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All of the ski areas are lovingly groomed and fresh loipes are
pressed into the snow every night by specialist cross-country skiing
piste bashers.
Plateau de Beille - 70km of trails between 1800m to 2000m
This was the first purpose built cross-country ski area in the Pyrenees.
It is located on a high altitude ridge high above the valley of Ax.
The trails take us through a mix of thinning pine forest and open
plateau offering us 360 degree views of the high peaks of Andorra.
There is a fine south facing restaurant / bar which is the perfect
place to relax when you have had enough skiing. There is the option
of trying
dogsledding
or
paragliding
here. [piste
map /
webcam - external
websites]
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Domain de Chioula - 60km of trails between 1240 to 1650m
This is thought by many as one of the most beautiful ski areas in
France. It is spread out over a series of ridges giving breathtaking
views in all directions. Skiing at this altitude takes us through
ancient beech forests and open meadows. For many the highlight of
the Domain is the Refuge du Chioula, set in the middle of the ski
area offering a reclined deckchair and an unrivalled 'chocolat
chaud' . [piste
map - external website]
Both areas have
marked Snowshoeing and walking trails if you fancy a
change from the skiing.
In our Nordic Highlights trip, we
also head East to explore their equally attractive XC ski stations:
Capcir - 100km of trails at 1500m
This vast area is often know as 'the Norway of the South'. There are
4 very different ski domains taking us around villages, through
ancient pine forests and over vast lakes. In contrast to Beille and
Chioula the mountains here are towering above us and there are
excellent views of the Pic de Carlit. The Refuge du Torn in the
centre of the offers us a welcome break.
Font-Romeu / Pyrenees 2000 - 100km of trails between 1500
to 2000m.
These two areas have recently combined, opening up a vast area for
us to explore. It is set on a high altitude plateau supporting one
of Europe's highest forests. The trails take us huge distances
across this land of snow laden trees and frozen lakes. Something to
satisfy all tastes! [piste
map - external website]
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