Piau Engaly

The highest skiing in the French Pyrenees is snow-sure and has long impressed us. This season (2015/2016) sees the worthwhile addition of 22km of cross-country ski terrain on the Spanish side above Sobrarbe. It’s a logical development since Piau has long attracted downhill skiers from Spain, who appreciate the exhilarating north-facing terrain.

The whole point of skiing here is having fun, so there’s a safe children’s area, some enjoyable blue-graded scenic cruising runs (including a seamlessly-linked succession of blues offering a remarkable 1100m vertical drop), plus some steeper sections to keep the reactions focused. After heavy snowfalls, and when temperatures drop, the ability to be able to ski out onto the lower runs give the village something of a mid-mountain feel.

Although almost surrounded by the tightly-protected landscapes of the Parc National des Pyrénées, a project is being studied to add new lifts and 8km of return pistes close to the exit of the newly-improved road tunnel which has long brought Spanish skiers to Piau. This improved access (with beginner terrain and dedicated parking areas) shaves around 10km off the previous journey, and removes the need to drive up to the ski village.

The village heart is compact and has a friendly vibe, particularly at weekends when the local skiers head up for a fun time. The best feature, though, is a mid-mountain setting – snow cover permitting, you can regard it as truly ski-in/ski-out.

Skiers visiting Piau will see some big changes no doubt spurred by the newly-established formal partnership between Piau and its Spanish counterpart Sobrarbe. A particularly welcome addition is the new *** Hotel 4 OURS, which will finally bring much-needed hotel accommodation to the village. It’s sited right beside the Office du Tourisme, and just a few metres away from the front-de neige pistes, ski lifts and bars. Another newcomer is the Edenéo Espace Ludique – an aqua centre with large heated indoor pool, hammam, sauna, lounge bar, etc., all of which should broaden Piau’s appeal significantly.

Piau’s highly-distinctive low visual impact apartments have high owner-occupation, particularly at weekends, and booked via the Office de Tourisme website (who offer some very attractive package pricing for Mon-Thur stays). However, the new partnership means that you can ski here and stay on the sunny Spanish side of the mountain – something Spanish skiers have been doing for many years.

This is an affordable and fun place, if not exactly in the Val d’Isère league for entertainment. But you have to say that it’s a whole lot friendlier and more affordable. Terrain-wise, there’s something for most levels, and the natural setting is sensational – don’t expect much future expansion, as the surrounding landscapes are protected nature reserves.

Families and mixed-ability groups will appreciate the accessible novice areas, well-equipped snowpark, plus other activities like télémark, freeride, monoski, skibiking, snowscoots and kite-skiing. Finally, Piau’s own ESF ski instructors offer accompanied off-piste and freeride sessions.

Snowboarding

Cross-Country Skiing

Handiski...