Peyragudes
French Pyrenees
Already familiar to millions of James Bond fans worldwide as the location for the opening sequence of Tomorrow Never Dies, Peyragudes sits high above the Vallée du Louron in the central French Pyrenees.
Although a long drive from Channel ports, access is simple from Pau and Toulouse airports or Tarbes TGV rail links, and the area is loved by French families and Spanish skiers from across the nearby border.
The Ski Area
Peyragudes was created in 1988 by combining the terrain of two ski villages on opposite sides of one substantial mountain and an administrative frontier – Peyresourde is in the Hautes-Pyrénées, while Les Agudes is in neighbouring Haute-Garonne.
For skiers the most obvious advantages of the liaison include a choice of landscapes to add variety to days on the slopes, along with the ability to find the best snow conditions in both mornings and afternoons. Ski-school areas are ultra-accessible, and while green-graded terrain looks relatively limited, blues are often exceptionally wide and encouraging. Those confident on reds have some long runs, including (snow-cover permitting) the Vallée Blanche, which makes it possible to ski a combined vertical drop of almost 1000m.
Winter 2022/23 sees an expansion of the ski area of 20% into naturally snowy terrain. The new sector is called Cap des Hittes and is a project designed to combat challenges brought about by climate change. It is naturally on high ground, with a draglift serving the new black pistes.
Resort Information
Altitude :
1600m -
2400m
Peyragudes
Pistes Total: 60 km
7 Green
23 Blue
17 Red
4 Black
Pistes Total: 60 km
23 Blue
17 Red
4 Black
Ski Resort Lifts :
17
2 Magic Carpets
5 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
2 Magic Carpets
5 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
The Ski Village
Both ski villages are sited at 1600m altitude. Les Agudes was purpose-built during the 1960s, while Peyresourde is much more recent and still developing. Apartment accommodation on this side is either on or around the front-de-neige, or a little further away at Balestas, which is served by free shuttle-buses. The proximity of the Franco-Spanish border makes this a very popular choice for skiers from Spain, adding a cosmopolitan vibe and obliging restaurants to extend their lunchtime and evening opening hours.
Staying There
Peyragudes is a Famille Plus resort
Famille Plus is a national label awarded to tourist destinations offering a special welcome and services tailored to families and children.
See Practical Information below for accommodation suggestions.
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Why go skiing in Peyragudes ?
Budget-conscious skiers who nevertheless value the quality of their accommodation and skiing experience. Peyragudes may be so far relatively little-known, but it combines great skiing with a friendly, welcoming attitude to visitors. The studied attention to the visitor experience extends to beginner facilities – the ski-school area in Peyresourde couldn’t be more accessible. Intermediates and more experienced skiers have some bracing steeps to enjoy, and have French, Spanish and just a few British skiers for company. Finally, the geographical location is among the most dramatic in the Pyrenees, with genuinely panoramic mountain scenery.
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Skiing There
Beginners / Families
Intermediates
Advanced / Expert
Mountain Scenery
Snowboarding
Fun resort with dedicated park and cruising pistes.1 Snowparks
1 Snowboarder Cross
Cross-Country Skiing
Accessible from Peyrasourdes, trails are groomed but not grooved - skating style only.15km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Handiski...
- Access to reserved parking at the front de neige on presentation of disability documentation. Reserved spaces available in lower parking area.
- Adapted toilets in the resort centres Peyresourde and Agudes, and in the Snowpark chalet.
- Easy access to the slopes. Accessible chairlifts.
- Normal tariff for a disabled skier, free lift pass for an essential companion.
- Dual & Uniski chairs available to rent at Skimium, Peyrasourde.
- ESF specialist instructors and equipment.
- Peyragudes has also suporting Solène Jambaqué since she started skiing. She is a seven time Olympic Paralympic medallist.
Yes please...
- Solid value, to ski and to stay.
- Flexible ticketing - up to 40% off a day pass if you book early.
- Well-planned village developments.
- Still relatively undiscovered.
- Amazing mountain scenery.
- Friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
- High-speed lifts serve main areas.
Yes but...
- It’s a long drive from the UK.
- Snowfalls don’t always deliver.
- Terrain is relatively compact.
- Lower section of Epic Vallée Blanche run relies on good snow cover.
Our Tips
- There are discounted deals for lift-pass holders at the Balnéa thermal spa complex down in the valley.
Practical Information
Les Jardins de Balnéa
Residence Lagrange Prestige
65510 Loudenvielle
Traditionally-styled development on the edge of the Balnéa gardens in the centre of this valley village with access to ski stations, a lake and a myriad of other activities, not least the expanding Balnéa spa centre.
The well-designed two-storey buildings have 69 well-appointed and equipped apartments. We stayed in a duplex apartment sleeping up to 9/10 people and with valley views, although there is a wide range of apartments sleeping up to 4, 6 or 8 people.
The apartments are fitted and furnished to a high standard of comfort and convenience. The decor is modern and stylish, using solid dark wood and neutral colours. They all have a fully-equipped kitchenette with microwave, ceramic hob, dishwasher, flat screen TV and a balcony or terrace.
WiFi access is available in the main reception area (payable). You can take an apartment on a hotel basis if you wish.
It's just 20 minutes drive to Peyragudes (Peyresourde side), which has ample parking for day visitors and quick access to the slopes.