J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by PeakTimes

It has just been confirmed that for the start of the 2008/09 season the main focus of work at Superbagneres will be centred on the "Techous" sector. Changes will include the installation of a new piste which will start at the arrival point of the Luchon-Superbagneres gondola and join on to the existing "Estives" piste. This will provide an easy access option for beginners avoiding the existing steep(ish) entry into the Techous bowl. This will also give skiers an alternate return to the Luchon-Superbagneres gondola.

The second piste change will be on the lower part of the "Estives" by introducing an alternative piste with improved snow retention/protection providing access to the "Crabioules" chair.

The final phase of planned work will be to remodel and improve the snowpark area that was introduced last season.

I spent some time with the management and staff of Peyragudes station (here in the heart of the Pyrenees) last week which enabled me to drive to the top of the resort in my Land Rover (great fun) to see at first hand how this summers developments are progressing.

As part of an ongoing 20 million euro investment programme this year will see the installation and completion of a new 6 seater demountable chair which will significantly increase the uplift for the fantastic "les Gourgs Blancs" sector by replacing the old triple chair Serre Doumenge.

As part of this programme they are also transforming the summit and re-managing the pistes that link the 3 skiing areas together. This along with the new development at the Peyresourde base will reinforce the stations position as being one of the best resorts in the central Pyrenees.

Anyone thinking about their wallet for the coming season should seriously consider this area which with a good snow record, lift passes averaging at 30 euros a day and beer in Luchon only costing 4 euros 50 for a pint certainly represents good value.

I classify myself as being a bit of an old dog with my 50th due in April. I like to have fun and spend time when I can either off piste, jumping and spinning.

The spinning is fairly easy as long as previously mentioned you have the base flat to the snow to avoid catching edges.

I find that gently rocking backwards and then forwards over the tips/tails of the ski makes the spin faster.

I use Rossignol Bandit B2's (the longest in the range) and the length doesn't seem to make the spin harder.

My only problem is that after 5 fast spins i have lost my head - its almost better than 5 pints.

Owners were given a 24 hour grace period so the law became effective as of midnight on the 1st/2nd. It seems to be working as the bar owners are afraid of the potential fines they will get.

Great news..........

I am pleased to say that right on cue the anticipated snow has now arrived in the Pyrenees. Our local resorts (Superbagneres, Peyragudes and Baqueira Beret) all had approx 50cm yesterday and with colder temperatures all of the resorts are also making snow.

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With Ryanair pushing cheap flights for £10.00 each way including taxes why not consider a long ski weekend in January with Peak Times. We are currently running two long weekend breaks (10th - 15th & 17th - 22nd).


Flights into either Pau (Ryanair from Stansted) or Toulouse.

5 nights, 4 full days skiing, 2 resorts for just £250.00 per person based on two sharing and includes:

Private transfers from either Pau or Toulouse
5 nights accommodation at Villa Portillon
Hearty breakfast each morning
Afternoon homemade cakes and hot refreshments
4 course evening meal with wine (4 nights only)
Ski companion service at Superbagneres and Peyragudes

I read some interesting articles on the NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation)which refers to the weather patterns when the jet flow is either higher or lower than normal.

I prefer to see things with my own eyes and we have already had snow twice in the last week or so down to 1500 metres. Though the temperatures a still quite mild this may well be a good sign of things to come.

Undoubtedly when the season approaches I will be checking half a dozen weather sites daily in the hope that there will be the early season snow that we all want.

Superb clip,

never in my own wildest dream could I even find myself standing on the peak let alone taking the first turn.

Its good to know that there are still some untamed challenges out there.

MJ