Hitting the slopes of Les Angles

Les Angles

The South of France also merits a visit in winter if you like snow. Indeed, the Pyrenees mountains are often covered under a white blanket and guarantee some snow fun. Even if it isn’t snowing that much (like earlier this year…), a couple of snow canons lend a hand. One of the most popular ski resorts is Les Angles. Here, you will find some fine green, blue, red, and even black runs in beautiful scenery. Les Angles ski resort offers 45 slopes covering 55 kilometres between 1,600 and 2,400 metres of altitude. And chances are high that you’ll have a blue sky above you. After all, it is the most southern part of France where the sun is on the agenda about 300 days per year.

Pyrenees

Every year, I try to take one of the kids on a little ski trip in the Pyrenees. This year, it was Middlest’s turn, and he was very eager to go. What I learned from my trip to nearby Font Romeu with Oldest, is that preparation is key. So, I booked a room at Hotel Le Bel Angle, where I could also book our ski pass. But also tickets for Angléo Balneo & Spa and the Lou Bac Mountain sledging run. I also rented skis for Middlest beforehand, which was cheaper online than on the spot (I used Intersport). When we arrived on Friday, we could already pick up our skis for the next day; you can do so after 16h30 at Intersport. After a delightful dinner at La Table de Bel Angle, a good night’s sleep and a lovely breakfast, Middlest and I were ready for some action.

Les Angles

First run

I was surprised to see a lot of free parking possibilities near the ski lifts and in the village centre. We were a little late, around 09h00, but there still was enough space near the Baliu chair lift. I got a tip from a friend to try barbecuing on top of the mountain, so we first went to get some meat at the Spar supermarket. There wasn’t much choice, but I wasn’t sure if we would find the barbecue spot, so it was what it was. Finally, we clipped on our skis and went up to our first run. Despite the lack of snow, still 25 lifts were open and snow cannons had helped making a decent layer of snow. Middlest and I had lots of fun exploring the ski resort, starting with some easy greens and blues.

Les Angles

Barbecue

Of course, Middlest suggested trying a red piste and taking the Roc d’Aude chair lift. The signs at the beginning warned us of the difficult slopes ahead and that beginners should stay away. Slightly nervous, I followed Middlest on the ‘Bosses’ piste, but it was absolutely fine and not too complicated at all. On my quest to find the barbecue spot, we headed for the plateau at the end of the Pelerins telecabine (the gondola). After asking around, we followed the signs to the ‘Salle Hors Sac’. The simple wooden restaurant is 150 metres to your left coming from the gondola, right after the restaurant Chalet. And at the far end, we found the barbecue, or more of an open fire really, where the friendly staff grills your meat for free (but a tip is appreciated). Families had brought serious steaks and sausages to complete their homemade picnic. Fantastic!

Salle Hors Sac

Sledging and relaxing

At around 14h00, the snow condition went downhill, and we called it a day. Well, not quite as I had some more surprises in store. I was so glad to have already bought these surprise tickets via Hotel Le Bel Angle, which made it extra easy. So, after returning Middlest’s skis, we went back up by the telecabine for the first surprise: a sledging ride at Lou Bac Mountain. This 2,000 metres toboggan run is attached to a monorail and descends 430 metres. Great fun! And after all this action, Middlest and I spent some time bubbling and relaxing at the second surprise: the Angléo spa. What a blissful way to end our Pyrenees weekend!

Lou Bac Mountain & Angléo
TO DO - Activities
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