View from chairlift of ski area at La Mongie

La Mongie

Grand Tourmalet, French Pyrenees

In the central French Pyrénées on the flanks of the 2872m Pic du Midi, which is accessible by two-stage cable-car from the village. Although it’s a long drive from the cross-Channel ports, the journey became quicker and easier with the opening of the A65 autoroute from just south of Bordeaux down to Pau. Transfers are relatively simple from Pau and Toulouse airports (and from Tarbes TGV for high-speed rail travellers).

View from Col du Tourmalet with piste sign and La Mongie ski resort

The Ski Area

The Grand Tourmalet lift-pass covers the linked ski areas of La Mongie (1800m) and Barèges (1250m), which lie on opposite sides of the 2115m Col du Tourmalet (a celebrated climb in the Tour de France). The terrain on the La Mongie side is on either side of a relatively narrow valley, making things feel rather compact at first encounter. For novices it’s a good thing, of course, with ski-school areas readily accessible.
On the other hand, intermediates looking for Blue-graded cruising opportunities will find themselves taking the Espade chairlift to reach the northern sector further up the valley for another haul up to some reasonably long and not too flat descents from 2500m.
Alternatively – and here’s where it gets interesting – head over the Col into the next valley, where things really open up. Although the return runs into Barèges itself are quite low, the piste teams usually manage to keep them open, and there’s plenty of terrain around the higher Super Barèges sector, with some charming descents through the forests above the town.

Resort Information

Altitude : 1400m - 2500m
Grand Tourmalet
Pistes Total:
100 km
15 Green
24 Blue
15 Red
7 Black
Ski Domain Lifts: 39
2 Magic Carpets
23 Draglifts
14 Chairlifts
1 Gondolas
1 Cable Cars

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View of village facades and visitors from restaurant terrace.

The Ski Village

La Mongie’s original purpose-built style is looking outmoded and won’t appeal to everyone, but each season brings significant improvements, as existing accommodation is upgraded to meet the expectations of today’s visitors. This modernisation effort is given a further boost by the presence of brand new self-catering apartments (see details in Where to Stay), although just about everywhere is conveniently situated for access to the lifts and ski-school assembly points.
Happily the real-world approach to everyday practicalities also extends to the refreshingly affordable pricing of lunchtime menus in the village bars and restaurants.

Staying There

Value for Money Accommodation Dining Out Nightlife Village Charm

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Families watching ski school activities

Why go skiing in La Mongie ?

Family skiers looking for a solid-value, linked-domain alternative to the Alps without sacrificing a high-altitude location. In addition to readily accessible beginner and early-intermediate areas, there’s terrain for cruising fans and for those looking to raise their game on some steeps, too. With the Pic du Midi and the freeride descent from the top, there's really something for everyone.

The slightly homely overall feel is more than skin-deep; it’s a friendly place, both on and off the mountain. Travel-wise, the most obvious appeal is to anyone considering budget flights into Pau and Toulouse, but the Greener high-speed rail option into Tarbes also makes increasing sense.

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Skiing There

Beginners / Families Intermediates Advanced / Expert Mountain Scenery
2 Snowparks


Cross-Country Skiing

At Barèges, Nordic ski pistes.
14km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails

icon-smileyYes please...

  • Linked-domain adds variety.
  • Solid value for both accommodation and dining.
  • Convenient village location.
  • Friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Village is trying hard to improve its appearance - and it's working.
  • Altitude means snowfalls here can be surprisingly bountiful.
  • Amazing mountain panoramas from the Pic du Midi.

icon-frowneyYes but...

  • It’s a long drive from the UK.
  • Snowfalls don’t always deliver.
  • Lower terrain can get congested.
  • You'll spend quite some time on lifts to reach the wider open spaces.
  • If it's windy, you'll need to keep an eye on return lifts from Barèges.

icon-winkingOur Tips

  • If you're a competent skier, aim high - and explore the sector which lies beyond the Col du Tourmalet.

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Practical Information

Tried and testedHôtel La Crête Blanche

Dalavat
65200 La Mongie
+33(0)6 07 28 33 75

Hotel Crete Blanche, La Mongie

Traditional family-run hotel in the heart of the village with cosy family rooms and a large restaurant / breakfast room overlooking the village. Rooms at the front of the hotel enjoy mountain views.
There's a very comfortable bar which stays open late and offers free Wi-Fi for guests. There's limited parking in front of the hotel. Shops, restaurants and access to the slopes just a short walk from the hotel.


Residence Mer et Golf Tourmalet

34 Avenue du Tourmalet
65200 Bagnères-de-Bigorre

Residence Tourmalet, La Mongie

The Tourmalet ski residence is located within the ski resort and close to the slopes. The residence faces south towards the Pic du Midi and the slopes of the Domaine du Tourmalet. A free shuttle bus operates between the residence and the resort centre (500m away) until early evening.
The apartments are fitted and furnished to a very good standard of comfort and convenience, with everything you need during your stay. The decor is simple, modern and cosy. They all have a fully equipped kitchenette, telephone (payable), TV and furnished terrace or covered balcony. Covered parking is available.


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