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Snowshoeing holiday in the Pyrenees, FranceHead high onto the winter peaks and deep into the snow laden forests with this fun, easy to master winter sport. |
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INTRODUCTIONSnowshoeing is a great way to get about the mountains in winter - from our base in the spa town of Ax les Thermes we can access the ridges of the High Pyrenees close to where the Andorran and French borders meet. Easy to master and fun - this is an ideal winter activity break for those already initiated and novices alike. A high road network allows us to penetrate the mountains and reach snow covered ridges on day excursions, revealing a breathtaking panorama of Pyrenean peaks. Daily distances covered will depend on the type of snow but most days involve 500 - 700m of ascent. Some memorable tobogganing descents add to the excitement and there is a free day for R & R in the local spa, on skis at the local resort, or visit the region's medieval capital, Foix. WHAT IS SNOWSHOEING?A basic form of snowshoe, made from hazel twigs and cat gut, has been used by man for many thousands of years for getting about on snow covered lands. The principle of increasing the surface area to reduce sinking is not rocket science, but modern materials have revolutionised the sport, making the snowshoe a versatile ‘all mountain’ bit of kit complete with a ‘free heel’ and crampon style points. The technique is easy to master (and you will be given any instruction needed), opening up the snow covered mountains which were previously the domain of the highly skilled back country skier. Free from the constraints of footpaths and vegetation, we can wander along undulating ridges, through thick forests and over frozen lakes. IS THIS HOLIDAY FOR ME?If enjoy being outdoors, and like walking, then this is definitely a winter activity you should try - it takes you to the unexplored corners of stunning winter landscapes, with breathtaking views and hilarious descents by snowshoe or toboggan. 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. In 2007 France Magazine published a review of this holiday, which you may want to check out. For an idea of the kind of scenery encountered during this snowshoeing holiday please see our photo album (external website) If you have any questions about whether this trip is the one for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us. HOLIDAY ITINERARYThe itinerary remains flexible to accommodate for the snow conditions. Each day we leave the hotel at 0900 and transfer for 15 to 45 mins, so normally start walking by 1000. We normally get back to the minibus between 1600 and 1700. Expect 500 to 700m of ascent with distances from 7 to 12 km. We adapt the routes according to the type of snow (progress in fresh snow can be fairly slow) and people in the group. Snowshoeing works well for a group of mixed fitness as the fitter people tend to 'break trail' making it easier for the followers.
2010 HOLIDAY DATESSun 10 Jan - Sun 17 Jan 2010 (Trip code SHP J03)Sun 17 Jan - Sun 24 Jan 2010 (Trip code SFA J04) Sun 14 Feb - Sun 21 Feb 2010 (Trip code SHP J08) Sun 21 Mar - Sun 28 Mar 2010 (Trip code SFA J13) Wed 31 Mar - Wed 7 Apr 2010 (Trip code SHP J14) HOW MUCH DOES THE HOLIDAY COST?The holiday costs £630, 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.This price includes: 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 2* hotel accommodation in Ax. 6 evening meals, 7 breakfasts and 5 picnic lunches.NB: The price above is based on sharing a room. If you would like your own room for the holiday there is a supplement of £120 - this must be arranged on booking. If you are booking alone and are happy to share then you are not charged this supplement. WHERE DO WE STAY?During this snowshoeing holiday we stay in the family run 2 star Hotel Terminus, which provides us with a comfortable base for the week. Alain and Elizabet 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, free WIFI and a television (with BBC world). The kitchen produces excellent authentic Pyrenean dishes and the wood fire in the hotel bar sets the scene for a warming mug of 'vin chaude' at the end of the days walk.FOODBreakfast: Continental style breakfasts are provided by the hotel. We supplement these with cereals and 'ready brek'.Lunches: Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on walking days, which you will be expected to carry with you - we pride ourselves in providing delicious sandwiches with 2 different fillings per day! Dinner: 6 evenings meals will be taken together in the hotel and consist of 3 generous courses of local French specialities. On one evening you are free to try out one of the many French or international restaurants in town. Special diets: The hotel is very used to providing excellent meals for vegetarians and celiacs. Please contact us if you have any other special dietary requirements.
GROUPThere is a maximum of 12 people plus James on this snowshoeing holiday. About half our groups are single people booking alone with the rest being couples or friends. Please contact if you would like to know the demographics of a particular holiday.WHY CHOOSE MARMOT TOURS?Your guide James Thompson, director of Marmot Tours, has been running snowshoeing holidays since 1999 and prides himself on knowing what it is that makes a good holiday, not just in terms of leading you in the activity itself, but also in terms of organising the other aspects of your holiday. James is a qualified International Mountain Leader and loves nothing more than exploring the white winter landscapes by snowshoe, always with a toboggan handy for some speedy and great fun descents. Living locally, James knows the mountains around Ax les Thermes, your base for the week, intimately, and so can tailor the holiday perfectly to the needs of the group, and the snow conditions. He will be able to give you plenty of information about the local natural environment and aspects of winter safety. James will carry all the equipment necessary to safeguard the group. Ax has great facilities in terms of restaurants and bars, plus also things to do on the rest day, which we include so that you can either relax (there is a lovely new luxury spa / roman bath in Ax), or try some other local activities such as downhill skiing or snowshoeing, or even do a spot of sightseeing. MASSAGE SERVICEOn most evenings of this trip Cathy Thompson will be offering Therapeutic Massages at the Hotel. More info>>GETTING AROUNDThroughout 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.CLIMATEThe area around Andorra gets more snow than any other in the Pyrenees (often more than the Alps). Most years the snow sits on the hills until the end of April, while the proximity to the Mediterranean results in a warmer, more stable climate. The latitude ensures that we can enjoy long sunny days in the hills. The joy of winter is that when it precipitates, we head high to fine the beautiful fresh snow. We get more sunny cloudless days in winter than in summer.WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR SNOWSHOEING HOLIDAYYou do not need to buy any specialist gear to come on this holiday. The snowshoes and walking poles are provided. You will need a pair of walking boots (stiffer the better), waterproof top, warm clothes (lots of layers are best), 2 pairs of gloves, warm hat, sun hat, normal walking trousers, eye protection. You should be able to carry 2L of fluids in your rucksack. Gaiters are highly desirable (can be borrowed from Marmot Tours if arranged on booking), as are an old pair of waterproof trousers, if you take to the tobogganing. A full packing list will be sent on booking.TRAVEL :: HOW DO I GET THERE?We get people coming on our holidays from all over the world, so
it is impossible to include all the information on our website. The
notes below are tailored to travellers from the UK. People from other
countries please
contact us for advice. We would like to emphasise that for this snowshoeing
holiday the 'ski train' is a fun, cost effective and environmentally
friendly alternative to air travel, please
see our
Green Travel pages. |
