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You are here: Marmot tours > Trip summaries > Cross-country skiing holiday in the Pyrenees, France |
Cross-country skiing holiday in the Pyrenees, FranceA flexible week aimed at people wanting try out or progress in this excellent winter activity |
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OVERVIEWAx-les-Thermes provides us with the perfect base for this cross country skiing holiday in France . It is surrounded by the two largest X-country skiing regions in the Pyrenees, giving us over 130 km of well maintained Loips to explore. Mix this with long sunny days and a nice hotel, and it the perfect formula for a good winter break.This week is aimed at beginners and improvers for both skating and classic skiing. Depending on snow conditions we hope to explore the ski domains of Chioula and Beille, both about 30 mins drive from Ax. Chioula [piste map] offers us 60km of loips between 1240m and 1650m through ancient forests and wide valleys. Beille (1800 and 2000m) [piste map] is a unique high altitude plateau, giving the 70km of loips unrivalled views of the high peaks of Andorra. Both regions have been landscaped for x-country skiing, all the loips are graded for difficulty and are clearly marked at every junction. This enables us to provide a uniquely flexible holiday, where you can progress at your own pace while enjoying the comradery of the group. There is no tuition included, but James can organize private lessons for you on arrival, either for beginners, or for those wanting to fine tune their technique. James and Cathy will be at the disposal of the group to help you get orientated and to take you to their favorite hidden corners of the mountainside. Ax itself has been inhabited since Roman times, due to its thermal
springs which still flow freely down the streets. It is now a popular
base for summer and winter activity holidays enhancing its charm
with lots of interesting shops, restaurants and lively bars. On
the day off you can take to the downhill ski slopes or take an aerial
view of town from a paraglider. Those wanting to relax, could take
the train to the medieval town of Foix. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?Yes! If you love the outdoors then this is an excellent activity as it can be as strenuous as you like. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any questions.DATESFri 29 Dec 2006 - Fri 5 Jan 2007 (Trip code CEX 653) - £519 Sun 7 Jan - Sun 14 Jan 2007 (Trip code CEX 701) - £459 Sun 28 Jan - Sun 4 Feb 2007 (Trip code CEX 704) - £459 Sun 11 Feb - Sun 18 Feb 2007 (Trip code CEX 706) - £519 Sun 18 Feb - Sun 25 Feb 2007 (Trip code CEX 707) - £599 Sun 11 March - Sun 18 March 2007 (Trip code CEX 710) - £459 HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The trip costs start at £459 land only, plus a compulsory Local Payment of 125 Euros (approx. £90). This trip is being run in conjunction with Exodus Travels and can be booked directly through them as well as with Marmot-Tours. If you book through Exodus, they are offering a package price including flights from Gatwick from £599 (plus the Local payment)Allow about £50 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?Airport transfers, 5 days transport to different ski regions, 5 days Piste access, 5 days guided skiing, 7 nights ** hotel with friendly family atmosphere, 6 evening meals, services of James Thompson and Cathy Durbridge.WHERE DO WE STAYWe normally stay in the family run 2 star hotel 'Le Terminus', which provides us with a comfortable base for the week. Alain and Elizabeth offer a warm welcome in their lovely hotel. They are proud to serve up delicious evening meals using meat and vegetables from local producers. The rooms are large and all have a window overlooking the river Ariège. The hotel is a 5 minute walk from the centre of Ax les Thermes, opposite the railway station. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, as well as a telephone and television. The kitchen produces excellent authentic Pyrenean dishes. Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis. There is a supplement of £105 for single room occupancy, which must be arrange on booking.FOODAll breakfasts are included and are continental style. 6 evening meals will be taken in the locally famed hotel restaurant, where we will be spoilt with fine home cooking. On the Wednesday you are free to try out one of the many restaurants in town. No lunches are included, enabling you to make up your own picnic from the many patisseries in town, or eat at the quality restaurants on the ski area. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONPrivate instruction for beginners and improvers can be arranged on arrival. The cost for an instructor is about 34 euros per hour, however there will normally be several group members at the same level, splitting this cost. We recommend that beginners take at least 2 hours of lessons on the first 2 days. James and Cathy will offer orientation ski tours of the region, at different levels throughout the week, taking you further a field into their favorite areas.TRANSPORTThroughout the trip you are transferred to and from the ski areas in private minibuses. James and Cathy have lots of experience of driving in snowy conditions. The buses are naturally fitted with snow tyres and snow chains are carried. Each day we transfer 30 to 45mins depending on snow conditions on the road.CLIMATEThis part of the Pyrenees generally has more snow for a longer season than further West. Also the proximity to the Mediterranean gives us longer sunnier days. On the slopes we can expect anything from -10 to +20, while in Ax it very rarely gets below freezing.SKI HIRESki Hire is not included, so you can hire the type and quality of ski you want, or even try out different skis as the week progresses. Basic classic ski hire starts at €49 per week, including boots and poles. There is a very good equipment shop in Ax.WHAT TO BRINGCross country skiing can be fairly energetic, so lots of layers are best, ending in a windproof shell. You will need to be able to carry some water with you while you are skiing. You will be sent a full packing list on booking.HOW DO I GET THERE?Please see the Transport section for all travel options (air, road and rail) plus information on getting to the Hotel Terminus independently of the group transfer from Toulouse Airport. For this trip the airport transfers are scheduled to tie in with the British Airways flights from London Gatwick. If this flight is delayed then the transfer will naturally be rescheduled.
OUT: Flight BA7953 arriving in Toulouse at 1740.
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NOTES |
This Holiday is designed to be totally flexible, to accommodate the desires of the group and to make the most of the snow conditions. However we hope to spend 2 days at Chioula and 3 days at the Plateau de Beille. We intend to be on the slopes by 10am and aim to finish by 4.30pm. You do not need to be on the go all the time, as both areas have cafes offering fine mountain views from a reclined deck chair. At Beille there is even a special dog sledding area and a company that offers paragliding if you fancy trying something different for a few hours! Wednesday will be a day to do as you please. Ax-les-Thermes is linked to the ski area of Ax-Bonascre, by a cable car (5 mins walk from the hotel). The resort has plenty of downhill pistes at all levels. Alternatively the largest ski area in Andorra is only 40 mins away by bus, and you could even do some duty free shopping while you are there. Ax is a pleasant town to relax in and indeed the Thermal baths with massage service may help you do so. Those wanting a bit of culture could take the train to Foix (30 mins), a medieval town dominated by a triple towered castle. Alternatively you could try paragliding, a full day of dog sledding or even some more x-country skiing. |
