Marmot Tours :: Cross-country skiing holiday in the Pyrenees, France

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Cross-country skiing holiday in the Pyrenees, France

A flexible week aimed at people wanting try out or progress in this excellent winter activity


Stunning mountain views. Reliable Snow. 120km of marked / graded Loips. Ski in a group, or by yourself. Lessons can be arranged. Hotel in Ax-Les-Thermes. Easy access from UK airports. Good value for money.
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OVERVIEW

Ax-les-Thermes provides us with the perfect base for this cross country skiing holiday in France. It is surrounded by the two largest dedicated cross-country skiing regions in the Pyrenees, giving us over 130 km of well maintained Loips to explore. Mix this with long sunny days and a nice hotel, and it the perfect formula for a good winter break.

This week is aimed at beginners and improvers for both skating and classic skiing. Depending on snow conditions we hope to explore the ski domains of Chioula and Beille,

Both regions have been landscaped for x-country skiing, all the loips are graded for difficulty and are clearly marked at every junction. This enables us to provide a uniquely flexible holiday, where you can progress at your own pace while enjoying the comradery of the group. There is no tuition included, but James can organize private lessons for you on arrival, either for beginners, or for those wanting to fine tune their technique. James and Cathy will be at the disposal of the group to help you get orientated and to take you to their favorite hidden corners of the mountainside.

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?

Yes! If you love the outdoors then this is an excellent activity as it can be as strenuous as you like. Cathy has written an article on cross-country skiing in the area which gives you an overview of the holiday. If you are an experienced skiier then you may be interested in our Nordic Highlights holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any questions.

THE SKI AREAS

All of the ski areas are lovingly groomed and fresh loipes are pressed into the snow every night by specialist cross-country skiing piste bashers.

Plateau de Beille - 70km of trails between 1800m to 2000m
This was the first purpose built cross-country ski area in the Pyrenees. It is located on a high altitude ridge high above the valley of Ax. The trails take us through a mix of thinning pine forest and open plateau offering us 360 degree views of the high peaks of Andorra. There is a fine south facing restaurant / bar which is the perfect place to relax when you have had enough skiing. There is the option of trying dogsledding or paragliding here. [piste map / webcam - external websites]

Domain de Chioula - 60km of trails between 1240 to 1650m
This is thought by many as one of the most beautiful ski areas in France. It is spread out over a series of ridges giving breathtaking views in all directions. Skiing at this altitude takes us through ancient beech forests and open meadows. For many the highlight of the Domain is the Refuge du Chioula, set in the middle of the ski area offering a reclined deckchair and an unrivalled 'chocolat chaud' . [piste map - external website]

DATES

Sun 21 Dec - Sun 28 Dec 2008 (Trip code XFA H51)
Sun 28 Dec 2008 - Sun 4 Jan 2009 (Trip code XFA H52)
Sun 25 Jan - Sun 1 Feb 2009 (Trip code XFA I04)
Sun 8 Feb - Sun 15 Feb 2009 (Trip code XFA I06)
Sun 15 Feb - Sun 22 Feb 2009 (Trip code XFA I07)
Sun 1 March - Sun 8 March 2009 (Trip code XFA I09)
Sun 8 March - Sun 15 March 2009 (Trip code XFA I10)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The 2008/2009 season trip price is yet to be confirmed, but in 2007/2008 this trip cost 639 GBP. There are no local payments on this trip. This trip is being run in conjunction with Exodus Travels and can be booked directly through them as well as with Marmot-Tours. If you book through Exodus, they are offering a package price including flights from Gatwick.

Allow about £50 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below).

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?

Airport transfers, 5 days transport to different ski regions, 5 days Piste access, 5 days guided skiing, 7 nights ** hotel with friendly family atmosphere, 6 evening meals, services of James and Cathy Thompson.

WHERE DO WE STAY

We normally stay in the family run 2 star Hotel Terminus, which provides us with a comfortable base for the week. Alain and Elizabeth 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, 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 £100 for single room occupancy, which must be arrange on booking.

FOOD

All breakfasts are included and are continental style. 6 evening meals will be taken in the locally famed hotel restaurant, where we will be spoilt with fine home cooking. On the Wednesday you are free to try out one of the many restaurants in town. No lunches are included, enabling you to make up your own picnic from the many patisseries in town, or eat at the quality restaurants on the ski area. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION

Private instruction for beginners and improvers can be arranged on arrival. The cost for an instructor is about 34 euros per hour, however there will normally be several group members at the same level, splitting this cost. We recommend that beginners take at least 2 hours of lessons on the first 2 days. James and Cathy will offer orientation ski tours of the region, at different levels throughout the week, taking you further a field into their favorite areas.

TRANSPORT

Throughout the trip you are transferred to and from the ski areas in private minibuses. James and Cathy have lots of experience of driving in snowy conditions. The buses are naturally fitted with snow tyres and snow chains are carried. Each day we transfer 30 to 45mins depending on snow conditions on the road.

CLIMATE

This part of the Pyrenees generally has more snow for a longer season than further West. Also the proximity to the Mediterranean gives us longer sunnier days. On the slopes we can expect anything from -10 to +20, while in Ax it very rarely gets below freezing.

SKI HIRE

Ski Hire is not included, so you can hire the type and quality of ski you want, or even try out different skis as the week progresses. Basic classic ski hire starts at €49 per week, including boots and poles. There is a very good equipment shop in Ax.

WHAT TO BRING

Cross country skiing can be fairly energetic, so lots of layers are best, ending in a windproof shell. You will need to be able to carry some water with you while you are skiing. You will be sent a full packing list on booking.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Please see the Transport section for all travel options (air, road and rail) plus information on getting to the Hotel Terminus independently of the group transfer from Toulouse Airport.

For this trip the airport transfers are scheduled to tie in with the British Airways flights from London Gatwick. If this flight is delayed then the transfer will naturally be rescheduled.

OUT: Flight BA7953 arriving in Toulouse at 1740.
IN: Flight BA 7954 departing Toulouse at 1815.

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

NOTES

This Holiday is designed to be totally flexible, to accommodate the desires of the group and to make the most of the snow conditions. However we hope to spend 2 days at Chioula and 3 days at the Plateau de Beille.

We intend to be on the slopes by 10am and aim to finish by 4.30pm. You do not need to be on the go all the time, as both areas have cafes offering fine mountain views from a reclined deck chair. At Beille there is even a special dog sledding area and a company that offers paragliding if you fancy trying something different for a few hours!

You will be given a key to the van, so at any stage during the day you can have access to spare clothing, different skis, book etc.

Wednesday will be a day to do as you please. Ax-les-Thermes is linked to the ski area of Ax-Bonascre, by a cable car (5 mins walk from the hotel). The resort has plenty of downhill pistes at all levels. Alternatively the largest ski area in Andorra is only 40 mins away by bus, and you could even do some duty free shopping while you are there. Ax is a pleasant town to relax in and indeed the Thermal baths with massage service may help you do so. Those wanting a bit of culture could take the train to Foix (30 mins), a medieval town dominated by a triple towered castle. Alternatively you could try paragliding, a full day of dog sledding or even some more x-country skiing.

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