Do you prefer extreme sports or cosy relaxation?
Heading south this winter! Yes, but to the South-West in our beautiful mountains of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Hautes-Pyrénées in winter: France’s top ski & spa destination
In winter, the Hautes-Pyrénées is THE French destination that perfectly combines snow sports and thermal well-being. This unique combination makes your Hautes-Pyrénées winter vacation a complete experience, where the adrenalin of the slopes meets the absolute relaxation of the hot springs.
Imagine hurtling down snow-covered slopes in the morning, then basking in naturally warm thermal pools in the afternoon. This alternation between alpine coolness and soothing warmth is the perfect way to spend a winter in the Hautes-Pyrénées. The thermal springs, renowned since ancient times for their therapeutic virtues, are the ideal complement to an intensive day on the slopes.
The Edénéo balneotherapy center, just a 2-minute walk from the Azureva Piau-Engaly vacation residence, is a perfect example of this symbiosis. Its huge picture windows offer spectacular views of the snow-covered slopes as you relax in the bubbling baths. This unique experience transforms your winter vacation in the Hautes-Pyrénées into an unforgettable experience.
Snow sports and activities: adventure at every turn
The Pic du Midi: exceptional skiing and panoramic views at 3000m
The Pic du Midi is one of the most spectacular winter experiences in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Accessible by cable car, this mythical site rises to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres on the terraces of the Hautes-Pyrénées. The breathtaking panorama of the entire Pyrenean mountain range alone justifies the trip during your winter vacation.
Thrill-seekers will be delighted with :
- Freeride in awe-inspiring untouched landscapes
- Downhill skiing on varied, technical slopes
- Snowboarding in purpose-built snowparks
- New snow sports: snowscoot, yooner, airboard
On a clear day, the view stretches as far as the foothills of the Massif Central, offering a breathtaking spectacle to enhance your winter vacation in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Unique night-time experiences
In winter, the Hautes-Pyrénées reveal a special magic when night falls. Moonlit skiing, offered at certain resorts, transforms skiing into a mystical experience. Slopes lit only by moonlight offer unparalleled sensations and unforgettable memories of your winter vacation.
The Pic du Midi planetarium immerses visitors in the immensity of the heavens, particularly striking on winter evenings when the Pyrenean sky reveals all its purity. At sunset, when the mountains are ablaze in the last rays, the natural spectacle reaches its peak.
Winter activities for all tastes in the Hautes-Pyrénées
For families with children
Winter vacations in the Hautes-Pyrénées with children offer many possibilities:
- Ski schools with toddler-friendly snow gardens
- Snowshoeing on marked, safe trails
- Igloo building and snowball fights
- Tobogganing on dedicated runs
- Encounters with sled dogs
For lovers of gentle sensations
What can you do in winter in the Hautes-Pyrénées if you prefer contemplation? There’s no shortage of options:
- Snowshoeing through snow-covered forests
- Horse-drawn carriage rides through Pyrenean villages
- Discover local heritage and winter markets
- Tasting mountain specialities in mountain huts
- Photo sessions in postcard landscapes
The best resorts for your winter vacations in the Hautes-Pyrénées
La Mongie: the great Tourmalet domain
The resort of La Mongie, where the Azureva residence is located, is an ideal base for your winter vacations in the Hautes-Pyrénées. The Grand Tourmalet, the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees with 100 km of pistes, caters for all levels of skier.
Piau-Engaly: the family resort par excellence
Piau-Engaly is the perfect place for families to spend their winter vacations in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Its privileged location, guaranteed snow cover and proximity to the spa make it a complete destination combining skiing and relaxation.
Cocooning moments: the art of Pyrenean relaxation
After effort, comfort! In winter, the Hautes-Pyrénées excel in the art of relaxation:
- Hot chocolate or Liège coffee break on a high-altitude terrace
- Deckchairs facing the mountain panorama under the winter sun
- Fireside evenings in authentic mountain huts
- Massages and treatments in wellness centers
- Comforting local cuisine: garbure, Pyrenean cheeses, spit-roasted cake
Practical tips for your winter vacation in the Hautes-Pyrénées
When to go?
The best periods for winter vacations in the Hautes-Pyrénées are from December to April. Optimum snow cover generally occurs between January and March, while the spring skiing season in April offers exceptional sunshine.
How do I fit out?
To get the most out of winter in the Hautes-Pyrénées, plan ahead:
- Layered technical clothing
- High-protection sun protection (cream, sunglasses, lip stick)
- Bathing suits for spas
- Shoes suitable for snow walking
Book your winter vacation in the Hautes-Pyrénées with Azureva
The Azureva residences in La Mongie and Piau-Engaly welcome you for memorable winter vacations in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Ideally located at the foot of the slopes, they offer all the comfort you need to make the most of the region’s many winter activities. Between extreme sports and cosy relaxation, you won’t have to choose!