The Nordic ski resorts of the Pyrenees

We all know about alpine skiing which attracts snow sports lovers every year to the snowy slopes of the Pyrenees. But do you know cross-country skiing? Nordic practice with skis and poles, it is the ideal discipline to enjoy the mountains at your own pace. You will surely be tired (yes it's a sport) but delighted to have appreciated the white landscapes of winter differently. Put on glasses and hats, we'll take you to discover the cross-country ski resorts of the Pyrenees.

Cross-country or Nordic ski resorts in the Pyrenees

• The Beille Plateau
• Mijanès station
• The Payolle-Campan plateau
• Nistos station
• Val d'Azun
• The Chioula station
• The northern area of Hautacam

Cross-country skiing, a fun and sporting alternative to practice in the Pyrenees

Initiated by the Norwegians to move faster on the snow, cross-country skiing quickly became a common practice, even joining the Winter Olympic Games. Don't worry, you don't need to have a high level to have fun sliding on powder. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, the principle remains the same, advance using skis and poles for a beautiful hike in the mountains. As the seasons are sometimes capricious, it is not always possible to go down the slopes in full gear or on a snowboard. Cross-country skiing is then a fun alternative to practice with friends or family, on routes of varying length. Less expensive and just as sporty as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing is a complete sport, which combines the pleasure of walking with the gliding of skis.

The Beille plateau, a popular destination for cross-country skiing in the Pyrenees

In the heart of Haute-Ariège, 2 hours from Toulouse, it is the largest Nordic and cross-country ski area in the Pyrenees. With its 70 km of trails, the Beille plateau is ideal for enjoying the pleasures of cross-country skiing. Marked and traced, there are 19 hiking trails which are open to welcome athletes equipped with poles. Climb, plant, slide, the view is worth all the effort to reach the top of the mountain, and admire the Pic de Rulhe, the Soularac and the Pic du Saint-Barthélémy. Come with your skis or reserve your equipment on site, before taking the package suitable for Nordic skiing. You are well equipped, all you have to do is enjoy.

The Mijanès ski resort, cross-country skiing for everyone on the slopes

Alternative cross-country skiing or skating, you can practice this sport as you wish at the Mijanès ski resort, which offers 26 km of trails ranging in color from green to black. To start, classic cross-country skiing is recommended. You slide on two snow rails as if you were walking, using poles to move forward. Skating is more sporty, it requires balance and coordination to perform skater steps without falling backwards. Nestled in a forest setting, the ski resort of Mijanès, located 1h30 from Foix in Haute-Ariège, is ideal for sporting hikes in the Pyrenees.

The Payolle-Campan resort, an idyllic walk in the heart of the mountains

You are sure to fall in love with this resort with its exceptional setting. Between lake and forest, the mountain stands out and overlooks you in a breathtaking atmosphere. Lovers of long hikes, you will not be disappointed. There are 50 km of slopes which allow you to observe the magnificent landscapes of the Pyrenees. The advantage of Payolle-Campan is that access to the walks is free, a great way to enjoy your mountain vacation without breaking the bank. Be careful, however, since the routes are not marked, make sure you are well equipped and in good shape before setting out. Is this your first hike? Opt for a walk guided by a professional. When the weather permits, a 15 km circuit around Lake Payolle and in the forest is simply sublime.

Campan Payolle station

The Nistos resort, the pleasure of cross-country skiing in the Pyrenees

Wow! It's the first word that comes to you when you arrive between 1,600 m and 1,800 meters above sea level. You don't have to look long to know that Nordic skiing is a practice adored by mountain athletes in Nistos. And we quickly understand why. The 55 km of trails are well maintained and prepared by snow groomers, making it easier to slide for alternative cross-country or skating skiing. Choose your route to admire the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Anéto or the Maladetta, before descending on the ridge trails, on the plateaus or in the white fir forest. Breathe the fresh mountain air and open your eyes wide, the landscapes are sumptuous.

The Nordic ski resort of Nistos

The Val d'Azun resort, kilometers of trails to follow in cross-country skiing

Plan a few days to tour the 10 marked trails. Between the Col de Soulor and the Col Couraduque, you have two entry options to slide down the 100 km of snow-covered slopes. The Val d'Azun resort is the largest cross-country ski resort in the Hautes-Pyrénées, something to satisfy sports enthusiasts of this Nordic practice. On site, you will find the appropriate services to rent the equipment necessary for your hike. Beginners who want to get started can book a private or family lesson, a great way to learn to get by while having fun for 1 hour. Are you ready ? All you have to do is slide and enjoy. The exceptional setting and sumptuous landscapes are the best way to disconnect in the heart of nature.

The Chioula station, a total change of scenery in cross-country skiing

Here again, the landscapes are breathtaking. The Pyrenees range offers a splendid panorama to those privileged people who enjoy winter sports, near Ax-3-domaines. Whether you are a beginner or with experience, the courses are adapted to your desires and your level. The objective is the same for everyone, to slide at their own pace on skis to admire the beauty of snowy nature. Between forests, valleys and plateaus, the 60 km of trails are divided into 14 marked routes ranging from 1 to 17 km. Everyone can therefore choose the hike that suits them. Don't forget to put on your skis, rental equipment is at your disposal for the day or the duration of your stay.

The Hautacam Espace Nordique station, cross-country skiing for everyone in the Pyrenees

This is a resort that is well surrounded! Between the Pic du Midi, Cauterets and Lourdes, it will be easy to reach the Hautacam station for a sporting stay in the Pyrenees. Smaller than its neighbors, it still offers 15 km of groomed and marked trails to practice Nordic skiing at your own pace. The three courses have varying levels, ranging from green to red to blue. The advantage is that everyone will be able to ski according to their level, in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere. Start slowly on the easy slopes with alternative skiing, you will have plenty of time to progress to finish on the red slope with skating skis. And if you want to try another type of sliding, try mountain luge, a rapid descent in a fun and innovative two-seater sled.

You must be out of breath after all those kilometers of cross-country skiing through the Pyrenees! If you have never tried it, we hope that this article will make you want to put on your skis for a great sporty hike. No more excuses, you now know all the addresses for cross-country skiing in the Pyrenees.

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