The French Pyrenees offer a compelling alternative to the more crowded and expensive Alps. PlanetSKI recently partnered with Intersport to explore the region's ski opportunities, with a focus on the quality and affordability of ski rentals. According to a PlanetSKI report from January 27, 2026, the trip revealed excellent freeride terrain and significant cost savings compared to other European ski destinations.
James Cove of PlanetSKI reported that he had never skied in the French Pyrenees before this trip, despite over 45 years of skiing experience. The invitation from Intersport provided an opportunity to evaluate their rental operations in the region.
The Appeal of Ski Rentals
The PlanetSKI report emphasized the advantages of renting skis, including:
- Reduced travel hassle by avoiding excess baggage fees, especially with airlines like British Airways charging significant fees (£150 in this instance) for ski bags.
- Access to a wide variety of high-quality equipment.
- Flexibility to choose skis suited to current conditions.
Intersport Rental Experience
Intersport, described as the leading European ski rental provider, offers PlanetSKI readers special discounts. The author secured a gold all-mountain ski pack for €43 for three days, including a PlanetSKI discount and an additional loyalty discount from Intersport. This represented a 55% discount on the list price, working out to just over €14 per day. Boots could have been added for €14 and a helmet for €9.
Rental prices vary by resort. The same gold all-mountain pack that was €43 in the Pyrenees would cost €56 in a satellite village of La Plagne, but €100 in the center of Meribel, according to PlanetSKI.
Booking and Equipment Selection
The booking process is streamlined through the Intersport website. Customers can enter the PlanetSKI discount code directly or access the website via a link on the PlanetSKI page. While specific ski models and sizes cannot be selected during the initial booking, customers can contact the rental store to discuss their needs. Ski packs are categorized by color (blue, red, black, gold, and gold all-mountain) to indicate the performance level. Some stores offer a platinum upgrade.
The Intersport location in La Mongie reportedly has a wide selection of freeride skis and touring gear. The author skied on Atomic Bent Chetler skis (110mm underfoot) in the Pyrenean powder.
Pyrenean Skiing Highlights
The trip included skiing in the Grand Tourmalet area, including the Pic Du Midi. The Pic Du Midi, at 2,877m, houses a historic astronomical observatory and offers off-piste skiing. Other resorts visited included Peyragudes and St Lary. At St. Lary, the PlanetSKI team skied with Olympic boardercross medallist, Polo de la Rue.
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, reportedly spent holidays in the Pyrenees growing up, and opened the new astronomy exhibition space at the Pic du Midi in 2018.
La Mongie is a purpose-built, high-altitude resort.