On a N’Py network scale, the 2022-2023 season experienced ups and downs, with difficult snow conditions at the start and end of the season, but a notable peak in attendance during the February holiday with a 7% increase compared to the already outstanding year successful.
For the years it took, the stations are scheduled to open on December 2nd, with the exception of Gourette, which awaits its visitors until December 6th.
A new season in which environmental and climate issues do not leave our minds. There are also initiatives to diversify activities and develop sustainable and “4-season” tourism in the mountains. With success; “this summer has confirmed interest in the mountains with attendance up 5% compared to summer 2022 (i.e. 260,000 passes) and up 8% compared to 2021”he is particularly pleased with Régis Lignon, interim CEO of Compagnie des Pyrénées, which covers the N’Py brand.
Relaxation and extraordinary experiences
At the beginning of November, it is the snow that ski area managers are impatiently waiting for. On skis, but not only. “skiers and non-skiers alike enjoy moments of rest outside of skiing orunusual experiences ». For example, Gourette developed evening rides for hairdressers to discover the area in the light of the setting sun over the mountain.
Among the novelties of the year comes the “Star Roll”. “It’s an invitation to climb to the top of the station and enjoy the clear skies during the school holidays. An astronomy instructor and his telescope will allow participants to admire the stars, planets, nebulae and distant galaxies.” describes the team.
Roller skating was also offered by the Pierre Saint-Martin estate, managed by the same public institution, EPSA, based on the concept “Live your life as a roller skater”. The discovery of the resort also offers skiers gliding on untouched territory, at sunrise and the opening of the slopes under the supervision of ski patrols. Aube’oulevard or Boulevard By Night offers after-hours skiing on the star-studded slope of the Boulevard des Pyrénées resort, unforgettable, with 100% natural snow and panoramic views all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
A 15 million euro investment program in Gourette will improve the ski area
In Gourette, “a 15 million euro investment program supported by the Ministry will enable the ski area to be improved”, announces Arnaud Libibehety, Director General of EPSA. Modernization, expansion of the beginner area, strengthening of the snow network, creation of a lift usable in winter and summer, to higher altitudes… The first tested undertaking of this season: the rebuilding of the Préhistoire blue slope, which ensures the descent from the top of the resort, at an altitude of 2,060 meters , up to the foot of the slopes at 1,345 meters.
Of course, in the heart of both areas, in addition to alpine skiing and the activities that surround it, snowshoe trips and ski tours on specific and safe routes are always available. Also popular entertainment: dog sledding, sledding, Nordic walking, fat biking or other experiences on the zip line (in Gourette)…
Environmental and energy imperative
In Pierre-Saint-Martin, these so-called “natural” activities take place on 25 km of marked trails in the northern area of the resort in the Braca forest, classified as a sensitive natural area (ENS). Environmental protection is therefore a must in the minds of implementing managers “positive impact action” such as the recovery of snow from road snow removal with a view to its redistribution in sensitive areas. Target: “reduce the need for snow production”. Among other initiatives, rainwater is harvested (more than 20,000 m3 in 2023) and feeds a mountain reservoir that is used for artificial snowmaking.
The topic of the environment is also discussed in Gourette “proactive energy saving and resource optimization policy”. On the agenda: control equipment and automation of the speed reduction of lifts, training of skiers in ecological driving, studies of snow forecasts for the next 3 decades or even landscape policy and employee awareness of the “environment”. This year, visitors will also find 10 charging stations for electric cars at the rebuilt Ley parking lot.
Without forgetting that 2 resorts offer their vacationers mass transport with the Skibus connecting Gourette to San Sebastien, Bayonne and Pau and La Pierre Saint Martin to San Sébastien, Bayonne, Oloron and Pamplona.
End of cross-country skiing at the Irata cottages
It’s not really a ski resort. But for 50 years, around the 35 chalets of Irata (Arrau), in the heart of the Souletine forest, it is a beautiful snowy playground at an altitude of 1300 m for the Basques and Landais, who struggle with uneven snow cover depending on the winters. The Soule union commission has decided to suspend the operation of three cross-country loops this winter. The preparation of the slopes required difficult and expensive work, quickly undermined by melting snow or wind, phenomena that became more and more evident over the years. Accommodation, which totals 55,000 nights per year, will now be supported by activities to explore the mountains, nature and herding, hiking, mountain biking or snowshoeing. The commission also takes over the direct management of the on-site restaurant. “The goal is to preserve what exists. We don’t want to create more beds in Iraty,” marks the president of the trade union commission of Soule, Jacques Barreix.