by Iain Martin
IF YOU are thinking about taking a late season ski break, then maybe it’s time to try somewhere different and head to the French Pyrenees.
With the resort open until April 22, Cauterets is the perfect solution if you are looking to get away from it all and enjoy some great spring skiing. There are many great reasons to choose this captivating resort, but let’s start with these five:
Character and charm
Cauterets was a destination long before it became a ski resort. The railway station opened in 1904 due to demand for the thermal baths from the Belle Epoque set, and Sarah Bernhardt, Victor Hugo and Napoleon III were all visitors.
The historic Esplanade et Thermes des Oeufs. PHOTO: Cauterets Office du Tourisme.
The resort still features many striking 19th century buildings to admire, including the Thermes des Oeufs, Hotel d’Angleterre and Hotel Continental, although for a hotel full of charm and character, try the Lion d’Or hotel. Built in 1840, it has been in the same family since 1913. Watch out for the circular (and slanting!) wooden staircase.
Great snow record
Many resorts boast about their number of snow cannons, but Cauterets is proud to note how few it needs, thanks to a unique microclimate. Storms push up to and gather at far end of the valley under the 2657m Soum de Grum, regularly filling the Cirque de Lys ski area with snow and meaning it can stay open until 22 April.
The Circle de Lys ski area, Cauterets. PHOTO: Cauterets Office du Tourisme.
Being a snow-sure resort pulls in the big brands too – Oakley sponsor the snowpark and Cauterets is one of five French resorts hosting the ‘Red Bull Tout Schuss’ downhill races this winter.
There are only 36km of pistes, but all the skiing is high between 1700m and 2400m, with plenty of options for all levels of skier to keep you busy for a weekend’s skiing.
Enjoying the Bains du Rocher.
Relaxing hot spas
Of the spas that drew crowds to Cauterets a century ago, the Bains du Rocher still offers a wonderful location to relax at the end of the day.
With a mix of indoor and outdoor pools, bubble pools and jacuzzis you can chase any aches away in 38˚ warm water or enjoy the sauna and hammam steam rooms. The Bains des Rocher is open every day until 7.30pm, and during April taking time in the outdoor pool is a beautiful way to admire the mountains at the same time.
The Pont d’Espagne
Not everyone wants to ski the whole time and the Pont d’Espagne (7km from Cauterets) is a world of beautiful trails and picturesque waterfalls where you can be at one with nature.
Beautiful trails in the Pont d’Espagne PHOTO: @pyrenelle/Instagram.
Literally translated as the ‘Bridge from Spain’, the Pont d’Espagne was once the trading route into France. Now it’s part of the Pyrenees National Park, and you can explore by foot, snowshoe or 36km of marked cross country ski routes. Pay attention and you could see Isards (Pyrenean Chamois) or Ibex along the way.
Short transfers
Whether travelling for a week or a weekend, you don’t want to waste time getting to and from the airport. Fortunately, it’s only a short 45 minutes’ drive from Tarbes-Lourdes airport to Cauterets, with Ryanair offer great value on their direct flights from Stansted.
Tarbes-Loudes airport.
Alternatively, fly with easyJet from Gatwick or Luton and take in the Pays Basque by travelling to Biarritz.
However, you choose to travel, you’ll always remember your trip to Cauterets – the best way to enjoy spring skiing in the French Pyrenees.
Watch the video below for a trip back in time into the history of Cauterets.
Categories: France