Luz Ardiden

In addition to its relaxed, friendly environment and safe areas for beginners and children, Luz also offers enjoyable blue- and red-graded scenic cruising with a few steeper blacks and some off-piste possibilities. The snow record here is also reassuring, thanks to reasonable altitude. The well-groomed pistes are served by a modern, efficient lift system and despite what looks on paper to be a relatively compact size, there’s a real big-mountain feel here and you can often find odd corners all to yourself. Nearby are Cauterets and Pont d’Espagne, for more downhill and cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, walking, etc.

That’s right – there’s no on-mountain accommodation. Instead you’ll probably be based down in the valley, where Luz Saint-Sauveur offers a friendly, authentic Pyrenean vibe and a selection of shops and services at real-world prices. Not your average ski experience, then, yet far from unsophisticated and if evenings aren’t exactly riotous there's plenty to do in this year-round tourist destination. Shuttle-buses will get you up and down the mountain, or you can self-drive (but keep an eye on the weather conditions, and be sure to carry snow-chains).

Luz has plenty to offer mixed-ability family groups and recreational skiers who appreciate a relaxed experience in pretty sensational, away-from-it-all surroundings. If you don’t expect doorstep skiing you’ll be rewarded with a quality experience in amazing surroundings, and at an attractive price. And if you’re hesitating and likely to be self-driving then the option of adding a couple of days in Cauterets could be the clincher...

Snowboarding

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