Saint-Lary-Soulan, a popular family-orientated ski resort
Saint-Lary-Soulan is a popular family ski resort nestled in the heart of the French Pyrenées. A former picturesque spa village, Saint-Lary merged with the neighbouring commune of Soulan in 1964, creating the vibrant destination it is today. Spanning 700 hectares, Saint-Lary-Soulan boasts the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees.
With 56 runs totalling 100 kilometres of slopes, including 10 black, 12 red, 26 blue, and 7 green runs, as well as cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs for younger children, the resort welcomes skiers of all levels. Its commitment to families has earned it the prestigious Famille + label.
Access to the slopes is facilitated by modern infrastructure, including a cable car, two gondolas, 11 chairlifts, 15 surface lifts, and two indoor magic carpets. Furthermore, the resort guarantees optimal snow conditions thanks to its 275 snow cannons.
However, the charm of Saint-Lary-Soulan isn’t limited to the winter season: in summer, hikers and mountain bikers are also drawn to the area. Located in the heart of the picturesque Pyrenees Regional Natural Park and just a short drive from the Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Néouvielle ( National Nature Reserve), the region offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities. Remarkably, over 80% of the resort’s territory benefits from prestigious designations such as Natura 2000, National Park, and Nature Reserve, demonstrating its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.
Saint-Lary-Soulan, a ski resort over 3 levels
The Saint-Lary-Soulan ski area is organised into three distinct levels: Saint-Lary 1700, Saint-Lary 1900, and Saint-Lary 2400.
Saint-Lary 1700, also known as Pla d’Adet, is located at the base of the ski area, in the heart of the charming historic village. This area is specially designed for families and beginners, with all the necessary facilities, including ski schools and toboggan runs.
Heading up towards Saint-Lary 1900, or Espiaube, intermediate skiers will find a vast network of blue and red runs extending from 1,900 to 1,650 meters in altitude, offering ideal terrain for honing their skills.
For advanced skiers seeking thrills, Saint-Lary 2400 offers black and red runs.
The Pla d’Adet chairlift provides access to the Soum de Matte, a summit offering exceptional panoramic views of the Pyrenees Regional Natural Park and Lake Oules. From there, you can also access the snow-park and a 3-kilometre blue cross-country ski trail.
While Saint-Lary-Soulan may not offer the most challenging slopes, its reputation as a family-friendly resort more than makes up for this. Furthermore, its proximity to Toulouse airport makes it a prime destination for families travelling with young children. In short, Saint-Lary-Soulan offers a perfect balance between ski area, infrastructure, and accessibility, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an unforgettable winter holiday.
Department of Hautes-Pyrénées – Occitanie region
Coordinates: Lat 42.815251 – Long 0.320113
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Header by Guillaume336 Public Domain – Photo1 by Gilles Guillamot CC BY-SA 3.0
