Driving the steep track to Crête de la Soumaye from Col de Portet
Crête de la Soumaye is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,348m (7,703ft) above sea level, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of France. Perched above the commune of Saint-Lary-Soulan, this peak offers one of the most spectacular 360-degree viewpoints in the central Pyrenees.
The track to the summit is a classic high-altitude service road, often used for chairlift maintenance. The environment is pure alpine: rocky, exposed, and completely at the mercy of the weather. From the top, you can see all the major peaks of the range, but getting there requires a vehicle that can handle loose stones and steep inclines. Because of its height, snow usually keeps the road blocked from October all the way through June.
| Road facts: Crête de la Soumaye | |
|---|---|
| Location | Hautes-Pyrénées, France |
| Elevation | 2,348 m (7,703 ft) |
| Length | 1.1 km (0.68 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 11.63% |
| Starting Point | Col de Portet |
| Surface | Gravel / Rocky |
How is the drive from Col de Portet to the summit?
The drive starts right where the asphalt ends at the legendary Col de Portet. From there, the road up to Crête de la Soumaye is short—only 1.1 km long—but it’s a steep climb that gains 128 meters in no time. This means an average gradient of 11.6%, with some ramps that feel even steeper on the loose gravel.
The track is narrow and winds its way up through the ski resort infrastructure. Looking at the road, you can see it’s a typical "tippy" mountain trail with loose stones that can make your tires spin if you don't have enough traction. There are no guardrails, and the drops on the side are sharp, so you need to stay focused. A 4x4 vehicle is definitely the way to go here, especially if a sudden mountain thunderstorm turns the dry dirt into a slippery mess.
What is the reward at the top of the Soumaye?
Once you clear the steep 11% climb, the summit gives you a massive 360-degree view. You're standing at 2,348 meters, looking down at the Saint-Lary-Soulan valley and across to the highest peaks of the Pyrenees. It’s a raw, high-altitude spot where the air is thin and the wind can be brutal. It’s the perfect short detour for anyone who has just conquered the paved Col de Portet and wants to push their vehicle a bit further into the wild.
Pic: Damien B