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Gavarnie-Gèdre vs Saint-Lary-Soulan vs Sierra Nevada: at a glance

Side-by-side comparison of Gavarnie-Gèdre, Saint-Lary-Soulan and Sierra Nevada based on Alpe Match data: ski area, altitude, size, prices and access.

Gavarnie-GèdreSaint-Lary-SoulanSierra Nevada
CountrySpainSpainSpain
RegionMidi-PyrénéesHautes-PyrénéesAndalusia
Best forFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellersFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellersFamilies, Couples, Groups of friends, Solo travellers
Car-free centreNoPartlyPartly
Nearest airportsTarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées (LDE) (~70 km); Pau Pyrénées (PUF) (~120 km)Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport (LDE, ~80 km); Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF, ~100 km)Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) (approx. 45 km); Malaga Airport (AGP) (approx. 170 km)
Ski area32 km100 km112.5 km
Blue slopes12 km47 km51.5 km
Red slopes12 km26 km53 km
Black slopes4 km18 km8 km
Ski lifts72423
Village altitude905 m791 m1,310 m
Maximum altitude3,300 m2,515 m3,394 m
Hiking trails–150 km450 km
Population341837250
Accommodation beds3,50030,00012,000

Key differences

  • Sierra Nevada has the largest ski area: 112.5 km, compared with Saint-Lary-Soulan (100 km) and Gavarnie-Gèdre (32 km).
  • Saint-Lary-Soulan has the most black slopes: 18 km, compared with Sierra Nevada (8 km) and Gavarnie-Gèdre (4 km).
  • Saint-Lary-Soulan has the most ski lifts: 24, compared with Sierra Nevada (23) and Gavarnie-Gèdre (7).
  • Sierra Nevada has the highest village: 1,310 m, compared with Gavarnie-Gèdre (905 m) and Saint-Lary-Soulan (791 m).
  • Sierra Nevada has the highest top altitude: 3,394 m, compared with Gavarnie-Gèdre (3,300 m) and Saint-Lary-Soulan (2,515 m).
  • Sierra Nevada has the most hiking trails: 450 km, compared with Saint-Lary-Soulan (150 km).
  • Saint-Lary-Soulan has the largest accommodation capacity: 30,000, compared with Sierra Nevada (12,000) and Gavarnie-Gèdre (3,500).

Gavarnie-Gèdre

Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Cirque de Gavarnie and the highest waterfall in mainland Europe, offering authentic high-mountain scenery in the Pyrenees National Park.

Full guide to Gavarnie-Gèdre JSON

Saint-Lary-Soulan

Authentic Pyrenean village charm combined with one of the largest ski domains in the Pyrenees, famous thermal spa facilities, and family-friendly 'Famille +' certification.

Full guide to Saint-Lary-Soulan JSON

Sierra Nevada

As Europe's southernmost ski resort, it offers an exceptional climate with high sun exposure, a long season from November to April, and proximity to the Mediterranean coast and Granada.

Full guide to Sierra Nevada JSON