Skiing; nearest ski station 21km’s / 30 mins 
St. Lary is the biggest ski resort in the Pyrénées, giving a total of 54 pistes over 700 hectares. The runs are spread across three areas; the village of St. Lary (2,400m) home of the snow park & a good area for walkers. From the village a téléphérique runs to St. Lary (1,700m) Pla d’Adet the family heart of the resort which is linked to St. Lary (1,900m) Espiaube by road & piste. These runs here are suited to the more experienced skier. Key features; 
Ski runs - 6 green, 24 blue, 14 red & 9 black with altitude from 1,600 – 2,500m 
183 snow cannons, 32 ski lifts, 5 snow parks & 3 mountain restaurants. 
 
There are three further ski resorts nearby, Val Louron, Peyragudes & Piau-Engaly which is the highest in the Pyrénées at 2560m. Further ski resorts in the region include Cauterets, Barèges, Gavarnie, Tourmalet/La Mongie & Luz-Ardiden  
 
Parc National des Pyrénées  (15 mins to pre-park area)  
The National Park was first created in 1967 & covers an area of 457square km’s running along the French/Spanish border. The park is divided into two zones, the ‘central zone’ which is almost uninhabited offering spectacular landscapes/views plus the ‘peripheral zone’ area (pre-park area) which has 86 villages & over 40,000 inhabitants on the edge of the ‘central zone’. 
With 6 Valleys within the National Park giving at least 10 walks each you have over 400 km’s of walking tracks to take in the sights & spot wildlife ranging from large birds of prey to marmots in their natural habitat. 
 
The whole region of the Hautes-Pyrénées is geared up for all year round out-door sporting & leisure activitys. You also have the local Eagle flying displays at the nearby town of Arreau & at an altitude of 2877m on the Pic du midi an astronomie observation station where you can enjoy 360 degree panorama views of the Pyrénées & surrounding landscapes. 
 
Local Region 
The whole area buzz's with activity during both the winter ski season & long summer season, yet retains its relaxed calm & peaceful aura. The local area is dominated by the majestic Aure Valley which stretches from Lannemezan to the tunnel of Aragnouet-Bielsa & Spain. Dotted along this winding valley route are numerous pretty tourist villages most notable are Arreau & St Lary-Soulan. The Aure Valley provides year round activities see under activities tab & natural unspoilt breathtaking vistas. The mountain range gives a wide choice of places to explore & visit including the various Grottes & Gouffe natural historic caves Leading off the Aure Valley is the Louron Valley offering further ski resorts, lakes, spa & adventure parks.  
 
 
Region 
The Hautes-Pyrénées is home to the highest peaks in the Pyrénéen mountain chain , the peak range are protected  & surrounded by the Pyrénées National Park. 
Crystal clear lakes, rivers & lush pastures are found throughout the region offering wonderful hiking/walking routes. This unspoilt region has natural beauty in abundance & this together with a lovely climate makes it a big draw to many tourists. 
 
The Hautes-Pyrénées has been a very popular destination for French tourists for many years now, but British visitors are now being drawn to the region by low cost flights offering easy access to the stunning mountains, warm climate, lovely food, relaxed atmosphere & outdoor activities. 
 
The region has many attractive Spa towns in the Pyrénéen foothills, the most famous being lourdes attracting five million visitors each year. 
 
The climate is very mild, the common high summer temps up to 40º C felt be lower lying areas away from the mountains are moderated by the cooling effects of mountain altitude offering an ideal climate. Even through the winter period you can often sit outside in the bright warm sunshine sipping your favourite tipple whilst viewing the snow capped peaks set off against bright azure blue sky giving stunning vistas. 
 
Another very popular tourist attraction of the region is the Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO world heritage site. The almost perfect semi-circle of nine peaks rising to over 3000m are located above the small village of Gavernie. The two hour walk to the base of the 'grande cascade' at 423m Europe’s highest falls is a great draw to the tourists. 
 
The region is famous for it's outdoor activities, you will find almost every outdoor leisure activity available throughout the region. You can however simply take in the views & relax in its calm aura.