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Most of our winter activity trips incorporate a day off mid way through the week.  This is for several reasons:

• It allows you to rest for a day - anyone doing several consecutive days of exercise/activity can benefit from a rest day

• It allows you to explore the local area, which is rich in history and culture

• It allows you to try out other activities if you have the energy!

For this reason, we have put together some information on the kind of options you can choose from on your day off during the winter months:

Relaxing at a Spa

In October this year, a brand new luxury Spa centre is due to open in Ax les Thermes, only 5 minutes walk from your hotel.  This will have massage facilities, jacuzzi, sauna, relaxation rooms etc, all in a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment.  Watch this space for more info on the spa when it open

Until the new centre opens, spa facilities are available at either of the following:
 

The Grand Tetras Health Spa: small relaxation pool, steam room, hot room and jacuzzi.  Open from 1700 - 2000 Tuesday to Saturday with the cost being 13E.  Massages need to be booked several days in advance.  You need your own towels and swimming costume

The Teich Thermal Baths: a treatment centre for clients with conditions such as arthritis, respiratory disorders etc, using natural thermal waters.  Occasionally open to the public though hours change week to week so check with James when  you arrive.  Again you need your own towels/swimming costurm.

NB Cathy, James wife, is a qualified masseuse so can be available to offer Swedish holistic massage at the hotel, either after skiing, or during the day off.  Speak to James regarding or follow the link for more information.

Downhill skiing

On any day of the trip you are free to opt out of cross-country skiing and head to the slopes of Ax-Bonascre. With 75km of pistes at all levels and 16 lifts, it is a good local resort. The cable car linking the town to the resort is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and downhill ski gear can be hired easily in town. Day ski hire is approximately €15 and a day lift pass is approximately €25.

Dog Sledding

The Plateau de Beille is home to one of the best dog sledding schools outside of Scandinavia. there are 8kms of dedicated sledding pistes and over 90 dogs in residence at the height of the season. As this is a popular activity, it is wise to let us know of your interest in advance, or at the start of the holiday so that you can reserve your space.

Snowshoeing

At both Chioula and Beille there are over 50km of marked and graded snowshoe trails. The markings are approximately every 20 meters and the trail is prepared with a skidoo making it impossible to get lost. We carry snowshoes and poles in our van, which are available for free if you fancy trying something different for a few hours.

Sightseeing

City of Foix: The medieval town of Foix is the county capital of Ariege and has a 3 turreted chateau perched on a rocky outcrop in the centre of town.  It is a pleasant town to wander around and to grab some lunch, and can be easily accessed from Ax by train.

Grottes de Lombrives: Reportedly the largest cave in Europe.  There are 4 visits ranging from 20 mins to 5 hours!  You need to reserve if you are interested in the longer trips.  The cave is just outside the small village of Ussat les Bains, which is a 20min train journey from Ax

Andorra: Take a day trip to Pas de la Casa, downhill ski resort and duty free shopping centre.  You can take a train from Ax and then a SNCF bus to the town.
 

Walking
 

We have put together some maps and notes of several walks in the low hills around Ax - depending on the snow levels you may need snowshoes for these. Please ask James for more information when you arrive.