Home Holidays About us  Booking Transport Calendar Contact

You are here: Marmot tours > Trip summaries > Snowshoe weekend in the Pyrenees

 

Snowshoe Weekend in the Pyrenees

Not sure if you will enjoy snowshoeing? - this weekend is the perfect introduction.

2 days in the winter mountains.
Fun and easy to master.
No prior experience needed.
Stunning mountain views.
Tobogganing!
Forest, rounded hills, ridges.
Reliable snow with warm climate.
**Hotel with Natural Thermal baths.

snowshoe the ridges and peaks of the pyrenees for unbeatable panoramic views

To detailed itinerary
To photo album
To notes on week-long trip
To other winter holidays

OVERVIEW

The mountains in winter are fantastic. 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 long weekend provides us with a 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 located in the warmth of 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. .

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 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.

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

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 on the walking days there will be 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.  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

There are no dates planned for this trip in 2008. Please contact us if you have a few friends who may be interested.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The holiday costs £320, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up very 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. More Info >>

WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?

2 days guided walks with a qualified Mountain Leader. Snowshoe and poles hire. Airport Transfers (specified times only). Private vehicle support during the weekend. 3 nights in thermal spa Hotel. 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, 2 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 and bar 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 hills!  Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.

FOOD

3 substantial continental style breakfasts are included. Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on the 2 walking days which you will be expected to carry with you. The 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.. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION

This trip is lead by a qualified International Mountain Leader (Accompagnateur en Montagne Europeen)
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 snowshoing 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 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 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 (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 are highly desirable, as are an old pair of waterproof trousers, if you take to the tobogganing.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Toulouse Airport is only 1hr 45 mins from Ax les Thermes 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 transfers.  

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

NOTES

The itinerary remains flexible to accommodate differing snow conditions and the desires of the group. To get an idea of the kind of walks that are available please look at the notes for the full week of snowshoeing. It would be possible to spend a month exploring the area without retracing you foot steps, so there are plenty of excellent walks to chose from. 

DAY 1

Transfer 1hr 30mins from Toulouse airport to our Lodge in Ax-les-Thermes. 

DAY 2 / 3

On both 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.

DAY 4

Time to leave. After breakfast we transfer to Toulouse airport



Contact Marmot Tours: info@marmot-tours.co.uk
Tel/fax: 0033 561 02 80 43. French Mob: 0033 (0)6 30 01 12 98
Marmot Tours Ltd