Cauterets — On the piste

Cirque du Lys is the most extensive area for downhill skiing and boarding whilst Pont d’Espagne has more of a bias towards cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The large East-facing bowl of Cirque de Lys is best suited to intermediates with cruisy blues and more challenging reds, but advanced skiers will find enough to keep them occupied too. Beyond the few black runs there is a lot more off-piste here than people expect, and with the area being so quiet you can get first tracks later in the day than you would elsewhere. Hiring a guide can be a good idea too in order to open up all the wonderful surrounding valleys.Beginners will enjoy learning in the Stade Debutants area near the cable car with its magic carpet, and non-skiing children are well catered for next door in the crèche – a convenient set-up for families. Boarders will enjoy the Espace Freestyle Park and every piste in Cirque de Lys is accessible by chairlift!