Just wondered what forum readers’ opinions / thoughts were on resorts in the Pyrenees? Have you been? Considered going? Wouldn’t go because ...?

My first experience of the Pyrenees was a summer hiking trek on the Spanish side. It was there I ‘discovered’ some small resorts, barely known in the UK - Port Aine was one, and with modern chairs and a altitude hotel. I haven’t been back to ski that one - distance from the nearest airports the main reason. But I did get the chance to try Spain for the first time this year - and the better known Formigal (plus its little neighbour Panticosa).

It was so much better than expected - admittedly the good late snow helped. But if you don’t mind purpose-built, there really is no reason not to go there (apart from the lack of cute huts!). And powder hounds will absolutely love it on a snowy day. I’ll definitely be heading to Spain again to ski - though perhaps combined with France - getting there is a bit less convenient. Would be good if they could extend flights to Huesca, so it wasn’t a week only trip.

Got any experiences to share?

In response to a reader, who seems to have deleted his question since:

There are good, low cost flights with easyJet and Ryanair. I flew easyJet to Toulouse.

The car hire was very expensive, for even the basic model. It was at Easter, so maybe a bit cheaper in September. Fuel expenses were similar to UK prices. You may also need to pay motorway tolls, depending on where you are visiting - but didn’t amount to much even for our four hour journey.

W

hi, what can i say about my trip other than it was ace.I stayed in a place called Barreges at the resort of Le Tourmalet/La Mongie which is very small and very cheap.The skiing was a varied affair due to the lack of snow while we were there in 2008 when the temps in feb were 22 degrees so it wasnt the best but we got advice off the locals who told us about another resort called Gavarnie which is more north facing that held the snow better and they were right .The area Le tourmalet/La Mongie I should imagine in good conditions would be a fantastic little place with a bit for everyone from total beginners to good off piste from a obseveratory at the highest point,there were a few blacks and plenty of reds so a cheep week skiing without getting to bored is possible.One piece of advice would be to have a car,as you can travel within an hour to three or four small day resorts to break up the trip which is what we did.The accomadation is very cheap and of good standard aswell,with good food at good prices to.My advice would be go and experiance the place it is a refreshing change from the rip off resorts in the alps and if you are lucky as they have been for the last two seasons,are blessed with good snow you will deffinately have a great time.P.S there is a company called Pyreneean Mountain tours and one called Mountain Bug that do great deals and the town of st Luz sauveur do cheap accomadation rentals .There are now flights to Pau,Lourdes from Gatwick and also Tarbes.

Er, we seem to have two threads going on the Pyrenees now ... Ah, well!

Actually the Lourdes / Tarbes flights are to one airport - situated just north of Lourdes, and very convenient for Cauterets for example. About 20-30 minutes drive down an excellent road.

This is a large resort with a smallish ski area - but all the slopes are above 1700m and in a wide bowl, which had excellent snow cover in April. It probably wouldn’t entertain ambitious skiers for longer than a day or two, but with the spas and towny atmosphere it makes a good weekend place.

Sadly, I believe Ryanair is reducing flights in/out of there next year - but Pau is close too. I’d avoid Toulouse for all but the far eastern end of the ranges - horrendous drive to get out of the city if your plane arrives at rush hour!

The main problem is if you want to visit the Spanish side: there are few routes through from France, so access is more tricky in winter. Pity, as it is a 4-5 hour transfer from the nearest Spanish airports.

W