Nestled in the Aure valley at 1,700 m altitude, Saint-Lary-Soulan is the flagship resort of the French Pyrenees. With 100 km of pistes, a domain open from November to April and a complete four-season offer, it attracts hundreds of thousands of French and Spanish visitors every year.
The ski area
Saint-Lary’s ski domain spans 4 sectors linked by lifts, between 1,680 m and 2,515 m altitude.
The 4 sectors
| Sector | Altitude | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pla d’Adet | 1,700 m | Beginners, families |
| Espiaube | 1,850 m | Cross-country, snowshoeing |
| Vallon du Portet | 2,400 m | Advanced skiers |
| Sommet du Portet | 2,515 m | Panoramic views |
The pistes
- 100 km of pistes in total
- 37 runs: 10 green, 17 blue, 8 red, 2 black
- 31 ski lifts including 3 gondolas
- Snowpark with kickers, rails and boxes for freestyle riders
Snow conditions
Saint-Lary benefits from an excellent north-east aspect that preserves snow quality. The altitude of the Sommet du Portet guarantees reliable conditions from December through to late April, with natural snowfall supplemented by an extensive snowmaking network (850 snow guns).
Winter activities
Alpine skiing
The ski area suits all levels perfectly. Beginners progress on the wide green runs at Pla d’Adet. Experienced skiers love the reds and the black “Bonaigue” piste for its uninterrupted 800 m vertical drop.
Cross-country skiing
The Espiaube sector offers 30 km of groomed cross-country trails, with loops for all levels.
Snowshoeing and winter hiking
Marked circuits from each sector allow you to explore the Pyrenean ridges on snowshoes. The walk up to Lac de Bastan (2,062 m) is particularly popular.
Sledging and fun activities
- Natural sledging run at Pla d’Adet
- Snow Garden for children aged 3–6
- Snowmobiling from Espiaube
Saint-Lary in summer
The resort transforms into an outdoor activity hub from June. The Sommet du Portet gondola (2,515 m) stays open for access to high-altitude trails.
Summer hiking
Lac de Bastan — 3h return, 500 m elevation, panoramic views over the frontier range
Pic de la Mine — 4h return, 800 m elevation, 360° view over the central Pyrenees
Tour de la Vallée d’Aure — 2 days, 30 km, overnight in mountain huts
Col du Portet — gondola start, 2h loop, suitable for families
Mountain biking
The Pla d’Adet bike park has 5 marked trails (green to black) with a lift pass included. The Sommet du Portet descent (2,515 m → 1,700 m, 800 m vertical) is one of the finest in the Pyrenees.
Via ferrata
The Pla d’Adet via ferrata (grade D/TD) offers an excellent vertical progression on the limestone cliffs above the village.
The village of Saint-Lary-Soulan
Thermal spa and wellness
The Saint-Lary thermal centre (Sensoria) offers treatments using natural sulphurous spring water. Indoor pool, hammam, sauna and relaxation therapies — ideal after a day on the slopes or on the trail. Open year-round.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of the Aure valley draws on Pyrenean local produce:
- Aligot from the Aubrac (melted tomme cheese)
- Garbure (Béarnaise vegetable and confit soup)
- Duck magret and confit from the Hautes-Pyrénées
- Local cheeses: ossau-iraty, Pyrenean tomme
Market and crafts
The weekly market (Wednesday mornings, July–August) brings together local producers: cheese-makers, market gardeners, honey producers and artisans.
Lift passes and prices
| Pass | Adult price | Child price (under 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Day pass | ~€38 | ~€30 |
| 6-day pass | ~€190 | ~€152 |
| Season pass | ~€540 | ~€432 |
Tip: booking online in advance saves up to 20% on lift passes. Early-bird prices are available from October for the following season.
Getting there
By car
- From Toulouse: A64 → Tarbes → D929 via Arreau — 2h15
- From Pau: A64 → Lannemezan → D929 — 1h45
- From Lourdes: D921 → Arreau → Saint-Lary — 1h15
By train + shuttle
- Lannemezan station (TGV from Toulouse and Paris) + ski shuttle in winter
- Tarbes station + car hire
Parking Several free and paid car parks at Pla d’Adet. In peak season, park in the valley and take the gondola up.
Accommodation
Saint-Lary offers a wide range, from studio apartments in tourist residences to upmarket chalets:
- Residences: Pierre & Vacances, Odalys, Maeva (ski-in/ski-out)
- Hotels: around ten 2★ to 4★ establishments in the village
- Gîtes and B&Bs: self-catering rentals throughout the Aure valley
- Campsite: open in summer, by the Saint-Lary mountain stream
Events calendar
- January: Trophée Couleurs Pyrénées (freestyle ski competition)
- February: Mountain Carnival
- July: Tour de France stage finish (in some years)
- August: “Les Estivales” music festival
Practical information
- Tourist office: Place du Compostelle, Saint-Lary-Soulan — +33 5 62 39 50 81
- Live snow report: saint-lary.com/meteo
- Webcams: 4 live cameras across the domain
- Village altitude: 830 m — Max piste altitude: 2,515 m