Grand Tourmalet / Pic du Midi, France
Located at the foot of the Pic du Midi and the Aspin and Tourmalet passes (Hautes-Pyrénées department, Occitania, Pyrenees, France), Grand Tourmalet is the ideal destination for a sporty, dynamic and relaxing holiday, including skiing, canyoning and paragliding.
Grand Tourmalet is the largest ski resort in the French Pyrenees for the whole family. And “advanced” skiers, and debutants, and toddlers will find suitable green, blue, red or black slopes, as well as other entertainment.
There is also one of the most famous freeride zones in the Pyrenees.
Specifications
Grand Tourmalet is a ski resort with 61 slopes (100 km)
Opening date: December 22
Closing date: April 7
Daily rate for adults € 30.80 (valid every day)
Professional monitor services – regardless of the level and type of skis: mountain cross-country skiing on or off-piste. Each client can be provided with the latest emergency equipment to enjoy in complete safety the most beautiful areas of this ski resort.
Other activities – snowshoeing:
Lake Payolle (Lac de Payolle)
Lake Payolle is an artificial lake created in 1970. It is located 22 kilometers from the Grand Tourmalet station (Mongi slope). Height – 1140 m above sea level. There are more than 35 kilometers of trails that run around the lake. Difficulty levels – from the easiest to the most intense.
Among them:
Peyre-Hicade: 5,4 km
Camoudiet: 12.1 km
Hourquette d’Ancizan: 18.3 km
Walking route: 6 km
Other services include a walking tour, fatbike, dog sledding, cross-country skiing.
The Grand Tourmalet – Baregis – La Mongie is also an ideal place for snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing routes:
Le plateau de lumière – circular route. Duration – 2 hours 30 minutes, distance – 8.4 km
La Pierre Polonaise is a circular route. Duration – 1 hour 30 minutes, distance – 1.4 km
La Cabane d’Ayré is a circular route. Duration 2 hours 30 minutes, distance – 4.2 km
Tour de la Chapelle is a small circular route. Duration – 1 hour, distance – 700 m
Lienz – Laquette: circular route. Duration – 2 hours, distance – 1.4 km
Boucle de la Laquette: circular route. Duration – 1 hour 30 minutes, distance – 1.4 km
Access is free.
After skiing:
Snowmobile base (located in the heart of La Mongie in Grand Tourmalet). Evening and night skiing. Riding on adapted snowmobiles for children is possible. Sessions 10 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour. Reservation is required. Price – from 20 € per person.
Pic du Midi
According to the English journalist Patrick Thorne, who specialized in skiing and recreation, the Peak du Midi is one of the 50 most beautiful places in the world. Exceptional recognition, especially when the journalist is known to have visited 80 countries and 6,000 ski resorts.
The height of the Pique du Midi is 2877 m. A breathtaking view opens up from here: the horizon opens from east to west for 300 km.
From La Mongie central station, the Pic du Midi cable car takes you to the top in 15 minutes. The ascent takes place in two stages: at an altitude of 2341 m, it is necessary to change the telecabin.
This magical journey will take you into a universe of history, science and greatness. A solemn moment: a breathtaking panorama opens in front of you, flooded with amazing light. You have arrived!
The Peak du Midi is not only a majestic natural landmark. In the 18th century, scientists François de Plantade and Monge ou D’Arcet began to conduct atmospheric measurements and astronomical observations here. In 1870 the construction of the observatory began. Extreme conditions will make this research project a real challenge for scientists.
Helpful information:
Considering the height, it is advisable to have warm clothing (even in summer), high protection sunglasses and sunscreen.
Planetarium:
A simple cinema? Far from it!
There is no screen in the planetarium, but there is a huge dome over your head! Sitting in the comfy reclining chairs, you will be passionate about the journey to discover the stars and more!
The Pic du Midi planetarium is located under the Baillaud dome. This is the oldest astronomical installation of the observatory. Within two years, in 1907 and 1908, it was taken to the peak on the backs of mules. After a century of exploration, the dome has found a new life, now sheltering in the highest planetarium in Europe!
Stargazing:
Have a good snack and dress warmly because the night will be long. The 400-mm Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope awaits you …
And your program isn’t finished yet! As a bonus, you will be invited to visit the domes of the observatory.
The Peak du Midi is a majestic place at the top of the Pyrenees, accessible also for people with disabilities.
AREAS:
The new “Grand Ski Pyrénées” pass allows you to ski in 5 ski areas and 3 ski resorts with one pass!
Ski resorts: Grand Tourmalet – Pic du Midi, Cauterets, Luz-Ardiden, Gavarnie-Gèdre and Hautacam.
Cross-country skiing: Val d’Azun, Hautacam and Cauterets.
Lift Pass Grand Ski Pyrénées: a unique opportunity to practice all winter sports in the Gavarnie Valley for a short time or for a week.
And the cherry on top: head down the mythical freeride slope of Pic du Midi!
How to get there?
GPS coordinates: Latitude 43.0667 Longitude 0.15
From the A64 motorway:
exit 12 (Tarbes-Ouest) from Pau. Then via D935
exit 14 (Tournay) from Toulouse. Then on D20.
By plane:
Tarbes / Lourdes / Pyrénées airport is 48 km from La Mongie
– 3 daily flights from Paris-Orly
– 2 weekly flights from London STANSTED
– 2 weekly flights from Madrid
Buses from Tarbes / Lourdes / Pyrenees and back
Pau Airport – 73 km
– 6 daily flights from Paris-Orly and 3 daily flights from Paris – Charles de Gaulle
– 3 daily flights from Lyon
– 9 weekly flights from Marseille
– 1 weekly flight from Bastia and 1 flight from Ajaccio.
Car rental:
At each airport you can rent a car from Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, National / Citer.
By train:
Arrival at the S.N.C.F train station from Tarbes, then by bus to Barèges and La Mongie.
TGV Paris-Tarbes / Lourdes-Paris
4 trains per day (average journey time 6 hours)
Paris-Tarbes train (night)
Train Paris-Tarbes-Paris, 3 trains per week.
All ski resorts of the Pyrenees
See here Pyrenees travel guide
See here France travel guide
See here Spain travel guide
