[The
ski areas being closed
, due to the Covid-19, the conditions of access to the marked and secured routes vary according to the stations.
We therefore invite readers to check the updated access conditions with the various destinations.]
Ski touring is deeply rooted in the mountain culture of the Pyrenees.
Faced with growing public interest, several stations now offer secure access to marked routes.
Ideal initiation conditions that complement an often grandiose natural setting and a warm south-western welcome.
Our selection of itineraries in the Pyrénées-Orientales and Hautes-Pyrénées.
Read the file: Skiing: activities, accommodation, advice ... the complete guide to
Le Figaro
Cambre d'Aze (Cambre d'Aze massif, Pyrénées-Orientales)
Number of marked routes: 3
At the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees nestles a remarkable glacial cirque.
Le Cambre d'Aze and its two villages, Eyne and Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcats, share the natural area with its beautiful pine forests sheltered from the wind.
With its 22 kilometers of downhill ski slopes, the closest family resort to Perpignan (1h15) is also a popular destination for ski touring enthusiasts.
With its circus, its beautiful crest and its many corridors, the Cambre d'Aze is a real gem for experienced skiers and climbers.
With this sport and nature addition, the VSAT has developed three splendid secure routes accessible to neophytes.
From the top of these routes, hikers can enjoy the view of Canigou, the beautiful Spanish peaks, and of ... the sea.
OUR SELECTION
Les Colls (distance: 3 km; elevation gain: 300 m)
From the nursery school in the village of Eyne, this forest route on the western slope does not present any technical difficulty, but a nice drop in a wild and unspoiled setting and a splendid panorama on arrival.
El Riu (distance 3.8km; elevation gain 310m)
Starting from the other village, Saint-Pierre dels Forcats, this east-facing route is shared with the snowshoe trail.
It allows you to reach the Pla du Cambre and offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea!
Le K'maz (distance 4.1km; elevation gain: 1000m)
Departing from Saint Pierre dels Forcats, this “Vertical kilometer” already requires a great deal of physical baggage.
It provides access to the very top of the domain, at an altitude of 2650m.
The last 500 meters of vertical drop are done on a completely open area.
Those who wish (and who are equipped and accompanied by a guide) will push a few more hundred meters to the stele located at the top of the Cambre d'Aze, in a wild high mountain atmosphere.
Practical guide:
Tourist office, tel.
: 04 68 04 25 25;
www.cambre-d-aze.com (list of ski schools and accompanying guides available on the site)
Read also: Ski touring, everything you need to know before starting out
Font-Romeu (Carlit massif, Pyrénées-Orientales)
The ski touring routes allow you to enjoy a splendid Franco-Spanish panorama.
Dynafit
Number of marked routes: 3
On the vast plateau of Cerdagne, the resort always generously sunny, already provides the panorama.
Between France and Spain, the view is indeed breathtaking on the peaks that flirt with the 3000, such as the Pic Carlit (highest point in the Pyrénées-Orientales with 2921 m) or the Red Pass.
So that apprentice skier-hikers benefit from these assets, Font-Romeu has taken this trend in hand, which has earned it the France Montagne trophy for the best discovery offer in autumn 2019. Three groomed and marked routes , supplemented by an ESF discovery service and a brand new specific package are therefore available to the public.
In the unspoiled nature of the Catalan Pyrenees Natural Park, these courses offer a progressive approach to practice.
La Néofit (distance 2.67 km; elevation gain: 163 m)
Ideal for beginners, this route starts at the Plateau de la Calme at an altitude of 2050 m and runs along the two green slopes with rather low slopes (Mouillères and Retour Airelles) to reach the Roc de la Calme, the highest point of the resort, with a 360 ° panorama.
The return can be done by 3 red runs or a green run, depending on the level of the skiers.
The Dynatour (distance 7.9: km; elevation gain: 434 m)
A longer outing starting from Col del Pam which begins with a crossing through the forest by taking the GR10 towards Lake Pradeilles, then reaching the same summit, the Roc de la Calme, but via the other side of the mountain. .
The Night fit (distance: 1 km; elevation gain: 163 m)
This experience is lived, as its name suggests, at night when the slopes close until 9 p.m.
From the Calme plateau it directly joins the Roc and is experienced as a sprint by the experts who sometimes take less than 15 minutes to reach the summit.
The descent takes place via the slalom stadium (red track).
Practical guide:
€ 15 per day package with, in normal times, access to the Roc, Calme Nord and Aveillans chairlifts for quick access to the heights, at the foot of the routes.
Ski area information: www.altiservice.com;
supervision: ESF Font Romeu: www.esf-font-romeu.com;
as well as many other guide and instructor providers;
Tourist office: tel.
: 04 68 30 68 30;
www.font-romeu.fr
Puigmal Pyrénées-Cerdagne (Puigmal massif, Pyrénées-Orientales)
This area abandoned the practice of alpine skiing in 2013, turning to “four seasons” activities.
In winter, Nordic activities and cross-country skiing (5 routes) are on the program.
CDC Pyrénées-Cerdagne
Number of marked routes: 5
After having been a ski resort until 2013, this area located on the Franco-Spanish border has been completely redesigned and started its second life last winter with a model focused on the 4 seasons.
A reconversion, the first of its kind in the Pyrenees, which tends to combine the environment, the art of living and sport with, for the latter theme, all the space for outdoor activities.
Thus, from trail running to mountain biking, including snowshoes and ski touring, of course, Puigmal Pyrénées-Cerdagne allows the general public free access to outdoor sports.
Nestled on the high plateaus, in the hollow of a huge forest and overlooked by its cross-border summit at an altitude of 2910 m, the “Ski touring” area offers five marked and secure routes.
