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Give me 5 – info about skiing in the Pyrénées-Orientales The 2011 snow has finally arrived and it’s all systems go for skiing in department 66. If you are thinking of heading to the Pyreneen resorts here are some factoids which might prove useful. I’m not a skier myself (tore cartilage on my first ever descent of my first and only skiing holiday and had to have two operations on my knee as a result!) so apologies for the lack of personal input on this topic. 1. The main resorts There are 9 main ski resorts in the Pyrénées-Orientales. These are as follows, with links to their dedicated websites:
Les Neiges Catalanes unites these 9 major skiing stations in the Pyrénées-Orientales and offers one ski pass which can be used in all the resorts. 3. Getting there Most of the resorts listed above can be easily reached by car from Perpignan in around 90 minutes. The road is fairly good although single lane for much of the way and quite windy. Le Petit Train Jaune is a scenic way of getting up to the snow. It is the highest railway track in France and the route is stunningly beautiful, if a little treacherous-looking (one of those things we’ve been meaning to do for 9 years but never quite got round to!!). From 17th December you can get a train from Perpignan station to Villefranche de Conflent for just 1 euro and then change on to Le Petit Train Jaune. For up-to-date timetables, check on the SNCF website. Bus à 1 euro – the Conseil Général in department 66 subsidises a fabulous bus network. It costs just 1 euro to go anywhere in the P-O which is unbelievable value to get up to the ski resorts. Timetables and information can be found by clicking here. 4. Snow-based alternatives to skiing If downhill skiing is not for you, there are many other options to try. Cross country skiing is popular in the region and is a great way to get away from the main pistes and enjoy the stunning Pyreneen scenery. Head to l’Espace Nordique du Capcir which is set up specifically for this, or glide your way round the lakes at Matemale and La Llagonne. You can snowkite at a number of resorts including Les Angles, La Quillane, and col du Puymorens or why not try dog sledding or snow shoeing. I’m told that Pyrenean Trails are good for guided tours. And even if you are allergic to activity of any kind, you can still relax and unwind at one of the region’s hot springs which are located at Dorres, Llo or Saint Thomas les Bains. 5. For novices and small children If you are a novice or have small children who want to try out skiing, I highly recommend La Quillane, which is the only resort I know well. It is perfect for day trips from Perpignan and we have been going since the children were tiny. The resort itself is tiny and ideal for kids with just 4 pistes, a mini snow park where you don’t even need to purchase a ski pass and ample space for sledging and just mucking about in the snow. You can drive right up to the foot of the slopes to park. There is a small shop where you can hire skis or book lessons plus a child-friendly restaurant at the bottom of the slopes which is perfect for a hearty family meal or crèpes for goûter.
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