saint-Lary being the apres-ski capital of the central Pyrenees.

Accommodation in Saint-Lary

L'Ardoisiere

L'Ardoisiere Exterior

L'Ardoisiere in Saint-Lary is a 4 star residence constructed in the traditional Pyrenean style and comprises two low-level buildings offering self-catered apartments. The residence offers easy access to the cable car, thermal baths and village centre.

Le Clos Saint-Hilaire

Le Clos Saint-Hilaire Exterior

The 4 star residence of Le Clos Saint-Hilaire in Saint-Lary offers just 31 self-catered ski apartments which are spacious and offer either a balcony or terrace. There is a free shuttle bus to main points of interest which are not far away.

Cami Real

Interior of self-catered ski apartment, Cami Real

Ideally located in the centre of the village, Cami Real in Saint-Lary is a high quality residence that offers convenience and charm. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool and free WiFi access throughout the residence.

Les Rives de L'Aure

Les Rives de L'Aure exterior

Not only is Les Rives de L'Aure right in the centre of the resort, it is also next to the river and only 50m from the Thermal Baths. This recently built residence offers apartments with traditional and cosy interiors.

Soleil d'Aure

Soleil d'Aure exterior

With 66 ski apartments spread over 4 floors, Soleil d'Aure in Saint-Lary is located in the village and only 400m from the ski lifts.

Cauterets

Hit the Cirque du Lys slopes from Cauterets © OT Cauterets

Cauterets originally found fame for its spas which are renowned for their special healing powers. These days, Cauterets offers the most snow assured skiing in the French Pyrenees.

A member of the Kids Station, Cauterets endeavors to accommodate children as much as possible, making it a great resort for families.

Cauterets incorporates Le Cirque du Lys ski area which is great for beginners and intermediates. Skiing in Cauterets offers 35km of pistes including 5 green runs, 9 blue, 9 red and 2 black. Away from the slopes, there are plenty of other activities including bathing in one of the 9 spas, snowshoeing, ice-skating or you could even try your luck at the casino.

Although Cauterets is a small town, it is a lively one, with lots of good value places to go out.

Accommodation in Cauterets

Balnéo Aladin

Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool at Balneo Aladin

Balneo Aladin in Cauterets is a 3 star superior residence, situated in the resort centre and just 100m from the cable car, allowing direct access to the ski area. It is a modern complex comprising 130 self-catering ski apartments. Facilities include free access to the Balnéo centre including heated swimming pools, Jacuzzi and sauna.

Le Domaine des 100 Lacs

Le Domaine des 100 Lacs exterior

Built with traditional Pyrenean architecture in mind, Le Domaine des 100 Lacs in Cauterets offers bright, traditional and homely self-catered apartments.

Font Romeu (Pyrénées 2000)

High altitude skiing in Font Romeu © OT Font Romeu

Font Romeu is a high altitude resort, situated at 1800m. It is a small and lively ski resort, just 19km away from Perpignan.

Particularly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers, the local ski area in Font Romeu comprises 52km of slopes and generally offers shorter and easier runs. Pyrenees 2000 has 58km of slopes. The overall ski area, Neiges Catalanes, offers 275km of pistes comprising 44 green runs, 60 blue, 68 red and 31 black, with 500 snow cannons.

With around 22 restaurants and 9 bars in Font Romeu, there is plenty of choice for your apres-ski. Pyrenees 2000 offers even more choice with ample restaurants and bars as well as a cinema, casino and weekly market.

Accommodation in Font Romeu

Le Pic de l'Ours

Modern living in Le Pic de l'Ours

A 4 star residence, Le Pic de l'Ours in Font Romeu is just 20m from the nearest gondola for easy access to the ski area. It is also located in the resort centre so close to shops and restaurants. A stylish and sophisticated look has been given to its 107 self-catering apartments.

Le Domaine de Castella

Terrace views from Le Domaine de Castella

Le Domaine de Castella in Font Romeu is close to the lively resort centre. Many of the self-catering apartments offer a terrace with views of the mountains.

Peyragudes

Ski school in Peyragudes © Maison de Peyragudes

The resort of Peyragudes is situated in the Pyrenees National Park and is not far from the Spanish border. It is a welcoming and lively resort which still manages to retain its traditional charms. Peyragudes is comprised of the two villages of Peyresourde Village and Les Agudes Village plus the hamlet of Balestas.

