The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Saint Lary Soulan operates across 105 kilometres of piste spanning 1,597 to 2,515 metres elevation with 918 metres of vertical drop. The French Pyrenean resort divides its 59 runs into 57 per cent beginner, 33 per cent intermediate and 10 per cent advanced terrain across three interconnected sectors. The ski area covers 700 hectares between Pla d'Adet at 1,700 metres, Espiaube at 1,900 metres and the summit zone at 2,400 metres accessed via 24 lifts. Saint Lary receives 5 metres of annual snowfall supported by 270 snow cannons covering key pistes.
The 2025-2026 season runs from 5 December to 5 April across terrain that prioritises families and progressive skiers. Pla d'Adet anchors beginner terrain with dedicated learning zones and moving carpets whilst Espiaube offers blue and red runs including Mirabelle, a 3.6-kilometre descent dropping 700 metres. The Soum de Matte sector at 2,200 metres delivers access to off-piste zones and the terrain park. Saint Lary holds Famille Plus Montagne certification for its child-focused facilities and programming.
The traditional spa village of Saint Lary sits at 830 metres in the Aure valley with thermal baths dating to Roman times still operational today. Stone and slate architecture defines the village centre connected to Pla d'Adet by the Pic Lumière aerial tramway and Vignec gondola. Free shuttle buses link accommodation sectors during winter whilst restaurants serve Pyrenean specialities including garbure soup and local cheeses. The Tour Hachan houses the Pyrenees National Park museum within a 16th-century manor tower.
Saint Lary forms part of the Pyrénées 2 Vallées network alongside Peyragudes, Piau Engaly and Val Louron totalling 246 kilometres of skiing. Multi-day passes grant access across all four resorts connected by seasonal shuttle services. The area borders Néouvielle Nature Reserve and Pyrenees National Park with Spain accessible via the Aragnouet-Bielsa tunnel 20 kilometres south. The resort suits families seeking varied terrain, spa amenities and authentic village atmosphere within France's southern mountain range.
918m
Vertical
59
Runs
105 km
Piste
5m
Annual snow
The Terrain
59 runs across 105 km of piste
Saint Lary Soulan spreads 59 runs across 105 km of piste of terrain. It leans beginner at 57%, with 34 beginner runs to find your feet and 6 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
59
runs
59 runs across 4 grades
Beginner34 runs · 57%
Intermediate19 runs · 33%
Advanced6 runs · 10%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Saint Lary Soulan
The 2025-2026 season operates from 5 December 2025 to 5 April 2026 with potential extension depending on snowpack. Saint Lary typically opens early December and closes late March to early April completing approximately 120 operational days. The Pyrenean location delivers consistent mid-winter conditions with elevation advantage ensuring coverage at upper sectors even when base areas require snowmaking support. The resort maintains 21 of 24 lifts and 100 kilometres of terrain during peak periods with 195-centimetre base depths recorded in mid-February 2026.
Annual snowfall averages 5 metres with Atlantic weather systems delivering the majority between January and March. The first week of February historically produces peak accumulation with 33 centimetres falling during typical storm cycles. The resort's position in the Aure valley benefits from protection by Arbizon summit reducing western disturbances whilst maintaining sufficient moisture for regular snowfall. Snowmaking covers 3 kilometres of piste concentrated on Pla d'Adet beginner zones and key descent routes ensuring village-to-summit skiing throughout the season.
January through March delivers optimal conditions with cold temperatures preserving snow quality on north-facing runs above 1,900 metres. February half-term attracts French families creating the season's busiest fortnight whilst Christmas and New Year see moderate crowds. Early December and late March offer quieter skiing with reduced lift queues though spring conditions require morning-focused ski days. The Vallon du Portet's high-altitude terrain maintains coverage into April with blue runs at 2,515 metres accessible when lower sectors close.
The resort hosts Tour de France stage finishes at Pla d'Adet most recently in 2022 with the climb regularly featuring in cycling's grand tour. Winter programming includes night skiing on selected dates during school holidays and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings outside peak periods. The thermal spa operates year-round with Sensoria wellness centre offering post-ski treatments. Free village shuttles run regularly throughout winter connecting accommodation zones to gondola base stations and the historic village centre.
Season 2025-2026
5 Dec 2025
Opens
5 Apr 2026
Closes
121
Days open
5 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Saint Lary Soulan, and where to stay
Saint Lary Soulan occupies the upper Aure valley in Hautes-Pyrénées département 80 kilometres south of Tarbes within the Occitanie region. The spa village sits at 830 metres elevation along the Neste d'Aure river with altitude stations at 1,600, 1,700 and 1,900 metres accessed by road or aerial lift. The resort borders Pyrenees National Park and Néouvielle Nature Reserve with Spain's Sobrarbe region accessible via the Aragnouet-Bielsa tunnel 20 kilometres distant. Surrounding villages include Vignec at 700 metres, Vielle-Aure at 1.9 kilometres and Soulan at 4 kilometres maintaining traditional Pyrenean architecture.
