Pyreneestrip
Cross-country skiingFrance

Espace nordique de La Pierre Saint-Martin (Le Braca)

Vallée de Barétous, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

The cross-country area lies about 2 km below the alpine resort of La Pierre Saint-Martin, in the Forêt du Braca with its centuries-old mountain pines. The forest is a protected natural area (Espace Naturel Sensible). The trails wind between trees and clearings, and there are unusually many other winter activities. A good choice if the family wants to mix cross-country skiing with dog sledding or fat biking.

Cross-country skiing

Height
1,450–1,540 m
Trails
25 km
Classic
12 km of dedicated cross-country trails + shared trails
Loops
25 km of marked trails: 12 km for cross-country skis only, 13 km shared with dog sleds, fat bikes and snowshoes
Season
early December–late March (2026/27: 5–8 Dec, 12–13 Dec and 19 Dec 2026–29 March 2027)
Trail pass
€10 adult/day, €7 for four hours; ages 5–17 and students €7 (2025/26 and 2026/27)
Level
all levels, especially families
Other
Dog sledding, fat biking, snowshoes, laser shooting (biathlon for beginners), Sternboard, Tèrra Aventura treasure hunt, sledging/tubing

Highlights

  • Ancient mountain pines in the Forêt du Braca
  • Dog sledding and fat biking on their own trails
  • Laser shooting for beginners
  • Shuttle bus from the alpine resort

Getting here

Flights
Pau-Pyrénées (PUF) approx. 75–90 km, approx. 1 h 30 min · Biarritz (BIQ) approx. 145 km, approx. 2 h 15 min · Pamplona (PNA) approx. 120 km, approx. 2 h
Train
Oloron-Sainte-Marie, approx. 40 km – ski bus from there
Bus
Ski bus from Oloron-Sainte-Marie; shuttle bus from La Pierre Saint-Martin to the cross-country area €2 return (free with a trail pass)
Car
From Oloron via Arette and the D132 (23 km from Arette). Coach parking available. Snow chains or winter tyres are often required.

Accommodation

Accommodation
No accommodation at the cross-country area; résidences and flats in the alpine resort of La Pierre Saint-Martin 2 km away.
Places to stay nearby
La Pierre Saint-Martin (5 min), Arette (approx. 35 min), Oloron-Sainte-Marie (approx. 1 h)
TipsHire everything on site – a ski package costs €14 per day. Issarbe, on the other side of the mountain, makes a good combination.
Open in the interactive mapDirectionsPlaces to stay nearbyThings to do Affiliate link

42.9852° N, 0.7423° W

Nearby