At the time of the first snows, the amateurs of glide and nature take with happiness the direction of the the ski area of Saint-Lary-Soulan. Because Saint-Lary is a pleasant resort that combines expansion with sustainable development. In Saint-Lary, we breathe! Zoom on a spot of choice to go for a walk with your skis at the gateway to the Pyrenees Parks which offers a family and intimate setting for winter sports enthusiasts.
A warm resort
The village of Saint-Lary-Soulan, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, is located in the Aure valley which runs along the Neste d'Aure river to Spain. A stage on the road to Santiago de Compostela, Saint-Lary-Soulan is a merger of the communes of Saint-Lary and Soulan. The union, which took place in 1963, made it possible to extend the ski resort and to access it by road. The high mountain village is a spa resort at the gateway to the Pyrenees Park. There is a friendly atmosphere in the streets, the stores, the bars, the restaurants, the discotheques... and on the ski areas which have nearly 100 kilometers of slopes. Wide and preserved, the Aure valley benefits from a privileged climate, largely sunny, and protected from the disturbances of the west. On the economic side, Saint-Lary experienced rapid development in the post-war period with the construction of large hydroelectric dams at altitude and the establishment of the ski resort in 1957.
A multiple ski area
The resort first developed on the Pla d'Adet sector which concentrates nearly a third of the resort's accommodation. The "Pla" is directly linked to the heart of the village by the ski lifts (cable car and gondola). And at the Pla d'Adet, the family is king with the snow garden (the famous Piou Piou club), the sledging slopes, the green and easy slope of the Scarf, and the playful sliding area "Kidpark" for beginners, walking areas for pedestrians... It must be said that the resort is labeled "Famille Plus Montagne".
With the construction of the access road and the merger with Soulan, a second foot of the slope was created near the village of Granges d'Espiaube. It is the closest point to the village if you go up by car and certainly the most central to discover the whole domain. Experienced skiers will find themselves in this intermediate zone (1 900 meters of altitude). Don't miss the famous "Mirabelle", a long run of 700 meters of vertical drop and fun! Finally, at an altitude of 2,400 meters, crossing the ridge line, make way for Saint-Lary 2400 "Vallon du Portet". Here, with a 360° view of the Pyrenees, you will find the lively snowpark, a 3 kilometer cross-country ski trail, but also, for walkers and nature lovers, superb snowshoeing near the Oule lake (accessible by the lake's chairlift), on the border of the Pyrenees National Park.
In short, this ski area is one of the largest in the Pyrenees, extending over different slopes, with different configurations: sometimes in the high mountains, sometimes in the forest... A richness of landscape and exposure which has the advantage of guaranteeing that you can ski whatever the weather conditions, or almost. Traditions and novelties cohabit in this pastoral valley, where paragliders fly over the village of Patou with delight. This Pyrenean dog, once in charge of watching over the safety of the herd, has become the endearing emblem of Saint-Lary.
Enjoy the ski area... on foot!
Obviously, with a domain as exceptional as Saint-Lary's, skiing and snowboarding are the rhythm of the winter for seasonal workers and vacationers. But if you are not interested in this sport, you can easily access the site with shoes thanks to the cable car that connects it from the village! An alternative that particularly seduced us, ideal to admire the magical landscapes of this fabulous place. Why not meet up with your friends or family who are keen on skiing? Small precision, forget all the same the pumps, you are in mountain and on the snow! The route is simple, by cable car or gondola you reach Espiaube and you have at your disposal six lifts to reach the domain which ensures you unforgettable panoramas. The lake of Oule in its center is simply a wonder of nature, don't forget your camera. On the spot, you can also enjoy a gourmet break: they are good ski vacations, even when you don't like it! The access packages, which start with a basic one-way ticket, are called Contemplation and it is surely a deserved name.
Original activities
TheOffice des sports de montagne has 25 qualified guides who will share their passion with you, in all seasons. Among the new summer activities, the arapaho, the latest generation of downhill scooters. You go up in a gondola and go down 900 m or 1 500 m, from the resort to the village, accompanied by a qualified instructor. Original, in winter, snowshoe outings with thematic formulas such as the "snack" walk in an inn, family outings "little trappers" to discover animal tracks and to learn how to build an igloo, the "moonlight" walk on the ridges, which ends with a good mountain meal... And in any season, the must: cocktails of "adventure" or "discovery" activities. In summer, for a weekend of pleasure or for a gift, think of the 2-day all-inclusive packages, including activities, loan of specific equipment and full-board accommodation. As you can see, Saint-Lary-Soulan is a welcoming resort that will please the whole family in the quietness of the Pyrenean landscapes. Make your reservations for this winter!
Smart info
When is it open? All year round, but obviously in winter to enjoy the pleasures of skiing. The Saint-Lary-Soulan ski area has been open since December 7, 2022 and will remain open until March 26, 2023.
How to get there. By car, by train (TGV Atlantique Paris-Tarbes, with connection to Saint-Lary by SNCF bus) or by plane (Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées international airport at 80 km).
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare at best your escapade.
SAINT-LARY TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the site
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Find a cultural or sport activity - Find
Get a tailor-made trip with a local agency - Request a free quote