The Peyragudes ski area offers 60km of pistes comprising 5 green runs, 20 blue, 17 red and 4 black with 230 snow cannons. Snow coverage is very good, with a slope range from 1600m - 2400m and is good for all levels of skiers plus snowboarders.

Peyragudes offers a range of amenities and apres-ski options, at very reasonable prices.

Accommodation in Peyragudes

Le Hameau de Balestas

Large ski accommodation at Le Hameau de Balestas

The residence of Le Hameau de Balestas in Peyragudes comprises individual  ski chalets and apartments split over several buildings. There is a free shuttle bus service taking guests to the ski lifts which are only 400m away. The spacious accommodation is fitted to a very good standard.

Les Jardins de Balnéa

High standard accommodation at Les Jardins de Balnea

Built in the traditional mountain style of dark wood and light stone, Les Jardins de Balnea in Peyragudes is a 4 star residence just 100m from the slopes and resort centre. All apartments are modern and stylish and feature a balcony or terrace.

La Mongie (Grand Tourmalet)

Explore the pistes of the Domaine du Grand Tourmalet from
La Mongie © OT La Mongie

La Mongie was purposely built on the slopes, offering direct access to the Domaine du Grand Tourmalet ski area which is the largest skiable region in the French Pyrenees. La Mongie is also close to the resort of Barèges and both resorts are easily accessed from each other, offering plenty of amenities and apres-ski options. There are also 5 mountain restaurants in the Domaine du Grand Tourmalet ski area.

With 100km of pistes, 69 ski slopes (the largest number in the French Pyrenees), 2 snow-parks, 39 ski lifts and an altitude up to 2500m, this is the ideal ski resort for all abilities of skier as well as snowboarders.

Accommodation in La Mongie

Tourmalet

South-facing Tourmalet

The south-facing residence of Tourmalet in La Mongie also faces the Pic du Midi and the slopes of the Domaine du Tourmalet. It is just 500m from the resort centre which can be accessed by a free shuttle bus. The self catered apartments are simple and cosy and there is free access to the indoor heated swimming pool.

Les Angles

Plenty of snow in Les Angles © Elisabeth Mars

An attractive resort, Les Angles is popular with French and Spanish skiers.Many of the ski trails offer picturesque views to those lucky enough to ski them.

Great for families, Les Angles is ideal for beginners and intermediates. It has 50km of pistes comprising 15 green runs, 8 blue, 16 red and 2 black.There is also great access to the ski area of Neige Catalanes where there is 275km of pistes to be discovered and explored.

Les Angles is also renowned for its range of activities off the slopes including the warm springs and the famous 'little yellow train'. There are a variety of restaurants and bars, offering lively and diverse apres-ski.

Accommodation in Les Angles

L'Oree des Cimes

L'Oree des Cimes in the centre of Les Angles

Recently built, L'Oree des Cimes in Les Angles is situated near to the shops and services at the centre of the resort as well as 50m from the ski slopes. The self-catered apartments are fitted and finished to a very good standard.

Prat de Lis

True door-step skiing from Prat de Lis

Situated at the foot of the ski slopes, Prat de Lis in Les Angles offers door-step skiing and is only 300m from the resort centre. Guests of the 70 modern self-catered apartments benefit from free access to the sauna and Jacuzzi.

Special Offers

There are some great special offers to be had for ski holidays at resorts in the French Pyrenees including accommodation discounts and lift pass offers. Discounts are available for both peak (including Easter) and off-peak dates.

View here for French Pyrenees ski holiday special offers

Flying to the Pyrenees - French Pyrenees Airports

There are several airports in or close to the French Pyrenees. Here is a list of the airports and the resorts they service:

Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees airport - Cauterets, La Mongie, Peyragudes, Saint Lary

Pau Pyrénées airport - Cauterets, La Mongie, Peyragudes, Saint Lary

Toulouse airport - Cauterets, Font Romeu, Les Angles, Peyragudes, Saint Lary

Perpignan airport - Font Romeu, Les Angles

Girona airport - Les Angles

Airlines to the French Pyrenees

Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees airport - Ryanair, Air France, Flybe
Pau Pyrénées airport - Air France
Toulouse airport - British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, KLM, Air France, Flybe
Perpignan airport - Flybe, Air France
Girona airport - Air France, Ryanair

For more information about French Pyrenees ski holiday, contact our specialist reservations team on 0844 576 0176 or email reservations@pyreneescollection.co.uk