Gourette

Ossau Valley, Pyrénées-AtlantiquesSee it on the map

Region

Ossau Valley, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Country

France

Local time

Europe/Paris

Currency

EUR

Gourette sits in a steep cirque below the Col d'Aubisque, another Tour de France giant, and it is the main resort of the Béarn. The bowl catches Atlantic snow generously and the terrain is steeper than most of the French Pyrenees.

The same exposure that brings the snow brings wind, and the upper lifts close more often than at the sheltered valley resorts.

Last reviewed 14 September 2026

Best suited to

Intermediates
Advanced skiers
Off-piste and freeride

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Where lessons start

There is beginner terrain at the base, but this is a steeper mountain than most in the range. Ask a local instructor whether the day suits the upper bowl before planning around it.

Getting there

Pau is around an hour and a quarter, up the Ossau valley.

See it on the map Official resort website

Qualifications required in France

Teaching skiing or snowboarding for payment in France is a regulated profession: an instructor must hold the Professional card (diplôme d'État de ski). Instructors listed as certified on Alpine Pal have either sent theirs to us for review or are vouched for by the ski school that invited them.

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Gourette: common questions

Is Gourette suitable for beginners?

There is beginner terrain at the base, but it is a steeper mountain than most in the Pyrenees. The cirque below the Col d'Aubisque catches Atlantic snow generously, and wind with it, so the upper lifts close more often than at sheltered valley resorts. Ask a local instructor whether the day suits the upper bowl before planning around it.