cheap skiing and equipment hire: Pyrenees

pigeonpie

we have 2-3 days to spend somewhere in the french Pyrenees (near Pau or Lourdes) in early Jan, after the schools go back in France.
We've never been before or ski'd before so does anyone know if you can hire everything you need when you are there? What about snow chains for the car as well?

If anyone has any info or suggestions on Cauterets or similar suitable for total beginners please let me know. Also on types of accommodation? We are thinking flat ski or very gentle safe slope (we aren't too young either) thanks

hartcjhart

personally I would try to hire the equipment here,some holiday areas are terrible at adjusting the 'bindings' which can cause injury