Skiing in the Pyrenees: Top 10 most beautiful ski resorts

Often overshadowed by its glitzier Alpine cousins, the Pyrenees provide the perfect winter escape with all the thrills—minus the crowd. Stretching across the border between France and Spain, this mountain range combines breathtaking views, exhilarating terrain, and picturesque charm. From high-altitude ski domains to quaint villages with thermal spas, skiing here is as much about the experience as it is about the slopes. Whatever your vibe, whether it’s chasing fresh powder, family-friendly runs, or cozy après-ski comfort, the Pyrenees have the resorts to match.

Grand Tourmalet – Barèges/La Mongie, France

📍 Latitude: 42.9081° N | Longitude: 0.1662° E

If size is more your thing, Grand Tourmalet is where you want to be. The domain connects two very different but complementary villages—Barèges and La Mongie, bridging 100 km of slopes and making this the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees. It strikes a perfect balance between modern ski facilities and authentic mountain charm. 

La Mongie is the place to be for ski-in/ski-out convenience. This side of the resort is modern and dynamic, with fast access to the slopes and fun après-ski activities. On the other side, Barèges offers a completely different vibe—a traditional Pyrenean village with charming stone houses, local bakeries, and even natural hot springs to relax in after a long day on the slopes.

Skiers of all levels will find something to love here. Beginners and families can enjoy wide, gentle slopes, while advanced skiers can take on the Coume Lounque, a legendary off-piste descent. And if you’re looking for something truly special, take the lift up to the Pic du Midi, a breathtaking viewpoint at 2,877 meters, where you can ski down one of the most stunning freeride routes in the Pyrenees.

Baqueira-Beret, Spain

📍 Latitude: 42.7000° N | Longitude: 0.9333° E

Welcome to Spain’s most famous ski resort. Located in the Val d’Aran, Baqueira-Beret is renowned for its excellent snow conditions, high-quality facilities, and exclusive yet welcoming atmosphere. It’s a favorite among the Spanish elite, including the royal family. But don’t let that intimidate you—this resort has a laid-back energy that makes everyone, with or without a crown, feel at home.

With 165 km of slopes, it’s the largest ski resort in Spain and offers an impressive variety of terrain. The resort comprises three areas:

• Baqueira, the main hub, offers fast lifts, long cruising runs, and easy access to the best slopes.
• Beret, a great choice for beginners and freestyle skiers, has gentle slopes and a fantastic snowpark.
• Bonaigua, the wildest part of the resort, is where advanced skiers can find steep descents and epic freeride zones.

Baqueira-Beret’s appeal goes beyond the riveting skiing and regal A-listers. The Val d’Aran region is also famous for the warmth of its local population, thriving après-ski culture, and incredible food. Try the local dish, “olla aranesa”, a hearty mountain stew that’s perfect for a mid-day refuel.

Ax 3 Domaines, France

📍 Latitude: 42.7205° N | Longitude: 1.8355° E

Ax 3 Domaines is a stunning, well-kept secret in the French Pyrenees that pairs excellent skiing with the rejuvenating experience of natural thermal baths. Located just 90 minutes from Toulouse, this resort is a favorite among locals looking for a quick weekend getaway.

The ski area is divided into three domains:

• Bonascre, the most accessible area, is ideal for families and beginners.
• Saquet, with steeper and more technical runs, is great for intermediates.
• Les Campels, with long descents and open powder fields, is a paradise for advanced skiers and off-piste enthusiasts.

What really sets Ax 3 Domaines apart is its combination of skiing and wellness. The nearby town of Ax-les-Thermes is famous for its natural hot springs. What’s better than to soak in warm mineral-rich water, regardless of whether you’ve even spent the day skiing? Its relaxed village atmosphere, variety of restaurants, and affordable prices compared to larger resorts make Ax 3 Domaines a fantastic choice for skiers looking for something off the beaten tracks.

Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000, France

📍 Latitude: 42.5053° N | Longitude: 2.0356° E

Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000 is one of the best choices in the Pyrenees for sun-seeking skiers and child-packed families. Located in the Cerdagne region, close to the Spanish border, it’s known for its fantastic weather, modern ski facilities, and excellent training grounds for elite athletes.

With 43 km of slopes, Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000 is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, offering wide, well-groomed pistes with stunning panoramic views. The resort is particularly famous for its state-of-the-art snowmaking system that guarantees great conditions even when natural snowfall is limited.

Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will love the massive snowpark, one of the best in the Pyrenees. If you’re into cross-country skiing, this resort is also home to one of the largest Nordic skiing areas in France, with over 100 km of marked trails winding through beautiful forests.

Beyond skiing, Font-Romeu’s mountain town offers thermal spas and a vibrant après-ski scene. With easy road access and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for families or skiers who want a stress-free holiday. If you’re arriving from Perpignan or Toulouse, renting a car with Europcar is a great way to explore the surrounding area and nearby resorts at your own leisurely pace.

Cauterets, France

📍 Latitude: 42.8916° N | Longitude: -0.1164° E

Cauterets is the perfect mix of mountain village charm and technical challenges for the more seasoned skiers. Known for its excellent snow conditions, this resort benefits from a microclimate that provides some of the most reliable snowfall in the Pyrenees.

The ski area is split into two sections:

• Cirque du Lys, the main ski domain, offers 22 runs with a mix of wide cruising slopes and steeper descents for advanced skiers. Thanks to its altitude, the snow here stays in top condition throughout the season.
• Pont d’Espagne, a magical spot just a short drive from Cauterets, is a paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, surrounded by frozen waterfalls and untouched nature.

Cauterets’ historical heritage as a nineteenth-century spa town is palpable, with Belle Époque architecture, lively cafés, and traditional thermal baths. So when your legs have had their fill, you can enjoy a relaxing outdoor pool swim at the Bain du Rocher’s luxury spa.

