LE PIC DU MIDI DE BIGORRE
A day near the sky!
Unique in France and absolutely magical, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre peaks at 2877 metres for a 360° view of the Pyrenean peaks.
To reach the summit of the Pic du Midi, let yourself be transported by the cable car from the ski resort of La Mongie. 1,000 m of elevation gain in 15 minutes: this is already an event that promises an extraordinary journey to the panoramic terraces. The bravest will be able to go hiking to reach the summit.
We are on the highest planetarium in Europe with its observatory, museum, restaurant and even hotel! Discover the history of the Pic in the planetarium and the fully interactive Experiences space. The history of its construction in 1882 is a fantastic epic in the Pyrenees, that of the conquest of the stars. Here visitors rub shoulders with scientists, astronomers, meteorologists who scrutinize the sky all year round.A Grand Site Occitanie must-see!
The Pic du Midi, where lunar mapping was established for NASA in 1969, is the oldest high-mountain astronomical observatory in the world.
To preserve the beauty of the night and observe the sky more easily, 247 municipalities representing 65% of the Hautes-Pyrénées, or 3,300 km² have committed themselves through the creation of an international dark sky reserve (RICE).
The Pic du Midi summer and winter
In winter: a unique freeride space in the Pyrenees
The freeride descent from the summit of the Pic du Midi is a must for lovers of great thrills. After a cable car ride, you will contemplate the incredible panorama of the Pyrenees at 2877m above sea level, before starting a memorable ski descent. A legendary off-piste, a unique freeride space in the Pyrenees!
There are three possibilities for skiers:
– From the Barèges slopes to the Tourmalet chairlift, the Pic du Midi Unlimited package includes the return by lift.
– La Mongie to Artigues-Campan, the “La Coume du Pic” route with a height difference of 1700 m and a 10 km descent. Free shuttle back to the slopes.
– for the less experienced skiers, departure from the intermediate station of Taoulet at 2341 m then descent to “la Jaune”, “la Verte” or “la Violette”.
This freeride area is reserved for good skiers, and it is advisable to use a guide or an instructor to enjoy it safely.
MTB: an exceptional freeride descent!
Lovers of extreme cycling can indulge freely in their favorite sport and enjoy an exceptional descent in a high-mountain setting no less exceptional. On the program: more than 1,800 metres of altitude to descend!
Practical information: Access to the summit (alt. 2877 m) by cable car from Mongolia. more information: www.picdumidi.com
The departure of the cable car is about 30 minutes by car from the campsite in the summer and you will pass by the mythical Col du Tourmalet!!
