Winter 2012 Newsletter

Snow, Snow, Snow : Pyrenean wonderland

Just in case you haven't heard,  the Pyrenees have had SHED loads of snow on the pistes and truly excellent xc skiing conditions.  Both the xc ski stations of Chioula and Beille are fully open and looking 'picture postcard beautiful'.  I shouldn't really be telling you this because our remaining trips are already fully booked, BUT, we just want you to remember the Pyrenees when you are booking your XC ski trip next year and we can't stop ourselves shouting out about it!

After The Melt...comes the floral explosion of Spring

When we look outside at the snowy conditions on the mountain sides, it is easy to forget that Spring is just a couple of months away, and that under all those layers of snowflakes, the spring flowers are just waiting to pop up and transform the monochrome colours of winter into full tecnicolour.  As Spring chases winter up from the valley bottoms to the Peaks, the Pyrenees become green, vibrant and full of life.  For our holiday 'Walking in the Eastern Pyrenees', run in conjunction with Exodus Travels, departures start in May and June so you get to fully appreciate this beautiful time of year in the mountains.  All bookings are through Exodus but don't hesitate to ask us any questions about the trip, and check out the reviews from last year.

Raid Updates - Corsica and New for 2013: The Raid Dolomites

Many of you are no stranger to the 'Raids' - a selection of road cycling challenges that take in some truly spectacular scenary in Europe.  We are specialists in the Raid Pyrenean and Raid Alpine, and have for 2012, added the very beautiful Raid Corsica to our itinerary.  It has been extrememly popular and is fully booked for this year, and almost 50% booked already for 2013, so if you are keen in coming along next year, do let us know very soon, so as to avoid disappointment!  Photos and reviews of how the route and 2012 holidays have gone, should be online by the beginning of June this year. 

Not wanting our huge group of loyal clients to get bored, we are expanding our itineraries annually to keep you amused!  So, new for you roadies for 2013 is the Raid Dolomites!  Its a toughie, so not a first time Raid, but a fabulous option for those seasoned Raiders and experienced cyclists who are looking for the next challenge.  As the name suggests, the Raid takes in many of the Italian Alpine cols, but also zig zags in and out of France and Switzerland to clock up a journey of 1180kms and 20,922m of ascent in 9 days of cycling.  Check out the itinerary for details - it won't disappoint you!  As ever, book early as there are only 2 departures and we have already had a lot of interest!

2013 Dates online

I know it seems ridiculously organised to plan holidays for next year, but for some of our more challenging holidays, it is a good idea to book in advance so you have your goal ahead of you to help motivate any training! I for one always find life is sweeter with a holiday booked up to look forward to!  So, with this in mind (and the fact that we are getting lots of enquiries already about 2013), we have updated the website with dates and prices of next years trips.  As ever, if you have any questions or need further information about a holiday, then don't hesitate to ask.

Trip Updates

Just to let you know that if you contacted us about the Tour de France 3 Stage Challenge this year and found that we were disappointingly fully booked, then don't worry - we have added a second departure of this popular trip from the 18 - 22nd June.  Get in touch to bag that spot and start training hard for 3 days of cycling like a pro...

Expanding Marmot Team

If you are joining us this summer for a holiday, then you might well come across one or two of our most excellent Marmot Team members.  We have some new guys and gals working with us in 2012 who we are excited to have on board, and who we are confident will give you the friendly, quality and fun service you would expect from Marmot Tours.  Do browse through the 'Meet the Team' section on our website and they can introduce themselves...

For more information on any of our holidays, either log on to www.marmot-tours.co.uk or contact us direct to ask any questions.  

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All the best

James and Cathy Thompson