Arreau marks the valley gateway 15 kilometres north preserving medieval half-timbered facades and serving as the nearest market town. The valley developed around pastoral agriculture and pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela with Roman road references documenting millennial settlement patterns. Saint Lary's thermal springs containing sulphur and sodium attracted visitors since antiquity establishing the spa trade centuries before skiing arrived in 1957. The Tour Hachan remnant of a 16th-century manor now houses the National Park museum displaying local heritage and natural history.
Motorway access follows the A64 Toulouse-Bayonne route exiting at Lannemezan then continuing 39 kilometres south via RD929 through the Aure valley. From Paris, drivers follow the A20 to Toulouse then A64 westbound covering approximately 850 kilometres. The Col d'Aspin and Col de Peyresourde passes provide alternative eastern approaches though winter conditions require chains or winter tyres. Drive time from Toulouse measures 2 hours covering 150 kilometres whilst Tarbes lies 80 kilometres north requiring 90 minutes.
Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport serves as nearest air access at 80 kilometres with 1-hour, 5-minute transfer time. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport at 150 kilometres offers greater flight frequency with 2-hour road transfers via motorway. Pau airport lies 100 kilometres distant providing secondary access. Rail connections terminate at Lannemezan SNCF station with liO line 963 bus completing the 39-kilometre valley ascent. SkiGo coach packages operate weekends from Toulouse combining return transport with lift passes departing from multiple metro stations including Jean-Jaurès and Paul-Sabatier.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Saint Lary Soulan, powered by Stay22.
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Saint Lary Soulan Webcams
6 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Saint Lary Soulan's live webcams
Check live conditions across Saint Lary Soulan with 6 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Soum de Matte2217m
- Experience the heart of advanced terrain through this spectacular Saint Lary Soulan webcam positioned at the impressive 2,217-meter Soum de Matte summit. This Saint Lary Soulan live cam captures the resort's renowned snowpark and challenging upper slopes, providing essential snow condition updates across the highest skiing terrain in the French Pyrenees. Perfect for assessing powder quality and park features, this Saint Lary Soulan cam offers real-time visibility of the mountain's most exciting freestyle zones and expert-level descents.
- Merlans2047m
- Monitor conditions at the spectacular Saint-Lary 2400 sector through this commanding Saint Lary Soulan webcam positioned at 2,047 meters elevation in the Merlans area. This innovative 360-degree Saint Lary Soulan live cam provides comprehensive views of the intermediate terrain and family skiing zones, capturing snow quality across multiple pistes simultaneously. Essential for planning your mountain adventure, this Saint Lary Soulan webcam reveals current weather conditions and slope accessibility across the resort's diverse middle-elevation terrain.
- Haut Tourette2311m
- Witness breathtaking high-altitude perspectives from the highest Saint Lary Soulan webcam positioned at the dramatic 2,311-meter Haut Tourette summit near the Tourette chairlift terminal. This elevated Saint Lary Soulan live cam showcases panoramic views across the entire ski area while monitoring conditions on the resort's most challenging advanced runs. Perfect for expert skiers assessing upper mountain snow quality, this Saint Lary Soulan cam captures the pristine Pyrenean wilderness that defines France's largest southern ski destination.
- Bouleaux2213m
- Explore the scenic Bouleaux sector through this strategically positioned Saint Lary Soulan webcam at 2,213 meters elevation, offering dual perspectives from both chairlift departure and arrival points. This comprehensive Saint Lary Soulan live cam system provides essential lift operation updates while showcasing spectacular views toward L'Arbizon peak and the surrounding Pyrenean landscape. Ideal for monitoring intermediate terrain conditions, these Saint Lary Soulan cams help skiers plan their route through the resort's most scenic skiing zones.
- Pla d’Adet1674m
- Discover the family-friendly heart of Saint Lary Soulan through this essential webcam positioned at the popular Pla d'Adet base area at 1,674 meters elevation. This Saint Lary Soulan live cam monitors the beginner slopes, Ludette learning zone, and Mickey children's area, providing parents with real-time visibility of slope conditions and activity levels. Enhanced with panoramic capabilities, this Saint Lary Soulan webcam captures the resort's welcoming atmosphere while offering stunning elevated views across the French Pyrenees skiing terrain.
- Saint-Lary village821m
- Experience the authentic charm of the historic village through this atmospheric Saint Lary Soulan webcam positioned at 821 meters in the heart of the traditional Pyrenean settlement. These dual Saint Lary Soulan live cams capture the resort's vibrant base atmosphere, local weather conditions, and the scenic Aure Valley setting that makes this destination unique among French ski resorts. Perfect for assessing arrival conditions and soaking in the pre-ski atmosphere, these Saint Lary Soulan cams showcase the cultural authenticity that defines this remarkable mountain community.
Saint Lary Soulan snow cams FAQ
How often do Saint Lary Soulan snow cams update?
All Saint Lary Soulan snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Saint Lary Soulan.
Which Saint Lary Soulan webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Haut Tourette webcam at 2,311m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Saint Lary Soulan webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Saint Lary Soulan lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Saint Lary Soulan snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Saint Lary Soulan snow cams?
Check Saint Lary Soulan webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Saint Lary Soulan lift tickets?
Use our Saint Lary Soulan webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Saint Lary Soulan webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Saint Lary Soulan snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Saint Lary Soulan intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.