Getting to Cauterets is easy, and if you’re planning to explore other ski areas like Luz Ardiden or Gavarnie, having a rental car from Europcar gives you the flexibility to move between resorts effortlessly.

Saint-Lary-Soulan, France

📍 Latitude: 42.8165° N | Longitude: 0.3224° E

Saint-Lary-Soulan is one of the largest ski resorts in the Pyrenees, offering 100 km of slopes and an ideal balance of skiing, culture, and relaxation. This resort is particularly popular with families, thanks to its well-organized ski areas, great beginner slopes, and welcoming atmosphere.

The ski domain is divided into three main sectors:

• Pla d’Adet, the easiest to access from the village, is great for beginners and kids.
• Espiaube, with longer and more challenging runs, is perfect for intermediates looking to improve their technique.
• Vallon du Portet, at 2,515 meters, offers breathtaking high-altitude skiing that delivers fantastic views of the Pyrenean peaks.

Saint-Lary-Soulan is also a traditional Pyrenean village with a strong mountain culture. Strolling through the town, you’ll find authentic restaurants serving local specialties like garbure, a rustic cold-weather stew, as well as a lively après-ski scene that combines trendy bars and thermal baths.

If you’re flying into Toulouse or Pau, renting a car with Europcar makes it easy to reach Saint-Lary-Soulan and explore nearby resorts like Piau-Engaly or Peyragudes. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to follow the snow and the sun and make the most of your ski trip.

Peyragudes, France

📍 Latitude: 42.7933° N | Longitude: 0.4767° E

Peyragudes is a modern and well-equipped ski resort with 60 km of slopes and breathtaking views of the Pyrenean peaks. Known for its terrific snow conditions and state-of-the-art lift system, it is a great choice for skiers who want the best of both performance and comfort.

The resort stretches across an altitude ranging from 1,600 to 2,400 meters, ensuring good snow coverage throughout the season. The ski area is well-balanced between wide blue and red runs perfect for carving and some thrilling black runs for seasoned skiers. The Val des Lumières sector is especially scenic, offering long descents with panoramic mountain views.

One of Peyragudes’ unique features is its connection to Balnéa, a world-class spa and thermal bath center located in the nearby village of Loudenvielle. There you can indulge in wellness rituals to recover from the day’s exertions and recharge for your next ski session.

For those arriving by plane in Toulouse or Tarbes, renting a car with Europcar makes getting to Peyragudes easy and allows you to explore nearby villages and ski resorts to expand your skiing experience.

Piau-Engaly, France

📍 Latitude: 42.7855° N | Longitude: 0.1505° E

Piau-Engaly is the highest ski resort in the French Pyrenees, with slopes reaching up to 2,600 meters. This high-altitude location guarantees some of the best natural snow conditions in the region, making it a favorite for freeride and powder enthusiasts.

The resort’s ski area covers 65 km of slopes, with terrain that caters to all levels. Beginners will enjoy the wide, gentle runs near the base, while experienced skiers can explore steep descents and off-piste areas with untouched powder. Piau-Engaly is also a great place for snowboarders, featuring a well-designed snowpark with jumps, rails, and freestyle zones.

Unlike some larger resorts, Piau-Engaly has a calm and family-friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed skiing experience. The pedestrian-friendly village is compact and practical, with ski-in/ski-out accommodations, cozy restaurants, and a welcoming mountain vibe.

Les Angles, France

📍 Latitude: 42.5696° N | Longitude: 2.0733° E

Unlike many ski resorts that were built from scratch, Les Angles has retained its original charm, with stone houses, traditional bakeries, and an authentic mountain culture. It successfully blends its historic Pyrenean origins with modern skiing infrastructure, featuring 55 km of slopes that combine open alpine runs and tree-lined descents. The Nordic skiing and snowshoe trails here are also some of the best in the Pyrenees, winding through serene forests to reveal stunning lake views.

 For skiers who care about their environmental impact, Les Angles stands out for its commitment to sustainable tourism. The resort has invested in solar-powered ski lifts, eco-friendly snowmaking, and conservation programs to protect the surrounding natural environment.

Cambre d’Aze, France

📍 Latitude: 42.4915° N | Longitude: 2.0883° E

Cambre d’Aze is one of the lesser-known gems of the Pyrenees, providing a peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and great skiing for families and nature lovers.

The resort sits in a stunning natural amphitheater, surrounded by impressive cliffs and forested slopes. The ski area is small but well-designed, with 23 km of slopes that cater mostly to beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers will find some challenging black runs and fantastic opportunities for ski touring and backcountry exploration.

The nearby villages of Eyne and Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcats, with their traditional stone houses, cozy guesthouses, and delicious local cuisine, offer a warm and welcoming retreat.

While Cambre d’Aze is perfect for those seeking a calm and intimate ski experience, it’s also well-positioned for exploring other resorts in the region. Renting a car with Europcar allows you to visit nearby ski areas like Font-Romeu and Les Angles, making it easy to experience the best of the Eastern Pyrenees.

Plan your perfect ski trip in the Pyrenees

From high-altitude freeride zones to charming spa towns, the Pyrenees boast an incredible variety of ski experiences that are often less on people’s radar. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping slopes, family-friendly resorts, or relaxing thermal baths, there’s a destination that’s right for you.

Many of the best resorts in the Pyrenees are spread out across the region, making a rental car the most convenient way to explore. With a vehicle at your disposal, you can ski in different resorts, chase after the best snow conditions, and discover hidden mountain villages along the way. Europcar offers flexible car rental options, perfect for reaching the slopes with ease and enjoying the freedom of a road trip in the heart of the mountains.

Ready to experience the best skiing in the Pyrenees?