Pyreneestrip
Cross-country skiingFrance

Espace nordique d'Issarbe

Vallée de Barétous, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Issarbe is a small, quiet cross-country area in beech forest and open pastures above the Barétous valley. The trails lie at about 1,450 m with views of Pic d'Anie and the limestone mountains around La Pierre Saint-Martin. It is cheap, friendly and rarely crowded. A small refuge with 15 beds lies in the middle of the area.

Cross-country skiing

Height
1,450 m
Trails
22 km
Classic
Yes, on all loops
Skating
Yes
Loops
8 marked loops, 31 km in total, including a 9 km loop for snowshoes only
Season
early January–early April: daily during the Christmas and February holidays, otherwise at weekends (2025/26)
Trail pass
€6 adult/day, €4 from 13.00, child €5, family €17 (2025/26)
Level
beginners and families, also keep-fit skiers
Other
Snowshoes (own 9 km trail), sledging slope (free), hire of skis, snowshoes and sledges

Highlights

  • The cheapest trail pass in the western Pyrenees
  • Refuge d'Issarbe with a dormitory and family rooms
  • Views of Pic d'Anie
  • Free sledging slope for the children

Getting here

Flights
Pau-Pyrénées (PUF) approx. 85 km, approx. 1 h 30 min · Biarritz (BIQ) approx. 140 km, approx. 2 h · Lourdes-Tarbes (LDE) approx. 120 km, approx. 1 h 50 min
Train
Oloron-Sainte-Marie (TER from Pau), approx. 40 km – by car from there
Car
From Oloron-Sainte-Marie via Aramits and Lanne-en-Barétous (D919), with the last 17–18 km uphill on a mountain road to the chalet. Free parking. Carry snow chains or have winter tyres.

Accommodation

Accommodation
Refuge d'Issarbe: 15 beds (dormitory for 10 and a family room for 5), half board available.
Places to stay nearby
Lanne-en-Barétous and Arette (approx. 25 min), Oloron-Sainte-Marie (approx. 50 min)
TipsPayment by cash or cheque only – bring cash. Outside school holidays it is only open at weekends, so check the days before you go.
Open in the interactive mapDirectionsPlaces to stay nearbyThings to do Affiliate link

43.0200° N, 0.7951° W

Nearby