Mountain guides in the French Pyrenees
IFMGA/UIAGM-certified mountain guides based near Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Pic du Midi off-piste skiing, ski touring, ice climbing, mountaineering and rock climbing, guided in English, French and Spanish.
Ski the Pic du Midi with a guideGUIDES PYRÉNÉES is a mountain guiding company based in Pouzac, near Bagnères-de-Bigorre (Hautes-Pyrénées, France). All our guides hold the French state diploma of mountain guide (IFMGA/UIAGM). In winter, we guide the off-piste descent of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre from La Mongie. All year round, we guide ski touring, ice climbing, mountaineering, rock climbing and via ferrata across the French and Spanish Pyrenees, in small groups.
Pic du Midi off-piste skiing with a mountain guide
Take the cable car from La Mongie to the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,877 m), then ski one of the great off-piste descents of the Pyrenees with an IFMGA mountain guide.
- 1,400 to 1,500 m vertical drop via the Classique Sud (to Barèges) or the Coume du Pic (to Artigues)
- Half day or full day, maximum 6 people per guide
- Avalanche airbag, transceiver, shovel and probe provided and included
- From €250 per group, i.e. €50 per person in a group of 6 (lift pass not included)
- December to April, depending on snow cover
Your guide: Olivier Pambrun, IFMGA mountain guide
Olivier Pambrun founded GUIDES PYRÉNÉES. He is a French state-certified mountain guide and a member of the IFMGA/UIAGM.
- Former mountain rescuer with the PGHM (French Gendarmerie High Mountain Rescue)
- First aid instructor
- Météo-France certified snow and avalanche observer
- Languages: English, French, Spanish
His professional card (no. 00912ED0001) can be checked on the official register of the French Ministry of Sport.
Other mountain activities in the Pyrenees, on request
Our detailed pages for these activities are in French. Contact us in English and we will build a day or a trip around your goals and level.
Winter
- Ski touring and ski traverses (Néouvielle, Gavarnie, Cauterets, Ossau)
- Off-piste skiing in the Grand Tourmalet area
- Ice climbing (Gavarnie, Troumouse, Bielsa)
- Snow couloirs, gullies and winter mountaineering (Vignemale, Monte Perdido, Aneto)
Summer
- Mountaineering and rock ridges
- Multi-pitch rock climbing, bolted and traditional
- Pyrenean 3,000 m summits (Aneto, Vignemale, Balaïtous)
- Via ferrata
- Introduction to rock climbing
Sustainable mountain tourism
We guide in small groups, share our knowledge of Pyrenean wildlife and plants, and meet you at train stations (Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Lannemezan, Montréjeau) or encourage car sharing to reduce our impact.
Mountain guides in the Pyrenees: FAQ
Are your mountain guides certified?
Yes. All our mountain guides hold the French state diploma of mountain guide and are members of the IFMGA/UIAGM, the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. This is the highest qualification for guiding in the mountains, on skis and on rock or ice.
Do you guide in English?
Yes. We guide in English, French and Spanish, and you can book in any of these three languages by phone, text or email.
What is your most popular activity for international visitors?
The guided off-piste descent of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,877 m) from La Mongie: 1,400 to 1,500 m of vertical drop, avalanche airbag and safety kit provided, from €250 per group of 1 to 3 people and €50 per person in a group of 6.
Where do you guide?
Across the French and Spanish Pyrenees: Pic du Midi de Bigorre and Grand Tourmalet, Néouvielle, Gavarnie, Vignemale, Ossau, Balaïtous, Luchon and Maladeta-Aneto, as well as Aragon and Catalonia in Spain.
How do I book?
Call or text +33 7 52 65 55 26 or email contact@guidespyrenees.fr with your dates, the number of people and your level. We reply in English.
Contact GUIDES PYRÉNÉES
51 avenue de la Mongie, 65200 Pouzac, Hautes-Pyrénées, France. Booking in English, French or Spanish.