In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, Barèges is an authentic spa and pastoral village that forms, together with La Mongie, the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees: the Grand Tourmalet. Unlike its modern neighbour, Barèges has retained the charm of a genuine mountain village, with its stone houses, historic spa and friendly atmosphere. Its side of the ski area is known for its magnificent forest-cut slopes, offering natural, sheltered skiing. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking the authenticity of a Pyrenean village combined with access to a large ski area.
Barèges
Overview
Barèges
📅 Open 5 December 2026 to 29 March 2027
Overview of Barèges
Bareges is the western slope and the historic heart of the Grand Tourmalet ski area. This village, stretching along the Bastan river, is one of the oldest ski resorts in the Pyrenees and a renowned spa town since the 17th century. Access to the ski area is primarily from the Tournaboup sector, 3 km above the village and accessible by shuttle. The ski area on the Bareges side is particularly appreciated for its natural setting. The runs descend through the Lienz forest, offering ideal protection in bad weather and a wilder and more intimate atmosphere than on the La Mongie slope. The sector is perfect for skiers of all levels, with long blue runs for cruising and fine technical black runs. It is this marriage between the authenticity of a year-round living village and high-quality skiing that gives Bareges its unique charm.
Our review — Barèges
Ski area — key figures — Barèges
- 🌟 Village resort (Hautes-Pyrénées)
- 📏 1200 m Village altitude (2500 m Top altitude)
- 👤 372 inhabitants
- 🎿 54 runs
🚠 33 ski lifts
Average lift age: 28 years
When to visit
Barèges in summer
In summer, Bareges is a popular destination for walkers and spa-goers. It is one of the gateways to the Neouvielle National Nature Reserve, famous for its grandiose landscapes and numerous mountain lakes. The village is a stage on the mythical Route des Cols des Pyrenees for cyclists. The thermal baths continue to attract visitors in search of wellness, and activities such as fishing and mountain biking are popular.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Road cycling • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking
Barèges in winter
In winter, Bareges offers characterful alpine skiing on the forested slope of the Grand Tourmalet. It is also a well-regarded spot for ski touring, particularly in the Aygues-Cluses valley. The village offers snowshoe outings and a small Nordic ski area at the Pont de la Gaubie. Apres-ski is marked by relaxation at the Cieleo thermoludic centre and the warm atmosphere of the village restaurants.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Snowshoeing • ✅ Winter walks
Skiing
Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Barèges: Le Grand-Tourmalet – Pic du Midi (Barèges – La Mongie) (alpin).
Ski area — Le Grand-Tourmalet – Pic du Midi (Barèges – La Mongie)
⛰️ Altitudes: 1340 m – 2500 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 100 km
💰 Day pass: 53 €
La Mongie is the East slope of the Grand Tourmalet. It is the largest and sunniest part of the ski area, with wide high-altitude runs and many areas for all levels. It gives access to the Quatre Termes sector which makes the junction with the Bareges slope.
Our full guide to Le Grand-Tourmalet – Pic du Midi (Barèges – La Mongie)
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Ski pass prices — Barèges
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Barèges.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Grand-Tourmalet – Pic du Midi (Barèges – La Mongie) (alpin skiing) | 53 € | 318 € | 758 € | 2025-2026 |
Where to stay
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