On your winter vacation at La Mongie-Barèges Grand Tourmalet, you'll find yourself in the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees. In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, this family-friendly resort offers a wide range of winter and off-ski activities. Just a stone's throw from the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, take advantage of your stay to admire the incredible scenery of the surrounding mountains. Discover our list of the best things to do in La Mongie in winter.
1- Downhill skiing or handiskiing
Lace up your skis or snowboard and take advantage of the 100kms of pistes in the Tourmalet Pic du Midi ski area. Between La Mongie and Barèges, you can ski all day long on a variety of slopes, amidst the Hautes-Pyrénées landscapes, each more beautiful than the last. You'll also find a range of services for disabled skiers, as well as ski schools for beginners and a day-care center for your little ones
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2- Go to the Pic du Midi Observatory
While on vacation in La Mongie, don't forget to visit thePic du Midi Observatory. The Pic du Midi de Bigorre, symbol of the Pyrenees, dominates the entire region. Perched at an altitude of 2877m, its observatory offers a splendid view of the surrounding countryside. You'll also have access to the astronomical observatory's dome, as the site is primarily dedicated to scientific research. If you're not afraid of the cold, a 12-metre metal footbridge suspended in the void will give you the impression of flying over the mountains.
Read the article what to do in and around Bagnères de Bigorre The 13 must-sees
3- Snowshoeing
To discover the Grand Tourmalet area, don't hesitate to put on your snowshoes. There are marked and groomed areas open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a rescue service on hand to help you. There are two marked snowshoe trails. The first, more family-friendly, is on the La Mongie side, and the second, more athletic, is on the Col du Tourmalet road. Please note: according to a municipal by-law, winter sports are not permitted outside the designated areas.
Activities to book : this snowshoe excursion in the Campan valley is highly recommended.
4- Take a spa cure
The Grands Thermes spa in Bagnères de Bigorre is the leading spa in the Hautes Pyrénées. Naturally warm, its 50°C waters have been renowned since Antiquity for their analgesic and muscle-relaxing properties, which promote relaxation and relieve joint pain. What's more, the architecture of the building is well worth a look, and the facilities are spacious and well-equipped.
5- What to do in La Mongie Ice climbing
If you're a keen climber, come and spice things up at La Mongie. Visit the Pic du Midi guide office and organize a climbing session on the Pic du Midi icefall. On excursions in small groups, you'll be accompanied by certified professionals for your initiation. This activity is even accessible to beginners, as you won't need any prior climbing experience.
6- Go to Lac de Payolles
At the foot of the Col d'Aspin, Lac de Payolle is a large artificial lake at 1100m altitude. This haven of peace in the middle of nature is a pleasant place for walks and hikes, in the heart of one of the most beautiful fir forests in the Pyrenees. In summer and winter alike, the area is ideal for a wide range of activities, including mountain biking, orienteering and cross-country skiing. From the lake, you can watch paragliders take to the skies from the surrounding heights.
The article to read what to do in the Hautes-Pyrénées? The 17 most beautiful places to visit
7- Cross-country skiing
If you prefer cross-country skiing, the Grand Tourmalet is the place to be. Enjoy the calm and natural setting of the resort's Nordic domain, where you'll find 18 kilometers of cross-country trails on the Barèges side and 2.5 kilometers of trails on the La Mongie side. Whether you prefer skating or alternating, cross-country skiing is a complete sport.
8- Ski touring
Discover La Mongie and the surrounding area in a whole new way by trying ski touring. This more athletic sport than downhill skiing involves climbing with the help of "sealskins" under your skis. When it's time to come back down, simply remove the skins and let yourself slide. On the Grand Tourmalet ski area, you'll find a variety of itineraries to suit all levels, with breathtaking views over the valley.
Activities to book discover the outskirts of Barèges on this on this ski touring excursion with views of the Pic du Midi.
9- What to do in La Mongie Tobogganing
An ideal family activity, tobogganing is sure to bring young and old together after a day of sliding for adults and learning for children. On the resort, you'll find a family zone, a space reserved for families where several games are installed. You'll be able to build igloos, play chamboule-tout and, of course, go tobogganing on dedicated runs.
10- A zip-line descent
Just a stone's throw from the Grand Tourmalet ski area, the Vertige de l'Adourice tyrolienne takes you on a suspended ride over frozen waterfalls. You'll be fitted out and briefed by professionals, then set off on the 1.5-hour course, always under the watchful eye of our guides. For the more adventurous, a night-time session is organized from time to time. If you're interested, ask at the guide office.
11- Introduction to biathlon
Take advantage of the Grand Tourmalet Nordic ski area to try your hand at biathlon. If you're interested in this sport combining shooting and cross-country skiing, you'll be supervised by qualified professionals and provided with equipment. During this hour-long activity, you'll first be introduced to shooting on the stomach at rest. The rest of the time, you'll be challenged to run or walk on snow. You'll get a taste of what it's like to compete in the biathlon championships.
What can you do in La Mongie if you don't ski?
If you like going to the mountains but not skiing, you'll find plenty of off-ski activities at La Mongie. Here's a selection to help you plan your stay:
- Snowshoeing. There are many hiking trails on the estate to discover the surrounding countryside.
- Visit thePic du Midi Observatory. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, especially from the observatory's glass platform.
- Go zip-lining. Fly over the icefalls and forests of La Mongie during this sensational activity.
- Climbing. If you're a thrill-seeker, put yourself in the shoes of a mountaineer during an introduction to ice climbing.
- Take a spa treatment in Bagnères de Bigorre, and take advantage of the summer to de-stress and relax in the resort's warm waters.
Where to stay in La Mongie?
A wide range of accommodation is available in La Mongie. For your stay, here is a selection of the best-rated:
- Hotel-restaurant La Mandia. Located at an altitude of 2,000 m, this establishment offers comfortable rooms and a wellness area. More information and booking here.
- Résidence Mer & Golf Pic du Midi. This residence offers modern apartments with balcony or loggia overlooking the slopes, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Book your stay here.
- Residence Bero Bisto. Located 350m from the slopes, this apartment features a balcony with a view of the Pyrenees. More information and reservations here.
Good to know if you prefer to book an all-inclusive accommodation package, choose yours on our partner's website.
What to do in La Mongie in summer
La Mongie is a rich and dynamic resort, both in winter and summer. Here are some of the best things to do in low season:
- Go to thePic du Midi Observatory to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. Even without snow, the panorama is worth the detour.
- Hiking in the Pyrenees. Numerous trails criss-cross the mountains of this French hiking mecca.
- Tree climbing in the forest. You can try your hand at via ferrata with Vertige de l'Adour.
- Water sports. The waterways are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, paddling and pedal-boating.
