For most visitors to the Pyrenees, skiing is very high on the list of holiday activities, if not the primary reason for the trip. There are various world-class Pyrenees ski resorts, with three dozen spread across this mountain range that separates the Iberian Peninsula from France.
Although Pyrenees skiing takes place at a slightly lower elevation than some other mountain ranges, the peaks and glaciers of Pyrenees ski resorts are perfectly smooth, while the ski culture – and après ski culture – in the Pyrenees is something unique and unrivalled.
Here, we take a look at the different areas you can visit for ski holidays in the Pyrenees and where to look for the best Pyrenees ski resorts, as well as some tips on which kinds of resorts will be suited to your needs.
Andorra ski holidays, Pyrenees
There are three countries present in the Pyrenees mountain range and the tiny principality of Andorra is one of them. This is an especially popular destination for those going on a first Pyrenean ski holiday, as the slopes are well-suited for beginners, plus goods and services are generally cheaper in Andorra and that’s certainly a bonus.
For Andorra Pyrenees skiing, the Grandvalira ski resort stands out as this is one of the most popular and highest-rated Pyrenees ski resorts in the entire region. This ski area covers a variety of sectors, including the most famous slopes of Soldeu and Pas de la Casa, as well as Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Peretol and Grau Roig.
Even though the Andorran section of the Pyrenees is smaller than the Spanish and French areas, some of the best ski slopes of the entire mountain range are packed into this small country of just 468 square kilometres.
Spain ski holidays, Pyrenees
When it comes to the Spanish ski slopes in the Pyrenees, there are some located to the east of Andorra, out towards Catalonia, and then others on the west of the Andorra Pyrenees skiing resorts.
Starting with those in the east, the Aran and Àneu Valleys in Lleida are among the most popular areas on the Catalan side. Another famous spot is actually called Alp, even though it is very much in the Pyrenees. Here, in this resort in the region of Cerdanya in the province of Girona, Spain’s first ski lift was built back in 1943.
Looking out to the west, there are several other Spanish ski valleys in the High Aragon part of the western Pyrenees. This includes the upper Tena Valley in the province of Huesca.
France ski holidays, Pyrenees
France has a strong ski culture and there are various resorts across the country. But, if thinking about French ski holidays, Pyrenees resorts have to be mentioned high on any list.
The Col du Tourmalet, for example, is famously part of the most gruelling sections of the Tour de France, while the ski resorts that sit at the top are great for some Pyrenees skiing, especially for freeriding.
The Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne areas also popular destinations in the French part of the Pyrenees. Although there aren’t actually that many slopes in this section of the mountain range, the quality of each is excellent and this makes it very popular for more advanced skiers.
Whether looking for Andorra Pyrenees skiing resorts, or some of the many slopes in the Spanish and French parts of the famous mountain range, there is something for everybody. In total, there are more than 2,100 kilometres of ski slopes across the Pyrenees, meaning Pyrenees skiing can rival any of the other top destinations in the world.