These are supplemented by proposals for supervision with a guide and the rental of equipment.
OUR SELECTION
La Tranquille (distance: 2.4 km; elevation gain: 164 m)
This short route, which takes place back and forth in the heart of the Cotzé forest, back and forth, is ideal for a first approach in ski touring.
The Way of Wisdom (distance: 4.8 km; elevation gain: 345 m)
A course on a gentle and regular slope, and without technical difficulty to the top of the Cotzé sector at 2212 m.
The arrival offers a view of the Carlit massif, the highest point in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
The forest without pitfalls (distance: 7 km; elevation gain: 482 m)
A climb in the forest and under an old ski lift before evolving on the ridges and admiring the 360 ° panorama.
The descent is made by an old blue slope.
The steep (distance: 5.9 km; elevation gain: 425 m)
As its name suggests, this route is intended for hikers with a minimum of experience.
The arrival is at the top of the Cotzé sector and the descent can also be done by the blue slope, or via the ascent route.
Practical guide: Practical
information and itineraries, dates and registrations of initiation courses: www.espace-skiderando.com;
information and catering point at the “cal pere petit” food truck;
rental of equipment by reservation: UDSIS reception center in Cotzé: tel.
: 04 68 04 09 00;
Community Tourist Office - Saillagouse: tel.
: 04 68 04 15 47;
e-mail: tourisme@pyrénées-cerdagne.com
Gavarnie (Mont-Perdu massif, Hautes-Pyrénées)
The site offers a dream setting, and several “ski touring” courses for all levels.
Ger Gan
Number of marked routes: 3
Known for its Circus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gavarnie is the cradle of Pyreneanism and inevitably a major ski touring venue.
Culminating at an altitude of more than 3000 meters, this majestic site of glacial origin is an invitation to get away from it all in nature.
To safely approach the practice of ski touring, the ski area is also equipped with three marked trails.
If the first 500 meters of vertical drop can be done in normal times chairlift to the Pic des Tentes at 2322 m, just to save energy, once on the signposted routes, the high mountain atmosphere is very real, the view on the famous waterfalls of breathtaking ice ... Something to gain confidence before considering, well accompanied, the legendary Brèche de Roland at 2806 m altitude.
Le Labas Blanc (distance: 2.5 km; elevation gain 210 m)
At the top of the eponymous chairlift, which can be accessed with a hiker pass, the Hermines green slope quickly gives access to the start of the course.
A small valley that climbs regularly allows you to reach the Col des Tentes in just over an hour, and to enjoy the view of the north face of Taillon.
Les Bronzés (distance: 4 km; elevation gain 400 m)
This time the departure takes place at the foot of the resort to join the first route up to the same Col des Tentes.
On the first part, the valleys, flats and small slopes ideally follow one another to perfect the technique, or even attempt a first conversion.
Le Mourgat (distance: 1.2 km; elevation gain: 250 m)
A shorter course, but also steeper, which allows you to gain confidence.
Steeper slopes call for conversions and, in hard snow, putting on the knives is a good exercise!
On arrival, the view of the Gavarnie circus makes you forget the effort made.
Practical
guide
:
“Access to Pic des Tentes” hiker fee: € 8.50;
Initiation and supervision: ESF: tel .: 05 62 92 40;
www.esf-gavarnie.fr;
guides office: tel.
: 06 83 31 08 16, e-mail: guidesgavarniegedre@gmail.com;
ski resort: www.ski-gavarnie.com tel.
: 05 62 92 43 91;
Gavarnie valleys tourist agency: tel.
: 05 62 97 00 25;
www.valleesdegavarnie.com
Read also: Cross-country skiing: from the Pyrenees to the Jura, our 10 favorite resorts in France
Hautacam (Montaigu massif; Hautes-Pyrénées)
Oriented towards leisure, the Hautacam resort offers very accessible marked routes, here at the top of the slopes.
Bruno Valcke HPTE
Number of marked routes: 4
This family resort which overlooks Argelès-Gazost fully assumes the idea of presenting itself as "an amusement park in the snow".
But tobogganing on rails and the vast play areas for children are authentically complemented by the wooded and wild sector of Naouit, for more experienced skiers.
Large natural spaces with at the top, the sight on its neighbors of quality… Enough to make desires of big ski.
But before setting off opposite on the five high-mountain routes of the Pic du Midi, or setting off to attack the legendary Brèche de Rolland in Gavarnie, the four Hautacam routes will allow you to get to know the skin of seal in a pleasant, accessible and safe environment.
OUR SELECTION
The Tetra (distance: 1.1km; elevation gain: 170m)
This ideal route for getting started starts at the bottom of the green track of Myrtilles in the Naouit sector.
A slightly inclined climb takes new hikers into the forest before bringing them out to a panoramic point of view of the cirque located below.
The return is via the blue Renards slope.
The Tetra 2 (distance: 1.2km; elevation gain: 190m)
In the same sector, the second route starts before the end of the Myrtilles trail to dive directly into the forest, with a slope that requires some conversions.
Higher up, the view of Lake Isaby and the Pyrenees is a great reward.
The Tetra 3 (distance: 1.3km; elevation gain: 220 m)
The level increases slightly on this course which runs far along the red slope of Sangliers.
The incline is a little steeper, the conversions more numerous, but it remains very accessible and it is always possible to find the track if you give up…!
The arrival, common to Tetra 2, is also the highlight of the resort.
Practical guide:
ski resort: tel.
: 05 62 97 10 16;
www.hautacam.com;
Gavarnie valleys tourist agency: tel.
: 05 62 97 00 25;
www.valléesdegavarnie.com