Rules for visiting Gavarnie
What is allowed and what is not at the resort and around it: camping, motorhomes, ski touring, dogs, drones and fires. Each rule links to the official source it comes from.
The resort lies within Pyrenees National Park (Parc national des Pyrénées), so its public-use rules also apply. Source: pyrenees-parcnational.fr
⛺ Camping and bivouac
- With conditionsCamping with a tent, vehicle or any other shelter is prohibited in the core zone of the park. Bivouacking is allowed from 19:00 to 9:00 at more than one hour's walk from the boundaries of the core zone or from any motorised access. There are marked bivouac areas next to some mountain huts.Source: pyrenees-parcnational.fr
🚐 Motorhomes and caravans
- With conditionsOvernight stays in motorhomes are prohibited in the core zone of the park, including in car parks. There is a service area in the Holle car park, on the resort road, 1 km from the village: €10/24 h from 1 May to 30 October and free the rest of the year.Source: valleesdegavarnie.com
🎿 Ski touring and snowshoes on the slopes
- With conditionsA municipal order prohibits climbing up the ski runs. There are 2 itineraries marked in yellow, "Les Bronzés" and "Le Mourgat", and an 8 km snowshoe trail to the Col des Tentes. They can only be used during the opening days and hours of the ski area, when the pisteurs open them.Source: ski-gavarnie.com
🐕 Dogs
- ProhibitedDogs are prohibited in the core zone of the park even on a lead, except for herding, assistance or rescue dogs. On a lead, they are only allowed on the D923 road to the Col des Tentes and on the path from the village to the Hôtel du Cirque.Source: pyrenees-parcnational.fr
🛸 Drones
- ProhibitedFlying over the core zone of the park with motorised aircraft below 1,000 m above the ground is prohibited. No exemption requests are accepted for recreational drones.Source: pyrenees-parcnational.fr
🔥 Fires and barbecues
- ProhibitedLighting fires is prohibited in the core zone of the park, to prevent wildfires and damage to the soil. Portable stoves are allowed under the conditions set by the park regulations. Exemptions can be requested at autorisation@pyrenees-parcnational.fr.Source: pyrenees-parcnational.fr
🛷 Sledging
- AllowedThe resort has a free-access sledging run, with no lift pass required, open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 during the season. Bouées (snow tubes) can be rented: €6 for a single and €9 for a double for 30 minutes. From age 4.Source: ski-gavarnie.com
📋 Other rules
- ProhibitedCollecting or taking away natural items (animals, plants, minerals, fossils) is prohibited in the core zone of the park. 4x4 vehicles and motorbike trials are also prohibited.Source: pyrenees-parcnational.fr
- With conditionsThe lift pass is personal and non-transferable and must be carried for the whole ride on the lift. Checks may take place at the top or the bottom. If someone refuses to regularise their situation, a complaint for fraud is filed with the gendarmerie.Source: ski-gavarnie.com
Frequently asked questions
- Can you camp or bivouac at Gavarnie?
- With conditions. Camping with a tent, vehicle or any other shelter is prohibited in the core zone of the park. Bivouacking is allowed from 19:00 to 9:00 at more than one hour's walk from the boundaries of the core zone or from any motorised access. There are marked bivouac areas next to some mountain huts.
- Can you sleep in a motorhome at Gavarnie?
- With conditions. Overnight stays in motorhomes are prohibited in the core zone of the park, including in car parks. There is a service area in the Holle car park, on the resort road, 1 km from the village: €10/24 h from 1 May to 30 October and free the rest of the year.
- Can you skin up the slopes at Gavarnie?
- With conditions. A municipal order prohibits climbing up the ski runs. There are 2 itineraries marked in yellow, "Les Bronzés" and "Le Mourgat", and an 8 km snowshoe trail to the Col des Tentes. They can only be used during the opening days and hours of the ski area, when the pisteurs open them.
- Can you bring a dog to Gavarnie?
- Prohibited. Dogs are prohibited in the core zone of the park even on a lead, except for herding, assistance or rescue dogs. On a lead, they are only allowed on the D923 road to the Col des Tentes and on the path from the village to the Hôtel du Cirque.
- Can you fly a drone at Gavarnie?
- Prohibited. Flying over the core zone of the park with motorised aircraft below 1,000 m above the ground is prohibited. No exemption requests are accepted for recreational drones.
- Can you light a fire or barbecue at Gavarnie?
- Prohibited. Lighting fires is prohibited in the core zone of the park, to prevent wildfires and damage to the soil. Portable stoves are allowed under the conditions set by the park regulations. Exemptions can be requested at autorisation@pyrenees-parcnational.fr.
- Where can you go sledging at Gavarnie?
- Allowed. The resort has a free-access sledging run, with no lift pass required, open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 during the season. Bouées (snow tubes) can be rented: €6 for a single and €9 for a double for 30 minutes. From age 4.
Before you go
Rules collected on 12 October 2026 and reviewed every month. Rules change and may have exceptions: if in doubt, follow the protected area, the local council or the resort. Translated from Spanish; some sources may be in another language.