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Snowshoeing holiday in the Pyrenees, FranceA fun, easy to master way to explore the fantastic winter landscape |
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Experience the winter landscape. |
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OVERVIEWThe winter mountains in France are fantastic for snowshoeing. If skiing is not for you, why miss out on this amazing landscape? Snowshoes provide us with an 'easy to master' solution to the problem of getting about on the white fluffy stuff. The views are breathtaking and the descents hilarious. This week of snowshoeing provides us with an unrivaled introduction into this winter activity - You will love it!The week is based in the Spa town of Ax-Les-Thermes, just north of Andorra. Ax is nestled in the picturesque Ariège valley. It has a unique road network which enables us to drive high and explore the "real mountains" with our snowshoes! We stay in a comfortable private lodge just outside Ax where Alan provides us with fine food and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The week is led by James Thompson a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML) who has made his home in the valley. He is passionate about the region, its wildlife and forests. He has over 5 years of experience of leading snowshoeing trips. 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?The trip is aimed at anyone who wants to have a bit of fun in the snow. A reasonable level of fitness is required as most days there is over 500m of uphill. If you like summer walking in the lakes, or peaks, then you will enjoy this trip. All you need a good pair of walking boots and a desire to have fun. France Magazine published a review of this trip, which gives you an impartial overview on the holiday. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.DATESSun 13 Jan - Sun 20 Jan 2009 (trip code SFA I02)Sun 18 Jan - Sun 25 Jan 2009 (trip code SFA I03) Sun 22 Feb - Sun 1 March 2009 (Trip code SFA I08) Sun 15 March - Sun 22 March 2009 (trip code SFA I11) Sun 22 March - Sun 29 March 2009 (trip code SFA I12) HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £540, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Allow about £50 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?5 days guided walks with a qualified Mountain Leader. Snowshoe and pole hire. Airport Transfers (specified times only). Private vehicle support during the week. 7 nights in Private Lodge. 4 evening meals, 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches.WHERE DO WE STAY?We stay in L'Alpage, a comfortable Chalet / Lodge 15 min walk uphill from the center of Ax. Alan, our host, creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere in his beautiful house. The spacious lounge/diner opens on to a panoramic south facing terrace - the perfect place to relax with glass of vin chaud at the end of a great day in the mountains! Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.FOOD7 substantial continental style breakfasts are included. Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on walking days, which you will be expected to carry with you. 4 evenings meals are taken at the lodge, where we will be served regional specialties such as Confit du canard and Cassoulet. A moderate amount of wine is included with these meals. 2 evening meals are not included, giving you the opportunity to head into town where there are many fine French and International restaurants. Dinner on the first day is not included due to the differing arrival times of the group members. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION You be accompanied by James Thompson, a qualified Mountain Leader and member of BAIML (British Association of International Mountain Leaders). James has 5 years of experience in leading safe and enjoyable snowshoeing trips. He is passionate about the area and throughout the week will offer informal lectures about the mountains, nature and aspects of winter safety. Instruction on the the best way to use the snowshoes will naturally given (just walk!) James will carry all the equipment necessary to safeguard the group.
GROUPThere is a maximum of 8 people (minimum 2) plus James on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.
Throughout the trip you are transferred to and from the walk start points
in a private minibus. James has lots of experience
of driving in snowy conditions. The bus is naturally fitted with snow
tyres and chains are carried. The unique road network around Ax means
that we can drive high and gain good views with minimum effort. Transfers
will be from 20 to 40 mins each way.
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| HOLIDAY ITINERARY | |
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NOTES |
The itinerary remains flexible to accommodate differing snow conditions and the desires of the group. The walks described below are to give you an idea of the areas that we could visit during the week. It would be possible to spend a month exploring the area without retracing your foot steps, so there are plenty of excellent walks to choose from. |
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DAY 1 |
Transfer 1hr 30mins from Toulouse airport to our Lodge in Ax-les-Thermes. Dinner tonight is not included due to the late arrival of the flights. |
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DAY 2 |
Pic du Tarbassou. From Ascou - Phaiheres (1685m) the peak de Tarbesou (2364m) is within easy reach. We are rewarded with views of the high Andorran peaks and on a good day we can see the Mediterranean. Don't forget the camera today. Our route back takes us across the frozen Lac Noir |
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DAY 3 |
Ax Descents. We take the cable car from town up to 2020m where we can explore the fantastic Tute De L'Ours. The views are breathtaking and the descent exhilarating, as we drop 1800m through the mixed pine forest following the traces of wild boar and Izzards. Tobogganing is naturally an option today. |
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DAY 4 |
Rocher de Scaramus. This is the most northerly peak in the range, offering huge views across France. The tobogganing is pretty good too. |
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DAY 5 |
Today is free to do as you wish. The hardest thing is trying to decide what to do! There is a cable car from town leading to an extensive downhill ski area. Paragliding, dogsledding, x-country skiing or enjoying a massage in the Thermes are all options. Those wanting a bit of culture could take the train to the medieval town of Foix. |
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DAY 6 |
Plateau de Beille. This is a unique high altitude plateau, deservedly popular for x-country skiing. The views go on forever as we wind our way through the forests and rounded peaks. We could spend all week up here, but there is so much else to see! |
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DAY 7 |
Andorra. Starting at 2400m, the views today are going to be big! We follow the High Pyrenean Route (HRP) and take in several peaks of up to 2600m before returning to Pas de la Casa for a bit of duty free shopping. |
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DAY 8 |
Time to leave. After breakfast we transfer to Toulouse airport |
