The ski resort of Peyragudes is situated in the departments of Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne, in the Midi-Pyrénées. Peyragudes ski resort, which lies at a height of 1600 meters, was created in 1988 when the Peyresourde and Agudes stations were joined together.
Peyragudes ski resort
Peyragudes resort is split into two areas either side of the mountain: Agudes and Peyresourde. Both are small and quiet, but conveniently located slopeside, allowing for quick access to the lifts each day.
The new Skyvall Gondola (built in 2019/20) added a third option to stay down in the valley in the larger village of Loudenville, which is now connected directly to the slopes by the new lift. It has been christened Skyvall, a clear nod to the James Bond 007 agent with whom Peyragudes feels identified after some of the scenes from "Tomorrow Never Dies" were recorded in his high port..
The ski area is positioned in such a way so that it benefits from exposure to the sun throughout the day – this is probably something that harks back to the days when the villages were simple mountain pastures in the summer months. In the early morning the sun hits the slopes of the Agudes side of the resort before moving round to Peyresourde in the afternoon. Peyragudes offers lots of varied skiing in a truly sensational setting, the surrounding panoramas are punctuated with peaks that rise to in excess of 3000m.
Peyragudes skiing
The slopes are mostly quite steep but very wide and very open. Typically of the Pyrenees, there are no tree line runs to enjoy, but the views are spectacular. The lower slopes on both sides are well suited to beginners.
Peyragudes showpiece is the Vallee Blanche, a 6km red run that descends down a hidden valley and through tree-lined farmland. The 1000m vertical, wide variety of terrain and feeling of remoteness make this one of the most enjoyable runs in the French Pyrenees.
There are dedicated beginners’ areas situated at the base of the Peyresourde and Agudes sectors. Both areas have ‘magic carpet’ lifts for young beginners as well as a drag lift for adults.
The Traverse is a rewarding beginner run with a relatively long and gentle slope with some amazing views.
The high speed six man chair lift of Serias will ensure that you get the maximum amount of time to practice your technique on the pistes from the top of the Col de la Flamme such as Dos Geant, Myrtilles and Pla de L’hougarte. The three blue runs are all interconnected so you need to pay attention to where you are going in order to arrive back at the foot of the high speed Serias. You can also access the Agudes sector from the top of the Col de la Flamme using a blue. The Cap de Pales high speed lift from the base of Agudes has some great options. However, the blue Traverse Isards from the top of the Serre Doumenge lift has the best options for long, cruising blues and interconnects with runs on both the Agudes (Cretes Duboum, Perdrix, Val Agudes)and Peyresourde (Aigles, Aiglons, Combe Magneras) sectors.
There are a good proportion of red-graded runs: Try the long, winding red descents with their stunning vistas from the top of the Cimes 3 man chair on the Peyresourde side and from the top of the Serre Doumenge 6 man chair on the Agudes side. More advanced intermediate skiers can really enjoy the scenic runs and take advantage of the safe areas between them to perfect their powder technique. The Vallee Blanche and the Petite Vallee runs on the Agudes side are a must for the adventurous skier with lots of options for free skiing.
Peyragudes ski resort offers some great runs for experts from the top of the Serre Doumenge, Cap de Bales and Privilege lifts. Those who enjoy a challenge should try the Pene Nere black from the top of the Serre Doumenge which then links into the Vallee Blanche.
Peyragudes snowpark
For lovers of thrills there are 2 snowparks. The Snowpark de la Flamme at the ski resort Peyragudes is the perfect playground for all freestylers. Freeskiers and snowboarders can show what they are capable of and work on their progression. Aigles snowpark is more for beginners.
Peyragudes apres ski
There are only 2 restaurants on the slopes, but one has been converted from an old refuge hut, perched high up on the edge of a mountain, and certainly worth a visit. Especially with it’s large open deck of which you can have a leisurely lunch over a beer in the sun. The food is typical of the French Pyrenees in being a fusion of French food with a Spanish influence.
Peyragudes villages
Les Agudes is located right on the slopes, giving immediate access to the ski area. The longest piste, that of the Vallée Blanche, offers a breathtaking 5 kilometre run, with a free shuttle bus on arrival to return to the resort. Beginners who have just started renting ski equipment can make their first steps in the snow garden and gain self-confidence before setting off.
For those that choose to stay in the valley down in Loudenvielle, Peyragudes can be accessed from the famous road that leads up to the Col de Peyresourde – there is plenty of parking at the base of the slopes when you arrive..
