Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000 is not the largest resort in the Pyrenees, a prize that goes to Saint-Lary-Soulan.
On the other hand, it claims the title of
"the sunniest area where you can undoubtedly practice the most sports activities including alpine, hiking and cross-country skiing"
, explains Jacques Alvarez, director of the area within Altiservice. , the company that has been running this resort since 2004.
About a hundred kilometers from the Mediterranean, Font-Romeu is the family destination par excellence with a ski area to match (25 green and blue slopes, 17 red and black) powered by more than 500 snow cannons, and a wide activity panel.
Layered between 1,650 and 2,213 meters above sea level, the spot in the Catalan Pyrenees primarily attracts holidaymakers from the south-east and south-west, but also from Spain, i.e. between 5,000 and 10,000 skiers per day.
Read also Ranking of the 200 French ski resorts: snow cover, ski pass prices... Which one is right for you?
Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000 was born in the 1920s, with the arrival of the yellow train which still crosses the regional park.
Tourists came to enjoy the fresh air, always sought after by sports enthusiasts who also praise the resort for its facilities.
“While we are developing other activities to offer diversity in winter and from a four-season perspective, such as downhill karts and soon tobogganing on rails and a zip line, skiing remains the base.
Skiers of different levels and practicing different forms of skiing cohabit here
”, emphasizes Jacques Alvarez.
On the Roc chairlift, you can watch clubs training in biathlon, slalom or even jumps in the snowpark which has just hosted the freestyle world cup for the sixth time.
Read alsoIn the resort and without skiing: the 9 best activities to try this winter
In terms of competitions, Martin Fourcade, the child of the country crowned several times world champion and Olympic biathlon, knows it.
“Thanks to him, this fun sport alternating between shooting and cross-country skiing has become media.
And when the lifts were closed, many took the opportunity to find out
,” rewinds Sylvie Ballester, ESF instructor.
Recently extended, the biathlon area will be extended again, while remaining on the Calme plateau, the central place of the resort where the chairlift starts serving the Roc de la Calme, the highest point offering a panoramic view.
Altiservice also offers non-skiers the opportunity to take advantage of it by taking the chairlifts.
"This service is a real success, because we must not forget that one out of two people does not ski"
, points out Jacques Alvarez.
The novelty of winter 2023
No need to queue at the ski lifts to reach Pyrénées 2000. This winter, a footbridge connects the Levant slope to the Col del Pam.
The Fornells track (Green level) winds for 3.6 km between the larches.
Our favorite slopes in Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000
For the view of the lakes
Starting from the Roc de la Calme, head for the Pradeilles track which offers a bird's eye view of the eponymous lake, but also the Bouillouses dam, built to supply electricity to the yellow train.
To enjoy this lunar landscape, you can also opt for blue runs: Grand Tétras Haut, Belvédère Haut and Sapinettes from Col Gallinera or Primevere from Col del Pam.
To make some jumps
The Tabariés blue run starting at the Gallinera pass changes appearance every night.
It is laid out with bumps that can also be bypassed, which makes it an excellent track for families.
Where to sleep in Font-Romeu Pyrenees 2000?
For ski-to-door access, you have to stay at Pyrénées 2000, but the offer is rather limited there.
From Font-Romeu, you can reach the slopes by car (5 to 10 minutes) or by the Les Airelles gondola, which will be modernized next winter and whose access is opposite the car park in the town centre.
In the village, you have the choice between about twenty hotels and numerous chalets and apartments, including those of the imposing Grand Hotel, and you can take advantage of the activities organized by the tourist office.
The Unusual residence
This new residence offers 19 apartments with a view of the valley.
Press picture
Located at the entrance to the village, this residence opened its doors in May 2022. The Gombert family transformed the Clair Soleil hotel into a splendid five-star hotel.
“We offer couples and families top-of-the-range accommodation combining the advantages of hotels and apartments
,” explains Audrey, the daughter, who manages the establishment.
All in wood, this chalet-like residence has been tastefully decorated with modern furniture and old skis.
The 19 apartments, from 1 to 9 people, have a breathtaking view of the valley.
And for those who want to dispense with shopping, L'Insolite delivers breakfast, lunch and dinner in partnership with the restaurant La Ferme des Lloses.
From €220 per night.
Where to eat?
La Gallina, for its panoramic view
Between two descents, nothing better than to land on the terrace of La Gallina, managed by Altiservice and located at more than 2000 meters.
In a mountain setting, it serves breakfast as well as lunch and snacks.
Its specialties can be enjoyed during themed evenings.
You can then go up there on a snow groomer.
Price between 15 and 25 € for lunch.
To
see, to do this winter
This is the strong point of Font-Romeu: it has a life in the summer and many summer activities are practiced in the winter.
Our selection :
Enjoy the snow differently
Biathlon, cross-country skiing, hiking (photo), snowpark... The resort offers a full range of activities.
Press picture
The Font-Romeu area has an offer adapted to different forms of skiing, from biathlon to cross-country skiing, including ski touring and freestyle.
Nordic skiing: €12.50 per day per adult and €6.30 for children and students.
Cross-country skiing: €16 per day.
Snowpark: €31.50 per day.
Biathlon: 2-hour private lesson for 3 to 6 people, from €150, or group lesson at €60.
www.esf-font-romeu.com
For young and old children, toboggan runs and snow tubing, a giant buoy, have been set up.
Price of €14 for ten snowtubing runs.
The Ozone3 agency organizes, among other activities (fat bike, hot air balloon, etc.), snowshoe hikes.
We go in search of traces, we build an igloo or we discover the secrets of the universe during an astro-hike, ending with a dinner by the fireside.
Trapper outing from 5 years old, 3 hours, €25 per adult, €20 per child, snack included.
It is necessary to count 20 € more, 15 € per child, for the meal.
Ski passes 2022/2023: prices and good deals
Winter 2022-2023 prices
: €43.50 per adult day;
€37 per day for children, students and seniors.
Package offered to children under 5 years old and seniors from 75 years old;
6 days adult: 222€, 6 days reduced: 188€.
Family packages 1 or 2 adults with 1 to 5 children at €188 for 6 days.
With the “Alti Early” offer, you benefit from a 5 to 20% reduction by booking early enough.
Go
BY
TRAIN
From Paris, direct train to Perpignan, then shuttle (to be booked) or TER.
BY
BUS
From Perpignan, daily connection at 1 euro.
BY
CAR
From Paris: A20 to Toulouse then A 64 or A9
From Bordeaux: A62 then A64
From Toulouse: N20
BY
PLANE
Several companies serve Perpignan.
The airports of Carcassonne, Toulouse, Barcelona and Girona are an alternative.
