Snowshoeing holiday in the Pyrenees, France
A fun, easy to master way to explore the fantastic
winter landscape
|
OVERVIEW
The 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.
DATES
Sun 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.
FOOD
7 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.
GROUP
There 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.
TRANSPORT
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.
CLIMATE
The 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 BRING
You 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?
Toulouse Airport is only 1hr 45mins form Ax by road. Minibus transfers
at specified times are included in the cost of the holiday. Please
see the Transport
section for all travel options (air, road, and rail), plus getting to the
start point independently of the group transfer.
For this trip minibus transfers are being arranged to tie in with the following
Easy jet flights from Gatwick.
OUT: Depart Gatwick at 1815, arrive in Toulouse at 2100.
RETURN: Depart Toulouse at 1050, arrive in Gatwick at 1050.
These flights hopefully give plenty of time for you to make your travel
within the UK without have an early morning or late evening.
|
| HOLIDAY ITINERARY |
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
DAY 8
|
Time to leave. After breakfast we
transfer to Toulouse airport
|
|