Cauterets, France

The Resort

The elegant “Belle Epoque” style spa town of Cauterets is located in the High Pyrenees in the Pyrenees National Park and is surrounded by stunning nature pine forests and wildlife. The famous Pont D’espagne is located in the Mont Perdu National Park which spans France and Spain. A famous spa town since the sixteenth century, it blossomed during the “Golden Age” with the arrival of famous A-listers and the landscape and small village was transformed into a “Belle Epoque” spa town with classical promenades, viewing points, open areas and stunning neo-classical architecture. Not only was the town famous for “taking the waters but also for its tasty treats. “Berlingots” sweets were given to children who had “taken the waters” to take away the unsavoury aftertaste of the mineral rich water – still today as you wander round the pretty village the shops still make these sweet treats and you can see how they are made.

The Skiing

The town has recently celebrated its 50th birthday as a ski resort in 2014. It has two ski areas, both located in the Pyrenees National Park; the Cirque du Lys ski area for alpine skiing and Pont d'Espagne for Nordic skiing and beginner skiers.

Cauterets is famous for its “Pont d’Espagne” also known as “little Canada of the Pyrenees”. This prestigious site in the very heart of the Pyrenees National Park and is part of the Monte Perdu National park, a UNESCO world heritage site. During the winter months, you will be mesmerised by its fairy-tale state – frozen waterfalls and snowy paths leading amongst heavy pine forests. With its sublime panoramas and gushing waterfalls it is an exceptional setting for cross country skiing and snowshoe walking and beginner skiers can also learn to ski here. 

The main alpine ski area of Cauterets is the “Cirque du Lys”,a natural cirque which during the winter becomes a snow bowl and a perfect winter playground for skiers and snowboarders alike. It is easily accessed by the Gondola from the village and from the top, there are panoramic views of the area taking in much of the Pyrenees including the famous “Le Pic du Midi” and the Balaitous peak in Spain.

This ski area provides a great range of skiing and boarding for all abilities. The magnificent setting encourages stops to one of the altitude chalet restaurants in between cruising the pleasant and well maintained green, blue and red runs. For the more demanding skiers and boarders a selection of black pistes and reasonable powder off-piste will surely match their search for sensation.

Cauterets has plenty to offer novices and intermediate skiers who appreciate a stunning location as well as an even mix of enjoyable green runs and scenic cruising blue and red runs. There are also a couple of steeper blacks for those looking for an adrenaline shot.

Most of the pistes are north facing which means that the snow on the slopes stays fresh for longer. The resort’s altitude and exposition make it the most snow assured and latest closing resort in the Pyrenees.

Cauterets was awarded "Best Snow Dump of the Season 08/09" by the Ski Club of Great Britain for having 160cm of snow fall in just 36 hours! Furthermore, on 7th Feb. 2013 it was the resort with the most snow in the world!