Description:

The Tourmalet ski area is formed by the two resorts of La Mongie and Bareges, linked by ski lifts, providing a large and varied selection of marked runs and off-piste areas.  Accommodation is available in both areas

La Mongie is a purpose built ski resort, which although lacking the charm of other French Pyrenean resorts, does offer a good variety of skiing and allows ski in, ski out convenience.  The marked runs spread out from the village centre and offer a mix of wide open bowls and tree lined pistes.

Bareges is a smaller more traditional Pyrenees village and the second oldest ski resort in France.  Here you will find traditional bars and restaurants along with a number of ski shops and of course the ubiquitous bakery.

With 100 Km of marked ski runs, there is plenty to keep you interested, but it's the off piste skiing that makes the resort standout.  Between the marked runs, there are acres of  unpisted snow to explore in relative safety, but for the more adventurous, there are numerous well know off piste routes  A number of these start from the Pic du Midi,  at 2,877 metres and offer a truly different and exhilarating experience.  It is advisable to hire a guide when exploring these areas, as they are un-patrolled and at risk of avalanche. 

The area is also excellent for ski touring in the Pyrenees National Park, with many of the mountain refuges now opening in spring allowing access to the many marked routes, including the Pyrenees Haute route.

A visit to the Pic du Midi Observatory will give a stunning view of the Pyrenees mountain range and enjoyable break from your skiing exertions.

* Bareges is not accessible by road from La Mongie in the winter months.  If travelling to Bareges, head for Lourdes from the A64 autoroute and then Argeles-Gazost, Luz-Saint-Sauveur and finally Bareges.

Piste Info

69 pistes over 100 Km of marked runs.

24 Green

19 Blue

21 Red

6 Black

40 lifts available : 1 cable car, 13 chair lifts, 23 drag lifts

172 snow cannons

Facilities

4 ski schools

Mountain guides

Heated picnic room

5 high-altitude restaurants

2 snowparks: boardercross, tables, big air, rails

Cash dispenser

Other activities

Bareges

Snowshoeing

Sled dogs

Snowmobile outings

Paragliding

Thermal baths

La Mongie

Snowmobile outings

Sled dogs

Pic du Midi

Handicapped skiing

Ski lessons, accommodation and equipment rental are available in the Bareges resort. 

Children

Both Barege and La mongie have facilities for children, providing day care and ski lessons.  During school holidays there are organised activities for children at the foot of the pistes.

Main events

January :  Tourmalet FreeRiide
January  : Grand Raid, an off-track skiing championship for teams of 2.

Further information:
Domaine du Tourmalet website
Bareges website

La Mongie Off Piste information

Find details about other Midi Pyrenees ski resorts here.

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