Gourette, French Pyrenees

Gourette: 5 things to know before you go

French Pyrenees, France 🇫🇷

The biggest resort in the Béarn, Gourette sits in a dramatic bowl below the Col d'Aubisque, an hour and a half from Pau. Steep walls and gentle nursery slopes sit side by side.

1.Is the snow reliable in Gourette?

Usually, with help. From 1400 m to 2400 m the resort leans on grooming and snowmaking in lean spells, so check the live report before booking early or late dates (score 78/100).

2.Do you need a car, or can you ski in and out?

Most hotels sit right on the snow front, so this is genuine ski-in/ski-out: park once on arrival and ski from the door, with no daily driving or shuttle.

3.How big is the ski area, and who is it for?

It is a compact area, 40 km of piste on 14 lifts, best for a short break or a focused trip rather than a full week. The terrain is balanced (5 green, 10 blue, 12 red, 4 black), which suits a mixed-level group skiing together.

4.What is the resort like?

Gourette stands out for a family-friendly setup.

5.When is the best time to go?

The season usually runs Dec 14 to Apr 7 (about 16 weeks). For the most dependable cover, the deep-winter window of January to February is the safe bet. Conditions soften as spring arrives, so earlier in the window is the safer call.

The full Gourette guide

Hotels, piste breakdown, snow month by month, lift and rental info, map and more.

See the full Gourette guide

More questions, answered

How much vertical drop does Gourette have?
About 1000 m of vertical, from a 1400 m base to 2400 m at the top.
Is Gourette part of a larger ski area?
No, it is a self-contained resort with its own 40 km of piste rather than part of a linked domain.
Is Gourette good for beginners?
It can work: 5 green and 10 blue runs are enough to start, though the area rewards skiers who can already link turns.

Where to stay

Hotels we like for ski access and value. Prices are indicative; check live availability.

Hôtel Restaurant Boule de Neige
4.6437 reviews
115
Top pick

Hôtel Restaurant Boule de Neige

Excellent · 437 reviews

Why we like it

Moments from the lifts in Gourette, so you can ski back to the door and skip the morning queues.

Guests rate this hotel as excellent (4.6/5 from 437 reviews). It sits about 100 m from the slopes. A mid-range option for Gourette, with live nightly rates shown for your exact dates so you always see the best price.

≈ 100 m to the slopesMid-range
From
115/ night
Check availability
Belambra Clubs "Lou Sarri"
3.9590 reviews
100

Belambra Clubs "Lou Sarri"

Good · 590 reviews

Why we like it

A dependable, well-reviewed choice for a stay in Gourette.

≈ 400 m to the slopesBudget-friendly
From
100/ night
Check availability
Chalet Hôtel Restaurant de l'Amoulat
4.7178 reviews
155

Chalet Hôtel Restaurant de l'Amoulat

Excellent · 178 reviews

Why we like it

One of the highest-rated places to stay in Gourette, with guests singling out the service and comfort.

≈ 500 m to the slopesMid-range
From
155/ night
Check availability
Hotel Gourette : ISKÖ Chalets - Hötel
4.3249 reviews
115

Hotel Gourette : ISKÖ Chalets - Hötel

Very good · 249 reviews

Why we like it

A dependable, well-reviewed choice for a stay in Gourette.

≈ 1.3 km to the slopesMid-range
From
115/ night
Check availability

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Live snow reportSki-in/ski-out: France