Cauterets - Slope

Due to its great snow record, the ski season in Cauterets lasts from early December to the end of April. There can also be the interesting feature of ‘winter in the mountains and summer in the valley' towards the end of the season, when it's hard to believe the ski season is still in full swing up above whilst you're sunbathing in Cauterets village below.

The Cirque du Lys ski area is of a moderate size and will keep most recreational level skiers happy for at least a week. Reached by a fast, modern gondola lift from Cauterets itself, the ski runs extend to more than 36km (23 miles). Unusually for France, the lift company opted to install an Austrian-built Doppelmayr lift instead of the usual POMA manufactured lift when it replaced this gondolas a few years ago. However, the more expensive Doppelmayr lift has a reputation for reliability and a smoother ride and has proved popular.

The majority of the terrain is made up of long blue- and red-level (easy to intermediate) cruisers up to 6km (4 miles) long, but there are a couple of steeper blacks - Orchis and Combe du Barbat - to challenge more experienced skiers. If you’re looking for an alternative, The French Ski School (ESF) offers off-piste and ski touring courses.

Freestyle skiers and boarders will enjoy the resort's terrain park, which incorporates 10 table tops, a hip, five rails, a beginner's line and a kilometer-long boardercross course.