Peyragudes

The ski resort of Peyragudes is composed of 2 villages and a hamlet:

-         “Peyresourde” village

-         “Les Agudes” village

-         “Balestas” hamlet

Both villages are at an altitude of 1600m, one on each side of the mountain.

Peyragudes is situated at the heart of the Pyrenees, in the Louron and Larboust Valleys and was created by merging the two ski resorts of Peyresourde and Agudes together - which instantly provides the sensation of space and freedom to move.

This modern, upbeat and fun ski resort has a lot to offer and has always vowed to be as innovative and surprising as possible. The beautiful curves, long uninterrupted descents, gentle valleys and rolling landscapes all ensure great skiing pleasure for all ski and snowboard abilities and provide an ideal location for all winter sports.

Beginners will be in their element with 2 beginner areas at the edge of the slopes, with 5 slopes, 1 drag lift, 1 chair lift and 2 moving walkways - the perfect set-up for you to learn and improve your skiing technique.

There are 16 ski lifts in total, 5 drag lifts, 9 chair lifts (4 of which are high-speed) and 2 travelators. A new 6-seater chair lift was built for the 08/09 winter ski season and it can be slowed down in the Serre Doumenge area.

This modern ski resort even specialises in computer-guided artificial snow, so with 230 snow cannons reinforcing 2/3 of the ski area you can rest assured that snow coverage is a priority for this ski resort.

Your safety is high priority in Peyragudes, so with the ski patrol, 2 on-call Doctors and a dedicated team maintaining the mountains and ski slopes, you can rest assured that the mountain professionals share your passion and will look after you. 

Safe Skiing with Children in Peyragudes

Magnestick is a new safety device for children, which can now be found on a chairlift within Peyragudes : Caroussel (4 seater, 1 seat Magnesticked).

This is a simple yet very effective device: A permanent magnet is fixed to the seat of the chairlift and is activated for the whole ride up including when the child gets on.

A light (200g) back protector worn by the child includes a metallic plate. Children wear this protection throughout the day's skiing (not only when taking the chairlift). This vest comes in a bright colour so that children can be seen on the slopes and to avoid collisions with other slope users. On their way down, this CE-approved back protector protects their backs if they fall or collide with someone else.

On arrival at the top, the magnet is automatically deactivated when the child gets off. The child can then get up from the seat normally.

The risk of a child falling off before getting to the top is prevented as the magnet is only deactivated when the child puts their skis on the snow (even if someone lifts the restraining bar well before arrival).

As soon as the metallic plate in the back protector comes into contact with the magnet on the chairlift, the child is ‘attached’ to the seat. The aim is to protect children at each stage of the chairlift transport process!

STAGE 1 - Getting on: As soon as the child is sat with their back against the back of the seat, the system prevents any risk of sliding off even if the person accompanying does not immediately lower the restraining bar.

STAGE 2 - The ride up: The child can still move about freely but is ‘attached’ to the seat during the whole ride up. The system avoids any risk of sliding under the restraining bar.

STAGE 3 - Getting off: Even if the restraining bar is lifted before arrival, the child remains safely ‘attached to the seat' until their skis touch the snow.

Magnestick Vests can be purchased or hired from ski equipment shops in Peyragudes.

Snowboarding in Peyragudes

 Snowboarders will find all the facilities they need within the new winter sports area. The resort is equipped with a snowpark with hips, tables, big air jumps, handrails, freeride…

There is also a permanent Boardercross that is open to everyone and is where the National Boardercross team has practised.

There is a new drag lift within the snow-park and this whole area is maintained daily.

Cross country skiing in Peyragudes

Peyragudes has 15km/9miles of trails located in Balestas and Vallée Blanche. There are 7 different trails.

Snowshoeing in Peyragudes

There is also a nordic space for those who wish to get their snowshoes on. There are 4 marked trails, one of which goes through the forest. Theses are accessible from the resort (Peyresourde side) or from the Chalet "La Sapiniere".

Ski school in Peyragudes

The ESF in Peyragudes offers a variety of lessons from alpine skiing to snowboarding.

The ski garden is ideal for children of 3 years old, making learning to ski fun.

Winter 2010/2011 prices and information will be available shortly.

Lift passes in Peyragudes

Peyragudes lift passes give you access to all the lifts of the resort.

There is also a possibility to get a N’py lift pass which gives access to 5 different resorts:  “Peyragudes”, “Gourette”, “La Pierre Saint Martin”, “Luz Ardiden” and “le Domaine du Tourmalet” (La Mongie et Barèges).

Winter 2010/2011 prices and information will be available shortly.

Other information on Peyragudes

A creche is available for children aged 2 - 6 years old (some places may be available for children of 18 months old). An idea of opening times is: Mon - Fri 0900 - 1200 & 1300 - 1700 and Sat -Sun 0900 - 1700.

Please contact Residence Privilege: maridolannes@yahoo.fr or + 33 (0)5 62 99 62 86.

Children aged 6-12 years can enjoy the unique experience of tracking wild animal footprints through the snow with a guide - also giving them the chance to try snow-shoeing for half a day, equipment provided – see the tourist office for more details.

La terresse " Residence les Isards has a games room with table-top football, billaird tables, pin-ball machines and electronic games.

Every Thursday, the mountain restaurant "the Cabanou" organises a Pyrenean party. Transport up to the restaurant is provided by skidoo. Contact: + 33 (0)5 62 39 26 02 for more details.

Dog sledging can be enjoyed in the Nordic space within the Balestas meadows. Thierry and his team, propose a lot of activities: bare walk 20 mins, driving sleigh dogs 1 hr 30min.

Contact: Maison de Peyragudes: + 33 (0)5 62 99 69 99.

Two-seater paragliding can be experienced from the 'Cap de Pales'. Imagine the view and fantastic feeling of flying above the resort! Anyone from 5 years old and up can take part, even beginners.

Contact: Maison de Peyragudes: + 33 (0)5 62 99 69 99.

There is Speed-riding for the more adventurous, which combines paragliding with skiing. Sure to give you a thrill when travelling at 80km/hour sometimes on snow and snowtimes in the air!

Contact: Maison de Peyragudes: + 33 (0)5 62 99 69 99.

Air-boarding is a fun activity, a bit like an inflatable sledge. It’s also ok to take on the ski lifts so you'll have no worried of getting back up the slopes for more excitement.

Contact: Maison de Peyragudes:  + 33 (0)5 62 99 69 99.

Guided snow-shoe hikes can be an exhilirating experience, discovering close up the plants, flowers and eco-system of the valleys and the mountains. Equipment included - contact the tourist office for more information and prices.

A night in an igloo is an assured change of scenary! A guide will explain all about life in an igloo, enjoy a night time snow-shoe walk with star observation and dinner and breakfast are included. Contact the tourist office for more details and prices.

Looking to unwind? Peyragudes can offer a moment of pure relaxation and well-being at the 'Balnéa' Spa in Genos-Loudenvielle. There is an adults only area as well as a family one and here you can treat yourself to swimming pools, hydro-jets, Jacuzzis, musical baths, steam rooms, bubble beds, rapids, sauna, hot-stone therapy, essential oil massages, wraps, facials, slimming and mountain cures and a friendly and charming restaurant. There is a free ski bus from Peyragudes to 'Balnéa' during the French school holidays of Decemeber and February.

Contact: Maison de Peyragudes:  + 33 (0)5 62 99 69 99 for more information and prices.

The Vallees of Larboust and Louron promise many outdoor activities and cultural discoveries.  The Louron Valley offers rural heritage and numerous activities for all ages. Please enquire with the Tourist Office for more information.