Luchon Superbagnères

Visitors praise the Cremaillere Express gondola: ten-seat cabins replaced the old four-seaters and the ride up takes about eight minutes. The 360-degree Pyrenean panorama wins admirers, as do the long green runs, unusual for a resort this size, a snowpark with boardercross features and careful grooming. The lift pass costs noticeably less than in the Aure valley.

Stagnation draws criticism. The area is small and feels under-invested, with old buildings, grubby corners and broken doors. Reds and blacks are often shut because snowmaking does not reach them. One reviewer described the gondola failing on electrics and only starting at two in the afternoon, with no backup and no information. There is little to do off the slopes, and some venues give locals priority while greeting outsiders coldly.