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Alpine skiingFrance

Gavarnie-Gèdre (Les Espécières)

Vallée de Gavarnie, Hautes-Pyrénées

The small resort of Les Espécières lies just above the village of Gavarnie, in the Pyrénées–Mont Perdu UNESCO World Heritage Site, with views of the vast Cirque de Gavarnie. It is quiet, rarely has queues and is cheaper than the big resorts. The pistes are wide, and the green Les Marmottes is considered one of the longest green runs in the Pyrenees. A good choice for families and for anyone who wants to combine skiing with a snowshoe outing towards the cirque.

Alpine skiing

Height
1,850–2,400 m
Pistes
33 km
Runs
51075
Lifts
8
Season
mid-December–mid-March (2026/27: 19 Dec–14 March)
Lift pass
from €35.50 adult/day, €31.50 child aged 5–17 (2026/27); season pass from €217
Level
families and all levels
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing, an 8 km snowshoe route (free) and two ski-touring routes

Highlights

  • Views of the Cirque de Gavarnie (UNESCO)
  • Long green piste Les Marmottes
  • Free sledging slope at the resort
  • Snowshoe outing towards the Cirque de Gavarnie

Getting here

Flights
Lourdes-Tarbes (LDE) approx. 75 km, approx. 1 h 15 min · Pau (PUF) approx. 115 km, approx. 1 h 45 min · Toulouse (TLS) approx. 235 km, approx. 2 h 45 min
Train
Lourdes (TGV/TER), under 1 h by car; liO bus to Luz-Saint-Sauveur
Bus
Free shuttle from Luz-Saint-Sauveur all winter
Car
Via Lourdes, Argelès-Gazost and Luz-Saint-Sauveur (D921) to Gavarnie, then the road towards the Col des Tentes to Les Espécières. Winter equipment compulsory 1 Nov–31 March

Accommodation

Accommodation
No accommodation at the slopes; hotels, gîtes and flats in Gavarnie village (approx. 3 km) and Gèdre
Places to stay nearby
Gavarnie (approx. 5 min), Gèdre (approx. 15 min), Luz-Saint-Sauveur (approx. 20 km, approx. 30 min)
TipsA good-value alternative to the larger N'PY resorts, especially on weekdays. Buy a season pass before 15 November for a 30% discount. Bring your camera – the view of the cirque is exceptional.
Open in the interactive mapDirectionsPlaces to stay nearbyThings to do Affiliate link

42.7300° N, 0.0311° W

Nearby