The Alps have had a decent winter season 2026, but the Pyrenees? They’re having an epic season so far…
In fact, if you were to ask any seasonaire from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean where is the best snow in Europe this season, the answer is undeniable: the Pyrenees. Whether it’s the massive Grandvalira resort in Andorra, or the gems dotted across the French and Spanish Pyrenees, here’s the lowdown on why you should be looking south this year.
January snowfall in the Pyrenees
The current Pyrenees snowfall situation has been the result of a relentless conveyor belt of Atlantic moisture that has been delivering some incredible conditions across the mountain range throughout January. While the Alps were caught under a stubborn high-pressure system that brought blue skies but little fresh accumulation, the Pyrenees were the primary target for a series of powerful Sou’Wester fronts.
In the French Hautes-Pyrénées, resorts like Piau Engaly have become the poster children for this surge. Reporting a staggering upper base of 350cm (that’s over 11 feet of settled snow!!), Piau is currently boasting some of the deepest totals on the planet. This isn’t just good for the Pyrenees… these are world-class numbers.
Across the border in Spain, the story is much the same. Baqueira Beret has consistently reported 40–50cm top-ups every few days, leading to an upper base of roughly 240cm. The result is a landscape that looks more like British Columbia than the Iberian Peninsula. For the first time in recent memory, the link between the various sectors of these massive resorts hasn’t just been open; it’s been buried.
In Andorra, the Grandvalira circuit, comprising Soldeu, El Tarter, and Pas de la Casa, has reached a rare 100% operational capacity. Every lift is spinning, and every itinerary run is filled in. However, this bounty hasn’t come without its challenges. The avalanche risk has frequently touched Level 4 (High) due to wind-loading on the high ridges, and resort teams have been working overtime with PIDA (avalanche triggering plans) to keep the slopes safe for the half-term crowds.
The Pyrenees Snow Forecast: February 2026
As we move into the second week of February, the question on everyone’s lips is whether this snow-mageddon can last. The latest pyrenees snow forecast suggests a transition from massive, resort-burying storms to a more unsettled and changeable pattern.
For the next seven days, the models are pointing toward a series of lighter refreshes. We aren’t looking at meter-deep dumps this week, but rather consistent 5–15cm dustings that will keep the pistes soft and the off-piste surface refreshed. Temperatures at the summits remain firmly sub-zero, ensuring that the existing massive snowpack stays dry and doesn’t turn into the heavy, coastal slush the region is sometimes known for.
However, keep an eye on the mid-February window. Long-range ensembles are hinting at a slight warming trend around February 12–15. We may see the freezing level creep up toward 1,800m, which could introduce a bit of spring-like humidity to the lower French valleys. But with bases as deep as they are, a few days of sun or mild rain won’t dent the season’s prospects. If anything, it will help settle the snowpack, potentially lowering the avalanche risk and opening up some of the more ambitious backcountry routes that have been too dangerous to touch until now.
Where to Ski In Pyrenees in 2026…
If you’re looking to capitalize on this record-breaking Pyrenees snowfall, three destinations currently stand head and shoulders above the rest:
Piau Engaly, France The best of the French side this season, it’s not the biggest but its unique high-altitude bowl at 1,850m means it catches everything the Atlantic throws at it. With a 350cm base, you are skiing on a literal mountain of snow. It’s north-facing, meaning the powder stays cold long after the sun comes out. It’s rugged, high, and currently the best place in France for pure depth. It’s looking like this could be a top pick well into the late season…
Grandvalira, Andorra If you want the big resort experience with zero compromises, this is the top pick in the Pyrenees. Grandvalira is currently a playground. The snow depth at the summits is hovering between 250cm and 280cm. The standout sector right now is Ordino Arcalís, the fridge” of Andorra, which has been the site of the Freeride World Tour for a reason: the snow quality here is often the best in the country.
Read our full Andorra guide.
Baqueira Beret, Spain The king of the Spanish Pyrenees. Known for its royal visitors and gourmet food, it is currently all about the terrain. With 100% of its 160km+ of runs open and an upper base of 240cm, the Bonaigua and Beret sectors are offering some of the best lift-accessed off-piste in Europe. The snow here has a unique quality, moist enough to stick to the steep faces but cold enough to remain fast and light.
Finding ski packages to Pyrenees 2026
If you’re looking for the best Pyrenees ski packages, we recommend:
Andorra ski packages at Nuco Ski
Estiber for great deals on French and Spanish Pyrenees resorts.
