Local Area
Saint-Lary is the perfect family holiday destination for both winter and summer activities. For summer sun it cant be beaten for climbing, biking, walking, hiking, sun bathing, swimming, a spot of shopping, or just taking in the sites of this magnificent terrain.
But it is a dynamic winter sports destination and the skiing is tremendous. The domain has been excellently planned to suit the needs of skiers of different abilities. (This was a key issue in our decision to set up a skiing holiday base here). Skiing at St Lary spreads over a total area of 700ha. It is divided into three distinct areas, Saint-Lary 1700, 1900 and 2400. These areas interconnect and are linked by a variety of ski lifts. Navigation from one to the other is easy.
Learning to ski
With the highest concentration of green slopes, 1700 is the best place to begin your learning. If the rest of the family want to be ripping it up in the snow park however there are also good beginner slopes at 1900. There are good ski schools and mountain restaurants in both parts of the resort.
Skiing for intermediates
Saint-Lary is an excellent resort for intermediate skiers, providing the ideal venue to take your skiing to another level. The blue and red runs constitute the backbone of the ski area and allow you to make the most of this wonderful setting. There are a challenging variety of skiing - different terrains, trees, the snow parks and mogul fields - to push your skiing that little bit further. Why not test your speed on the Mirabelle a piste of 3.6 km, one of the longest in the Pyrenees?
Advanced skiing
A variety of steep blacks throughout the resort will get even the best skiers in shape and, with a challenging bumps run and a stade de slalom, Saint-Lary can take your skiing to places you had previously thought impossible.
Snowboarding
Saint Lary has not forgotten the contribution of snowboarders to the winter sports industry over the last decade and has rewarded them with one of the best snow boarding areas of the Pyrenees. On piste, off piste and throughout the domain snowboarders will find what they are looking for. There is a specifically maintained free ride area with two snow parks, one for beginners, and one for the pros. The constant music and upbeat atmosphere will surely help get you in the mood for some big air!
Ski Touring
Why not try ski touring? The guide’s office has a complete programme, which would take you away from the pistes and into the untouched powder of the Neouvielle Nature Reserve. Perhaps you could even do the trip over to our other resort, Bareges!
Snowshoeing
There are some very pretty local snowshoeing routes near St Lary and away from the noise of the resort. An extensive snowshoeing programme is organized by the Guides office in Saint Lary, so if you fancy a rest from skiing or want to get out into the wilds of the mountains, away from the crowds and the lifts, try a day exploring the Pyrenees on foot, tracking wildlife with a knowledgeable local guide. It will be an experience you won’t forget.
Restaurants, Café's and Bars
There are a number of restaurants, bars and cafés - on the slopes and in the village itself - providing drinks, hot food and snacks. Typical French cuisine is also sold on the pavement side to take away, if eating in isn’t your thing.
Try the local speciality, Garbure. Somewhere between a soup and a stew based on duck, ham and cabbage, this is a dish to keep energy levels high for the afternoon!
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