Saint-Lary Soulan is a Pyrenean ski resort in the heart of the Aure Valley. Here, holidaymakers discover the soul of an authentic Pyrenean village, before climbing up to reach the ski area, one of the largest in the mountain range that separates France from Spain. Whether you're a fan of snow sports, hiking in the great outdoors or more unusual winter activities, everyone enjoys a stay in Saint-Lary Soulan. A warm, family-friendly mountain destination to discover, with 10 must-do activities presented below.
1. Skiing, the number one winter activity in Saint-Lary Soulan
The Saint-Lary Soulan ski area boasts over 100 km of pistes, accessible from the village center by cable car and gondola. there are 3 sectors: Pla d'Adet, Espiaube and Vallon du Portet. The Pla d'Adet is recommended for skiing with children, with rather flat pistes. The other two areas are more suited to those in search of thrills and spills. The Saint-Lary Soulan ski area is distinguished by its different configurations, with skiing sometimes in the high mountains, sometimes in the forest.
To book : Do you love skiing? Book a ski tour in Saint-Lary-Soulan with Pyrénées Trekking and you'll be sure to enjoy an enchanting excursion : magnificent snow-covered landscapes await you!
2. Snowshoeing
Snowshoe trekking is one of the best ways to enjoy the magnificent Pyrenean landscapes surrounding the resort of Saint-Lary Soulan, one of the best destinations for mountain vacations. One of the must-do walks is to Lac de l'Oule, surrounded by magnificent snow-covered countryside. Near Saint-Lary, we also recommend taking part in the superb Couéou snowshoe hike. An excursion that passes among the trees, before climbing to altitude and taking in the contrast between the blue of the sky and the white of the snow.
To book: Enjoy a snowshoe hike and discover the Pyrenees from Saint-Lary-Soulan by booking your excursion with the Office des Sports de Montagneright here. Their guides, all qualified mountain enthusiasts, will make your experience much more than a simple stroll.
The unusual option: Enjoy a moonlit snowshoe hike in Saint-Lary-Soulan by booking right here (including a tartiflette meal in a local cider house). Listen in on nature and the animals that inhabit the heights, and enjoy Pyrenean nature under a starry sky.
3. What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan in winter? Snowmobiling when the slopes close
Holidaymakers looking for an unforgettable experience during their stay in Saint-Lary Soulan should definitely consider snowmobiling. Once the skiers have deserted the slopes at the end of the day, guided rides are offered on state-of-the-art snowmobiles. With 1 or 2 people on board, the ride allows you to watch the sun set over the mountains, before the adventure continues in nocturnal mode. Another unforgettable experience in the Pyrenees!
4. What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan in winter? Ice tyrolienne
Ziplining is often associated with the summer season. But Saint-Lary Soulan invites you to take to the skies in the dead of winter! The ice tyrolienne offers several courses of varying levels of difficulty for families. Once set up in perfect safety conditions, you can soar through the trees or over magnificent frozen waterfalls. Whether you're an adult or a child, you'll be thrilled and amazed.
And if you're planning a family outing, don't miss our top family ski resorts!
5. What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan in winter? Ice climbing
Equipped with crampons, a helmet and ice axes, ice climbing is an unusual activity that involves climbing a temporary ice wall. An excellent way to test your agility and observe magnificent frozen landscapes. The activity is carried out in the company of a mountain guide and is open to beginners and initiated alike. A word of advice: bring warm clothing in which you'll feel perfectly at ease as you move about.
Looking for another unusual winter activity in Saint-Lary-Soulan? Come and try biathlon, an Olympic event combining Nordic skiing and rifle shooting , by booking here.
6. A cani-rando for a change from skiing
Head for Arreau and the Repaire des Huskies to meet Siberian Huskies, Greenland dogs, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds. The structure welcomes holidaymakers and begins by getting them to feel at ease with the animals. The professional musher then proposes a cani-rando, otherwise known as a dog sled ride. A gentle way to discover the beauty of the Pyrenean landscape in winter.
To book: Are you not only a lover of the great outdoors and animals, but also just passing through the Hautes-Pyrénées? Then be sure to visit the Instinct Louron pack and discover sled dogs in Avajan by booking right here.
7. A gourmet break in a high-altitude restaurant
Winter sports activities are a real must! Saint-Lary Soulan boasts a number of high-altitude restaurants. Most have terraces where you can indulge your taste buds while enjoying sublime views of the snow-covered landscape. The menu includes mountain specialities such as tartiflette, raclette and fondue, but you can also enjoy a pizza or burger. There's something for every taste.
To book: Are you on a family vacation in Saint-Lary? Book this unforgettable igloo-building experience right here! A fun and friendly activity in the heart of the snow-covered Pyrenean peaks.
8. What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan in winter? Paragliding
What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan in winter? Paragliding is one of the best ways to discover the landscapes surrounding the resort of Saint-Lary Soulan, a great idea for a vacation destination in January or February after the festive season. And there's no need to be an expert in the field, as the activity is practiced in tandem, in the company of a qualified professional. There are two options: a 15/20-minute introductory flight, or a 30- or 45-minute long ascent flight. The superb views of the ridges above the Saint-Lary valley are images you won't soon forget!
To book : Would you like to experience unforgettable aerial sensations in the Pyrenees with a paragliding experience? Click here to book your first paragliding flight in Saint-Lary-Soulan!
9. The home of the Pyrenees National Park
Saint-Lary is a typical Pyrenean village, where you really must take the time to wander around and admire the beauty of its heritage. The stone houses are magnificent. At the foot of the majestic Tour Hachan and the town hall, the Maison du Parc National des Pyrénées welcomes visitors to its museographic space, which showcases the wealth of flora and fauna in the great natural spaces near Saint-Lary. A place that's both educational and fun, it was completely refurbished and enlarged in 2014. A fascinating experience!
10. What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan in winter? Relax at the spa
In the heart of the village of Saint-Lary Soulan, families are invited to take a break between two ski sessions to enjoy a fun-filled day at Sensoria Rio, a balneo area decorated like a Spanish canyon. Young and old alike are enchanted by the geysers, whirlpools, massaging jets, bubble beds and Jacuzzi offering a breathtaking view of the peaks of the Aure valley.for added variety, there are also outdoor pools, one reserved for adults and another accessible to children, providing a relaxing interlude before heading back out onto the snowy slopes.
What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan when you're not skiing?
What to do in Saint-Lary Soulan in winter? It's perfectly possible to spend a pleasant vacation in Saint-Lary Soulan without skiing. The village of Saint-Lary is typical and very pretty, with beautiful buildings and stores where you can stock up on clothes and culinary specialities. There are also some great walks to enjoy and photograph the mountain scenery. For a good laugh with family and friends, there's nothing like a session of tobogganing or snowtubing on a giant buoy! Skating rink, paragliding, ice climbing, spa, chilling out on a café terrace - there's no need to put on skis to have a good time in Saint-Lary Soulan!
To book: Take a private guided hike on one of the 3000-meter peaks from Saint-Lary-Soulan by booking right here.
If you're planning a trip to the mountains in the near future, take a look at our top tips for the most beautiful places in the Pyrenees and the most beautiful places in the Hautes-Pyrénées!
