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Ascou-Pailhères
Photo: Jcb-caz-11 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Alpine skiingFrance

Ascou-Pailhères

Ascou, Haute-Ariège, Ariège

Ascou-Pailhères is a small, wild resort below the Col de Pailhères, a quarter of an hour from Ax-les-Thermes. It has one chairlift and a few drag lifts, and the pistes run through open mountain terrain with wide views. The resort is open and was in operation during the 2025/26 season (it closed on 22 March 2026). Ascou is also popular for ski touring and snowkiting at the pass.

Alpine skiing

Height
1,500–2,000 m
Pistes
20 km
Runs
4682
Lifts
7
Season
mid-December–late March (2026/27 planned 19 December–21 March)
Lift pass
€29 adult/day, €25.50 half-day, €24.50 youth aged 5–17/day (2025/26)
Level
beginners and intermediates
Snowmaking
snow cannons on approx. 2.3 km of piste

Highlights

  • Quiet and cheap – a good alternative to Ax 3 Domaines on a busy day
  • Easy ski tours towards the Tarbésou ridge
  • Snowkiting at the Col de Pailhères

Getting here

Flights
Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) approx. 155 km, approx. 2 h · Carcassonne (CCF) approx. 125 km, approx. 2 h
Train
Ax-les-Thermes (liO train from Toulouse), approx. 15 km, then car or taxi
Car
Only from Ax-les-Thermes in winter (D613/D25 via Ascou) – the road over the Col de Pailhères is closed. Winter tyres or chains needed.

Accommodation

Accommodation
No major accommodation at the slopes, a few cottages and gîtes in Ascou
Places to stay nearby
Ax-les-Thermes (approx. 20 min) with hotels and thermal baths
TipsStay in Ax-les-Thermes and alternate between Ax 3 Domaines and Ascou. Check the weather and opening times – the resort is exposed to the wind.
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42.7311° N, 1.9539° E

Nearby