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Lac de l'Oule

by ski lifts

Hike in an exceptional setting just a stone’s throw from La Réserve Naturelle du Néouvielle

 

I propose a snowshoe or après-ski hike, accessible to all, even children (equipped of course), that will let you discover the beauty of the Lac de l’Oule in winter and snowy landscapes.

By Jean-Michel Loric

Vignec télécabine starting point of the tour

Lac de l’Oule with its refuge and restaurant is accessible in winter by ski lift from Espiaube.

If you’re a skier, no problem, your lift pass gets you there.

If you’re a pedestrian, you’ll need to get a pedestrian pass from the Altiservice ticket offices.

In 45 minutes and 3 changes, or 4 if you leave from the village, of lifts, you’ll arrive in this enchanting place located at the foot of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve.

A lovely panorama during the journey

The gondola lift takes you from the parking area on the Vignec side to the Pla d’Adet at an altitude of 1,700 meters. From this point, you have two options. You can take the Pla d’Adet / Espiaube shuttle bus, which takes around ten minutes, or if you’re a keen sportsman and already want to walk: the 3 km cabane trail is for you. But be sure to check with the lift company before you take it. It may be closed due to avalanche risk. Once you’ve reached Espiaube (Saint-Lary 1,900), hop on the gondola lift, then take the TOURETTE chairlift and the LAC chairlift and you’ll discover the charming refuge du lac de l’Oule on the edge of the lake, where you can enjoy a coffee, lunch on the terrace or stay overnight.

 

A walk not to be missed

The trail starts once you’ve crossed the lake dam. Please note that this path is not secured and maintained during the winter season, but that traffic is regular and so the route is normally clearly visible. However, you’ll need to be well equipped with waterproof hiking boots or non-slip après-ski boots, or why not snowshoes if conditions permit. Allow 1 hour to walk around the lake.

The return journey takes the same route. Don’t be distracted by this remarkable scenery, the lake chairlift stops at around 15:00;

On your marks!

And finally...

In all seasons

With every indication of this walk, it delights young and old alike. We hope it will inspire you to take the plunge and come back in the summer to discover the various trails that surround it.

Walks in our major sites

RECOMMENDATION

One small recommendation, pay close attention to the closing time of the chairlift and other lifts to return to your starting point.

Otherwise, you’d be obliged to stay overnight at the lake…

The last lift being around 4:30 pm or so.

Be sure to ask the ticket offices or staff on site about times.

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