The 8 best places to ski off-road in the Pyrenees

Did you plan to spend your winter holidays in the sublime chain of the Pyrenees, between France and Spain? If you are a powder fondu, here are the 8 best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees!

The off-piste holds a place apart in the world of winter sports. Indeed, what other discipline makes it possible to feel so close to nature? Either it involves risks and regularly defrays the chronic, which can be dangerous or even fatal. But off-piste skiing - also called "freeride"- is an activity yet inseparable from sliding sports. Indeed, it existed before all the others!

The mountain range of the Pyrenees is ideal for your favourite sport. And this, whatever your favorite style or your choice of hardware (ski, snowboard or other). Indeed, it has many ski areas, both on the French side and on the Spanish side. No doubt you can find your happiness there! Especially since the stations fold in four to meet the requirements of freeriders from all over Europe. Whether in terms of sensations, benefits and of course security, indispensable for a serene practice of off-piste skiing.

Ready to eat powder by tracing beautiful lines on the snowy coat? At Wanderlix, we present you the 8 best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees. Top start!

1. Le Pic du Midi de Bigorre, France

Previously, the Pic du midi de Bigorre was reserved for astronomers, who worked in the observatory overlooking the summit. But its openness to the public has made this sumptuous mass known. Since then, this legendary mountain is the Pyrenean off-piste ski Mecca! It must be said that the place lends itself particularly to the practice of freeride. Rocky corridors offer more than 1000 meters of elevation, and steep slopes.

It is one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees. For its snow, but also for its exceptional geographic location. The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is part of the Grand Tourmalet station, one of the best in the Pyrenees!

2. Grandvalira, Andorra

The Grandvalira station is located in the heart of Madriu-Pedrafita-Claror National Park. The latter is one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees. And it’s not for nothing! It is simple, the station is the largest mountain range between France and Spain. The ski resort has more than 118 tracks forming a network of more than 200 kilometers. And portions are reserved for off-track skiing!

We need to carefully equip ourselves and use a guide to enjoy it. Indeed, the slopes can be steep and the rocky, vertiginous bars. Prudence is a safe mother, especially in the high mountains!

3. Val d’Aran, Spain

Val d’Aran is one of the most prestigious valleys in the Pyrenees. It is located on the Spanish side, in the middle of the mountain range! This includes the Baqueira-Beret resort, which offers multiple off-piste ski routes. Some are only accessible by air! To reach them, heliski is essential.

It is because of the important snow and the quality of the infrastructure that the place is so popular. It is one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees! The spots are innumerable, and the riders of all Europe come to perfection. Why don't you join them?

4. Font-Romeu, France

Font-Romeu is one of the most popular resorts in the Pyrenees. A substantial ski area, accessible to all skiers... And vast spaces where freeride lovers come to burst into the powder. Needless to say, it is one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees!

Easily accessible by road, it has the advantage of having many hotel establishments. And the particularity of offering out-of-piste sectors adapted to the most seasoned and beginners! All in the ski area. Don’t hesitate to get there from the first snowfalls!

5. Luz Ardiden, France

Always in France, Luz Ardiden is a ski resort with a varied ski area. And whose particularity is to be adapted to all levels! Everyone finds his account on the 21 proposed tracks. But that’s not what we’re interested in here, of course, since we dedicate this article to freeride!

This friendly place is one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees! The Bernazaou sector is a huge space dedicated to the off-track. It offers about 1250 meters of denial, which will delight the freeriders! The latter, once the night has fallen, will even be able to feast in the bars and night clubs around the corner. The station is known for its crazy evenings!

6. Boï-Taüll, Spain

It is in Spain, near the Aigüestortes National Park, that we find Boï-Taüll. This is the highest station in the mountain range separating France from Spain! And its ski area is one of the best ski resorts in the Pyrenees. It is however modest, the station itself being small. Then why? Because a mountain slope is reserved for freeride!

This one is oriented towards a valley at the bottom of which the road leads to the ski area. This is an undeniable advantage! A bus, the “Freebus”, brings the skiers arriving at the end of the route to the station. Pretty convenient when you’re looking to burst into powder, right?

7. La Mongie, France

The Mongie has a large ski area, and many chair lifts. Among the latter, that of the 4 terms leads the skiers to a great fault. Subject to being in harmony and equipped with piolets, it is possible to bury in it !l The Fox breach (this is its name) is a rocky corridor leading to the top of the mountain. From there, a breathtaking view awaits you on the Pyrenees National Park!

After taking some pictures, it is time to discover what makes the particularity of this ski area. It is still one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees! The skiers will be able to venture into the valley of Aygues Cluses. This unmarked sector includes off-track routes with moderate difficulty. What to delight everyone!

8. Saint-Lary-Soulan, France

Here is one of the largest ski resorts in the Pyrenees. It includes three connected but distinct sectors, all between 1,700 and 2,400 metres of altitude. They offer visitors 55 tracks forming a network of nearly 100 kilometers! Relaxed and family despite its large size, it is a reference in the region. And is one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Pyrenees!

It must be said that its gigantic ski area, at the gates of Spain, offers many advantages to freeriders. Large unmarked portions allow them to satisfy their passion for powder without bothering themselves. Moreover, in part, the off-piste skiing made the reputation of the place. Quickly discover why, by making you on site as soon as the snow falls!