Ski Touring in Hautes Pyrénées

Do you want to go ski touring in the Hautes-Pyrénées?
Find here all our articles, route descriptions, photos and videos to prepare your outings. Whether you are planning a one-day ski tour, a multi-day ski raid, or a freerando adventure, you will find all the useful information to make the most of the Pyrenean mountains.

Unique conditions for ski touring

The Hautes-Pyrénées benefit from a distinctive climate, influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The result: sometimes impressive snowfalls, with more than a meter falling in just a few hours during oceanic storms. But beware, flexibility is key: the weather varies greatly from East to West and from South to North, making each outing different and exciting.

A varied playground for all ski tourers

Ski touring in the Pyrenees is attractive thanks to the diversity of its landscapes:
• granite towers and steep slopes for those who love elevation gain
• gentle valleys and rolling terrain in the foothills for easier outings
• Spanish canyons for a more exotic atmosphere

Numerous ski resorts line the mountain chain, ideal for combining downhill skiing with ascents on skins. Ski raid enthusiasts will also be delighted, thanks to the many huts and cabins, increasingly open throughout the winter.

When to go ski touring in the Pyrenees?

The ski touring season lasts all winter. However, March and April are the most favorable months:
• optimal snow coverage after the winter storms
• generally stable weather
• roads and huts more accessible
• and the possibility of enjoying powder snow for many days on the north-facing slopes

How to get to the Hautes-Pyrénées?

• By car: Easily accessible from Toulouse via Tarbes or Pau. The Hautes-Pyrénées and the Spanish side are particularly well connected, especially in spring when the mountain roads reopen.
• By plane: Toulouse airport is the best option thanks to its central location and the frequency of flights. You can also fly into Tarbes or Pau, but flights are less frequent.
• By train: The stations of Tarbes and Lourdes are served by TGV and Intercités lines from Paris, Bordeaux and Toulouse. From these stations, bus connections or rental cars make it easy to reach the valleys and ski resorts of the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Where to stay during your trip?

There are plenty of huts and mountain cabins in the Pyrenees. Even if they are not staffed in winter, many have a winter room open for ski tourers. For detailed information, check out Pyrenees-Refuges.com. In the valleys, you will also find inns, guesthouses or mountain lodges available all year round.

WHO TO SKI WITH IN THE HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES?

OUR ARTICLES ABOUT SKI TOURING IN THE HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES