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 trip 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. These minibreak options provide
us with a unrivalled introduction into this winter activity - You will
love it!
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 itinerary below
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.
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.
HOLIDAY ITINERARY
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Day 1:
Today is about getting to Ax-Les-Thermes in time for dinner at the
Hotel Terminus. Airport transfers are provided to tie in with
flights listed below.
If on the early transfer you
will have a free afternoon in Ax. People arriving after
2100 will not be able to get a meal at the hotel.
Day
2/3/4:
On all activity days we will take a short transfer up to the snow
line. The walks will be chosen to get the best from the climatic
conditions, but we can expect to be walking in an amazing landscape
with good views. Below are some of the kind of walks we may do.
Col du
Marmare
The area around the Col du Marmare (1361m) provides us with the
perfect terrain with which to get used to the snowshoes. In the
summer this limestone plateau provides grazing for the beef cattle
but in winter a sea of white stretches across the horizon. Our aim
is the Rocher de Scaramus (1868m) which is one of the most Northerly
peaks in this part of the Pyrenees and has great views over the
planes of Southern France and towards the Mediterranean.
Tossa
Rodona (2601m).
Starting at the Col du Puymorens (1940m) this high
mountain peak is within easy reach and the views from the top are
breathtaking. Our route takes us up the wide U shaped valley where
sightings of Izzard (Pyrenean Chamois) are fairly common sightings.
We return down a snow filled river valley which forms a natural
bob-sled run for those wanting to try out the toboggans.
The
frozen lake of Font Viva (1900m).
Today's walk starts in the pine forest around the village of Porte
Puymorens and climbs over a jumble of snow covered boulders to the
stunning lake in an amphitheatre of towering peaks. This is a
favoured winter retreat for a heard of muflon (large horned sheep)
and their tracks cross-cross the area making them easy to find.
Plateau de Beille (1800 – 2000m).
Renowned as the best cross country skiing area in the
Pyrenees, the Plateau de Beille is also a fantastic area to explore
on snowshoes. It is a high altitude plateau with stunning panoramic
views of the Andorran / French border mountains in almost every
direction. Don’t be fooled by the name however - for a plateau the
route still ‘undulates’ quite a lot, winding beautifully through the
mountain side forests and over rounded peaks. The pine forests are
some of the highest in Europe and the contorted trees are home to
the majestic Capercaille.
The
ridges of Chioula (1400 to 1900m).
The aim of this walk is the idyllically located Refuge de Chioula
where we will be given a warm welcome with a log fire and a mug of
vin chaud! Our route takes us through forests of towering beech
trees and out onto the high pastures giving us vies of all the other
areas explored during the trip. After a final memorable descent on
snowshoes we will have an opportunity to show the local kids a thing
or two on the purpose built toboggan run!
Day 5:
A relaxing morning in Ax. After lunch we transfer
back to Toulouse airport. |
DATES
Weds 9 Dec - Sun 13 Dec 2009 (Trip code SFW I50)
Weds 17 Mar - Sun 21 Mar 2010 (Trip code SFW J12)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This trip costs £385. Flights are
not included but can be picked up cheaply if booked in advance.
Allow about £30 for drinks depending on your thirst. 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.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
3 days guided walks with a qualified Mountain Leader. Snowshoe and poles
hire. Airport Transfers (specified times only). Private vehicle support
during the weekend. 4 nights in comfortable and friendly 2* hotel, 4 evening meals,
4 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches.
WHERE DO WE STAY?
We stay in the Hotel Terminus,
a family run 2 star hotel which
provides us with a comfortable base and where our hosts Alain and
Elizabeth offer us a warm welcome. 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 £65
for single room occupancy, which must be arranged on booking.
FOOD
Substantial continental style breakfasts are provided at the Hotel
Terminus. Comprehensive
picnic lunches will be provided on the full walking days which you will
be expected to carry with you. The evenings meals are taken in the
popular hotel restaurant, where we will be served traditional French
cuisine of a high standard. Vegetarians are welcome
and will be looked after very well. Wine and coffee/tea are not
included.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 leading safe and enjoyable
snowshoeing
holidays since 1999. 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 best way to use the snowshoes will
naturally be given (just walk!). James will carry all the equipment necessary
to safeguard the group.
GROUP
There is a maximum of 12 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 snowshoeing weekend you transferred to and from the
walk start points in a 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.
Daily transfers
will be from 30 to 45 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 find 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 which cover the ankle (stiffer the better), water proof 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 (can be borrowed from us if you let us
know in advance). A full kit list will be sent to you 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.
Free minibus transfers to / from Toulouse Airport are offered to tie
in with the flights listed below from London and Manchester.
If it is easer for you to take a flight that arrives before or after
our transfer then you will need to make your own way to Ax-Les-Thermes
(easy & cheap bus & train journey). Alternatively you could extend
your holiday by arriving the day before and spending an afternoon /
evening exploring the vibrant and ornate red bricked city of
Toulouse.
Please see the
transport
section of our website for all travel options (air, road and rail) plus
information on getting to Ax Les Thermes independently of the
group transfer from Toulouse / Carcassonne or Barcelona Airports.
We would like to emphasise that for this cross-country skiing
holiday the 'ski train' is a fun, cost effective and environmentally
friendly alternative to air travel, please
see our
Green Travel pages.
Airport transfers:
For this holiday the airport transfers are scheduled to tie in with the
following flights. If any of these flights are delayed then the
transfer will naturally be rescheduled. People arriving on the
earlier of the flights will be expected to wait at the airport (max
2hrs) for the later flights to arrive:
Easy Jet flights from London Gatwick.
OUT: departs Gatwick at 0725, arrives Toulouse at 1010.
IN: departs Toulouse at 1050, arrives Gatwick at 1135.
Thomas Cook charter flights from London Gatwick.
OUT: departs Gatwick at 0635, arrives Toulouse at 0925.
IN: departs Toulouse at 1015, arrives Gatwick at 1110.
BMI Baby flights from Manchester.
OUT: departs Manchester at 0625, arrives Toulouse at 0930.
IN: departs Toulouse at 1030, arrives Manchester 1140.
British Airways flights from London Heathrow.
OUT: departs Heathrow at 0705, arrives Toulouse at 0950.
IN: departs Toulouse at 1040, arrives Heathrow at 1135.
Alternatively flights with independent
transfers:
Please see the
transport section of our website. If you have any questions, do
not hesitate to get in contact.
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