Almost hidden in the stunning panorama of the Pyrénées National Park is the welcoming ski resort of Artouste. Also known as Artouste-Fabrèges, this resort combines stunning nature with outstanding slopes for skiers of all abilities.
Buying a property in Artouste is investing in one of the hidden gems of the Pyrénées, and owning property here gives you access to a modern, diverse and well-sized ski resort that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Living in Artouste and Things To Do
Day to day life in Artouste is picture-postcard pretty with plenty to do. Nearby schools and other facilities mean it’s not all about skiing, while the local restaurants ensure you get to enjoy some of the famous French food. There are also plenty of nearby bars and terraces, so you can enjoy a drink while taking in the breath-taking beauty surrounding you.
This impressive valley of Ossau can be seen from all over the Pyrénées and is carved out by the powerful and dramatic Gave d'Ossau, a torrential river that runs right through it. Activities in the Valle of Ossau are sure to keep you and your family busy, right through the year. These include unique snowshoe trekking trips, which allow you to view the valley on foot and get up close and personal with nature. Other activities include hiking, biking, sledding, and tobogganing.
In terms of weather, Artouste enjoys highs of 35 degrees C in summer, and plenty of sunshine. This makes it perfect to get out and about and really explore the unspoiled beauty of the Pyrénées and all the excitement they have to offer. For up-to-date snow and weather reports, take a look at our Artouste resort guide here.
Leisure and Culture in Artouste
If you don’t mind heights, be sure to check out one of the most famous things to do in Artouste: the Petit train d'Artouste, or Little rain of Artouste. This narrow gauge tourist railway runs through the Pyrénées at altitudes of 2000 metres. Originally constructed to carry materials to build the Artouste Lake Dam, it began its next life as a tourist train just 12 years later. Today, the Little Train has been running for over 100 years and is the perfect way to get to view the stunning Lac d'Artouste.
For relaxing and unwinding, the nearby Spa Montagne, or Spa Mountain Institute, offers a range of treatments to all visitors. They pride themselves on combining the essence of plants and minerals to provide you with the most relaxing experience possible. They even offer combined ‘Spa and Ski’ packages, and many thoroughly modern facilities.
In our property investment guide Artouste shines as a modern resort, but there are touches of the traditional too, especially when it comes to food. Indulge in some classic French cuisine, just minutes from the slopes and ski lifts.
Investment potential in Artouste
Ski Resort Artouste has plenty of modern facilities which keep guests coming back year after year. In any investment guide Artouste stands out as a family friendly resort, with 8 kilometres of ‘blue’ or easy slopes for beginners- ideal for families with children. The nine ski lifts take guests around the 25 kilometres of mixed slopes, some with an impressive vertical height of 850 metres. There’s even a ‘Secteur Séous’ for the serious skiers who want something a little more challenging and exhilarating.
Recently, new cable cars were installed at Artouste, so it’s clear to see that plenty of investment is still pouring into this well-established ski resort. There are also plenty of modern properties around the area, of which many are custom built for skiers. Look out for apartments with built-in ski storage facilities. Artouste is also close to plenty of other popular resorts, including Gourette, Astun and Formigal.
According to the snow report Artouste has similar maximum snow depth at the base and the peaks of the slopes. Depth reached 65 inched at the base and up to 69 inches at the top. The season runs from December to March, with around 10 to 15 days of snowfall. Snow quality is fantastic, and 55% of the slopes have their own snow-making facilities. A true skier’s paradise. For up-to-date snow reports, take a look at our Artouste resort guide here.
Transport to Artouste
The quickest way to get to the ski resort of Artouste is to fly. Flights to Pau Pyrénées Airport take just over four hours from the UK. It’s then a further hour and a half drive to the resort, although this may change depending on where your beautiful new property is.
Always check the travel reports because occasionally avalanches do cause problems with the roads, however, reports are up-to-date and efficient and there are normally diversions available. There is also public transport available from the airport to Artouste however this takes much longer than driving yourself or getting a taxi.
Jan 02, 2024
