Ski Resort Guides

Bareges, France

The ski resort of Bareges is the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees. It is situated in the Pays Toy area of the Hautes-Pyrenees department in the Pyrenees region (South of Lourdes)

Bareges is also known as the Domaine Du Tourmalet ski domain. The lift-served area extends from 1400 metres to 2500 metres. There are 100 km of lift served runs, and acres of unexploited space between the pistes for easy-access off-piste. The classic 'Aygues Cluses' off-piste route, from the highest lift, crosses spectacular scenery in the Neouvielle Nature Reserve. There are several legendary descents from the Pic du Midi observatory cable car, which is now open to off-piste skiers. The resort is also a favourite for free-style skiers and boarders. Ski touring in the Pyrenees National Park is becoming more and more popular as refuges are now starting to open in the Spring. With marked routes following the Summer walking paths (including the Pyrenean 'Haute Route'), the mountains are easily accessible for touring whilst retaining the untouched beauty for which the Pyrenean wilderness is so renowned.

Bareges is the second oldest ski resort in France, originally becoming popular as a military training centre based around the barracks and the thermal baths. The funiculaire train from the village was opened in 1936, establishing the resort as a destination for tourist skiers. Many of the original Winter Olympic champions were from Barèges and the Pyrenees. Bareges was linked to the resort of La Mongie in 1973 to make the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees.

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