Saint-Lary-Soulan, a large resort in the Hautes-Pyrénées well known in winter for its ski area, turns into a mountain bike park in summer served by a cable car up to Pla d’Adet, at 1,700 m — a quieter alternative to the big Alpine resorts, set in an unspoiled Pyrenean landscape.
A resort served by cable car
From the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan, the cable car climbs up to Pla d’Adet and gives access to a network of trails that descend back to the valley through alpine pastures and beech forests. Expect around 16 km of cumulative descent on a typical day, for 250 m of residual climbing, with most of the ascent handled by the cable car. The terrain alternates maintained bike park trails in the lower section with more technical, committing singletrack higher up, toward Vielle-Aure.
How to approach the ride
The resort grades its trails by level, which allows you to build up a progressive day starting from the green and blue trails before venturing, if your level allows, onto the more demanding singletrack higher up. Protective gear (full-face helmet, knee and elbow pads) is strongly recommended as soon as you leave the easiest trails.
The resort, quieter than the big Alpine bike parks, offers a more relaxed atmosphere but also sometimes less developed support and signage: it’s worth checking the cable car schedule and which trails are actually open before setting off.
When to go
June to September, the summer opening period for the cable car dedicated to mountain biking. July-August offers the best weather conditions at altitude, with alpine pastures in full bloom, while June and September let you avoid the crowds of the peak Pyrenean tourist season.
Good to know
Saint-Lary-Soulan, as much a spa town as a sports resort, offers a wide choice of accommodation and MTB rental shops set up for downhill riding, with easy access to the Aure valley and the neighbouring villages of Arreau and Vielle-Aure to extend the stay.
