Gourette

Gourette is a ski resort in Eaux-Bonnes, tucked into the French Pyrenees. Sitting at 1,400 m altitude in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it lies right on the D918 road that climbs over the Col d'Aubisque mountain pass. Gourette belongs to the N'PY group, a network of ski resorts on the French side of the Pyrenees.

How do you get to Gourette?

The nearest airport is Pau-Pyrénées, connected to the resort by a drive through the scenic valleys of the Béarn region. The village itself sits directly on the D918 — the same road famous among cycling fans as one of the classic, punishing climbs of the Tour de France over the Col d'Aubisque. Winter access calls for caution, since the route winds through mountain switchbacks, and local authorities regularly post updates on road conditions and snow-chain requirements.

What is there to see, and what kind of resort is it?

Gourette is first and foremost a ski destination — the ski area spans altitudes from 1,350 to 2,450 m and covers 140 hectares with 42 km of marked slopes. That range suits both families looking for gentler runs and stronger skiers who'll appreciate the vertical variety. The setting is classic high-Pyrenean scenery: steep ridgelines, open valleys, and views stretching toward the Spanish border.

Outside the ski season, the area around Gourette and the Aubisque pass turns into a draw for hikers and cyclists — the same slopes that carry skiers in winter become walking trails and a road-cycling pilgrimage site in summer, tracing the route of legendary mountain stages.

When is the best time to visit?

The ski season in Gourette typically runs from December to April, depending on snow conditions — as a resort at a relatively low altitude compared to Alpine counterparts, it's sensitive to weather swings, so it's worth checking current slope conditions before heading out. Spring and summer, by contrast, are the season for hiking and cycling over the Aubisque pass, when the road is fully clear and snow-free.

Who is Gourette good for?

The resort works well as a short getaway for families and groups of friends looking for an alternative to bigger, busier Alpine destinations. Its proximity to Pau and the Béarn region also makes it easy to combine with a broader Pyrenean trip without a long haul deep into the mountains.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the ski area in Gourette? The ski area covers 140 hectares with 42 km of marked slopes, spanning altitudes from 1,350 to 2,450 m.

What's the nearest airport? The closest airport is Pau-Pyrénées.

Does Gourette sit on a famous cycling route? Yes — the D918 road leading to the resort crosses the Col d'Aubisque, one of the Tour de France's classic mountain stages.

Which resort group does Gourette belong to? Gourette is part of the N'PY group of ski resorts on the French side of the Pyrenees.