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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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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. For more of an idea about the kind of walks you will be doing, have a look at the detailed itinerary, though please note that this is flexible depending on the needs of the group and the weather conditions locally. 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 on snow. In 2007 France Magazine published a review of this holiday, which you may want to check out. If you have any questions about whether this trip is the one for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us. Why choose Marmot Tours?Marmot Tours has been running snowshoeing trips for over 6 years and prides itself on knowing what it is that makes a good activity holiday, not just in terms of leading you in the activity itself, but also in terms of organising the other aspects of your trip.Your guide, James Thompson, is the director of Marmot Tours, and a qualified International Mountain Leader. He 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 spa centre in Ax opening in
Feb
2009), or try some
other
local activities such as downhill skiing or snowshoeing, or even do a
spot of sightseeing. 2010 HOLIDAY DATESSun 10 Jan - Sun 17 Jan 2010 (Trip code SHP J03) - Hotel Terminus, cost £590Sun 17 Jan - Sun 24 Jan 2010 (Trip code SFA J04) - L'Alpage, cost £540 Sun 14 Feb - Sun 21 Feb 2010 (Trip code SHP J08) - Hotel Terminus, cost £590 Mon 21 Mar - Mon 28 Mar 2010 (Trip code SFA J13) - L'Alpage, cost £540 Wed 31 Mar - Wed 7 Apr 2010 (Trip code SHP J14) - Hotel Terminus, cost £590 HOW MUCH DOES THE HOLIDAY COST?The holiday costs £560 (L'Alpage) or £590 (Hotel Terminus), starting at Carcassonne 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. Depending on the trip date you choose, it offers 7 nights in 2* hotel accommodation or 7 nights in the chambre d'hote accommodation in Ax. 6 evening meals, 7 breakfasts and 5 picnic lunches are included.WHERE DO WE STAY?Your accommodation depends on which week you choose as we have 2 options available. Please note that the price above is based on sharing a room. For the Holidays staying in the Hotel Terminus it is possible to book a single room for a supplement of £120 - this must be arranged on booking. There are no single rooms available in L'Alpage.Hotel Terminus - This is a family run, friendly hotel 5 minutes walk from the centre of Ax. Alain and Elizabeth who run the hotel, take pride in their customer service and make every effort to ensure that you have a comfortable stay. The rooms are quiet and all have a view of the River Ariege. The food is very good, and Alain uses local and organic produce in his meal preparation. There is a bar in the hotel which serves excellent vin chaud - a popular choice at the end of the days walk! The hotel is conveniently opposite the local train station with links to Foix and Toulouse, for those wishing to arrive/depart by train, or use the train on the day off to explore further a field. L'Alpage in the excellent Chambre d'hote, situated 10 mins walk from Ax and with fabulous mountain views. Alpage is a chalet run by Alan Toogood who has welcomed Marmot Tours clients into his home for several years, and provides us with a high level of comfort and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. He cooks excellent evening meals, which are taken in the chalet, as well as providing the usual Bed and Breakfast services. There is a living room for you to relax in at the end for the day, and Alan even provides tea and cakes. FOOD7 substantial continental style breakfasts are included at both accommodation choices. Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on walking days, which you will be expected to carry with you. 6 evenings meals are taken at the respective accommodation, where you will be served regional specialties such as, tartiflette, Confit du canard, steak frites etc. Wine is not included with the meals. 1 evening meal is not included in order to give you the opportunity to head into town where there are many fine French and International restaurants to try. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.
GROUPThere is a maximum of 8 people (L'Alpage) or 12 people (Terminus) plus James on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.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.WHAT TO BRINGYou 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.HOW DO I GET THERE?2010 flight schedules have not yet been
released, but here are the 2009 details Please note that there is the option of flying from Bristol to Toulouse with Easyjet and catching the train direct to Ax. If you are in any doubt about which flights you need to book, please just email us for confirmation. For SHP I03, SFA I05 and SHP I09 we are proposing the use of Ryan Air flights into Carcassonne from either Stansted or Liverpool Airports. OUT: Flight FR72 dpt Stansted at 11.25, arr in Carc. at 14.20. OUT: Flight FR9116 dpt Liverpool at 09.00, arr in Carc at 12.00 On the OUTWARD transfer, we will meet the Liverpool flight at 12.00 and look after your bags, dropping you in Carcassonne to look around and grab some lunch before picking you up after the Stansted flight has arrived at 14.20 in order to transfer to Ax. On the RETURN transfer we will drop off for the Liverpool flight for 13.30 and for those on the Stansted flight, we will look after your bags and drop you in Carcassonne, picking you up again to take you to the airport in time for your 14.45 departure. For SFA I11, SHP I12 (running Monday to Monday), there are Ryan Air flights from Stansted, East Midlands Airport and Dublin to Carcassonne. OUT: Depart Stansted at 11.25, arrive Carcassonne at 14.20 OUT: Depart East Midlands Airport at 07.55, arrive Carcassonne 11.05 OUT: Depart Dublin 09.30, arrive Carcassonne at 12.40 The group transfer will be to meet the Stansted arrival at 14.20 on Monday the 16th, and on the return journey, will get you to the airport for the East Midlands departure at 11.30 if needed. We are happy to drop those for the later flight in the city of Carcassonne to look around while we guard your bags, and then transfer you to the airport for your later flight. For SHP I14 (running Wednesday to Wednesday) we are proposing the use of Ryan Air flights into Carcassonne from either Stansted or East Midlands Airports. OUT: Flight FR72 dpt Stansted at 0950, arrive in Carc. at 1245 OUT: Depart East Midlands Airport at 0725, arrive Carcassonne
1025 On the OUTWARD transfer, we will meet the East Midland flight at 1245 and look after your bags, dropping you in Carcassonne to look around and grab some lunch before picking you up after the Stansted flight has arrived at 1405 in order to transfer to Ax. On the RETURN transfer we will drop off for the East Midlands flight for 1050 and for those on the Stansted flight, we will look after your bags and drop you in Carcassonne, picking you up again to take you to the airport in time for your 1310 departure. |
