After a day skiing you definitely know you have a pair of knees
In France you are spoilt for choice
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In most countries you have only the one choice of mountain range for skiing, but in France you are spoilt for choice and you have two. However not many people would consider the Pyrenees to ski in as compared to the Alps. Yes the Pyrenees are smaller than their Alpine cousins, but in terms of quality of resort, length of runs and snow making capabilities, they are comparable.
The Pyrenees is probably more suited to beginners whereas the Alps looks after all ski levels. Being more southerly than the Alps and closer to the Mediterranean means the Pyrenees are often sunnier than the Alps which is another benefit when you are learning.
Some of the ski resorts, such as the Grand Tourmalet, are arguably better known as a finish point in the annual Tour de France cycle race. However it is also home to around 120km of pistes and 50 lifts waiting to take you all over the mountain. Grand Tourmalet is also known as an off-piste paradise.
If you want to explore the Pyrenees and see if you can introduce yourself to the thrills and excitement of skiing then click the button below. With access to over 400 suppliers, we can build a fantastic trip, uniquely tailored to you.
To prove the worth of going skiing in the Pyrenees, probably one of the most successful snowboarding families, the De la Rue family, were schooled in Saint-lary, another resort in the Pyrenees. Here, there is also an abundance of activities to keep you going when not on the slopes: spas, restaurants, bars, live music and other non ski related activities.
Price wise the French Pyrenees isn't as expensive to ski in as are the Alps but maybe not as cost beneficial as Bulgaria. However the French have been skiing here for years and have it set up to cater for all types of visitor.
If you fancy something different, then Lourdes is close by and always worth a visit. It is on the route from either Pau or Toulouse, the closest airports to the Pyrenees.
If you have been convinced to give it a go then why not click the button below and we will find your downhill, snowy paradise.
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The Grand Tourmalet is probably the biggest ski resort in the Pyrenees and as such provides the more extensive ski runs for all types of skiers. From tree lined pistes to wide open runs you are very likely to find a run that suits you and your skills here.
With the village of Bareges offering accommodation and restaurants, you are just a short ski lift ride away from the top of the mountain.
Crowned by the impressive Pic Du Midi observatory that during the daytime offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and by night stunning views of the stars, The Grand Tourmalet offers a different ski experience to anything else that you may have skied to date.
A must for families, Saint-lary offers attractions for the young and old alike. There are day care facilities for children if you want a child free day on the slopes or even if you want to take advantage of the thermal springs that flow through the resort.
However if your children fancy a days skiing, there are a number of easy runs, ski schools and an outdoor skating rink too.
Saint-Lary is a small village but has all the amenities that a family could need for a weeks skiing and some great local restaurants with hearty, warming food for you.
