OVERVIEW
Cross Country ski marathons are growing in popularity and the
Transpyreneene is one of the more important events in the French
'ski de fond' calendar. This week-long holiday (over Easter)
gives you the opportunity to ski in 5 of the best cross country
areas in the Pyrenees in preparation for the event on Easter
Sunday.
This trip has been formulated to appeal to both fit beginners and
experienced skiers looking for a new challenge.
During the week we base ourselves in two very different mountain towns. Ax-Les-Thermes
is a pretty thermal spa town straddling the river Ariège
while Font-Romeu is a more cosmopolitan town set on the vast sun
baked plateau near the Spanish border.
Each day we drive to a different ski area, giving us a huge variety
of trails, landscapes and views. Each of the stations has their
own character and during the week we visit the Plateau de Beille,
Domain de Chioula, Capcir, Font-Romeu and Pyrenees 2000.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
This track cross country skiing trip is aimed at fit beginners (runners or
cyclists) who are looking for a new challenge, rollerskiiers who are
wanting to move over to snow or seasoned skiiers who are looking for
a different ski marathon. This basically encompasses anyone who
likes the idea of participating in an event as a goalpost for their
skiing achievements.
The holiday is open to both classic or skating styles, although
'beginners' are advised to concentrate on the classic technique
during the week.
Please note that there is no off-piste skiing on this
holiday. It is important to us that people book
the correct trip - Please do not hesitate to contact
us if you have have any questions.
THE TRANSPYRENEENE SKI MARATHON
The Transpyreneneene is one of the top 4 cross-country ski marathons
in France. It is a celebration of the sport and is open to everyone,
regardless of age or skiing experience. The event is not sold as a
'race', but the people near the front naturally try to go as fast as
they can! You can choose between the 5, 21 or 42km events and there
are sub categories for men / women and classic / skating styles. You
can decide on your distance on the day and even during the race as
the 42km is basically 2 laps of the 21! Whether you are new to
cross-country ski events or a regular competitor, you will enjoy and
be challenged by this great Easter Sunday event.
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.
Font-Romeu / Pyrenees 2000 - 100km of trails between 1500
to 2000m.
These two areas have recently combined, opening up a vast area for
us to explore. It is set on a high altitude plateau supporting one
of Europe's highest forests. The trails take us huge distances across
this land of snow laden trees and frozen lakes. Something to satisfy
all tastes!
Capcir - 100km of trails at 1500m
This vast area is often know as 'the Norway of the South'. There
are 4 very different ski domains taking us around villages, through
ancient pine forests and over vast lakes. In contrast to Beille
and Chioula the mountains here are towering above us and there are
excellent views of the Pic de Carlit. The Refuge du Torn in the
centre of the offers us a welcome break.
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'
Please see the photo
album to get an idea of the scenery / type of terrain that you
will encounter during the holiday.
DATES
Monday 17th March - Monday 24th March 2008 (Trip Code XFP H11)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The holiday costs £590, 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).
Accommodation
is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities
but a single room can be guaranteed for a supplement of £105 (please let us know at the time of
booking). 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?
Airport transfers, 6 days transport to different ski regions, 6 days
guided skiing with one or two guides, formal and informal ski instruction, 4 nights 2** Hotel in Ax-Les-Thermes. 3 nights in 2**
Hotel near Font Romeu. 7 breakfasts and 6 evening meals. Ski
pass that gives access to the prepared ski tracks. Entrance to
the Transpyrenenne ski marathon.
WHERE DO WE STAY
Font-Romeu: We stay in a chalet style 2 star hotel just outside
town. It is situated at 1800m on the sunny plateau of the Cerdagne,
enjoying stunning panoramic views. It is well placed for
accessing the facilities in the centre of Font Romeu. The hotel has
a pleasant and airy restaurant where we take our evening meals.
There is also drying facilities and a comfortable lounge area.
Ax-les-thermes:
We stay in a small, comfortable 2 star hotel in the town of Ax-les-Thermes.
Known for its friendly atmosphere and good cuisine, the Hotel Terminus
source the meats and fish for their traditional French dishes, from
local producers.
The house wine is organic, plus they have an extensive wine list with
choices from both near and afar. Traditional French breakfasts are
also provided. The hotel is a short walk from the town centre, and is situated on the banks of the River Ariege.
All the rooms have views over the river.
Accommodation
is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.
A single room can be guaranteed for a supplement of £105 -
please let us know at the time of booking.
FOOD
All breakfasts are included and are continental style. 6 evening meals
will be taken in the hotel restaurants where we will be spoilt with
fine home cooking. No lunches are included - this enables you to make
up your own picnic from the many patisseries in town, or eat at the
quality restaurants on the ski areas. Vegetarians are welcome and
will be looked after very well. A special pasta dinner will be
served on the Saturday night and the meal on Sunday is not included,
so that you can try one of the fine restaurants in Ax.
GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION
Both James and Cathy will be
leading this trip. James (a Snow Sport England Instructor) will
offer formal instruction for beginners or those new to skiing on
snow on the first day, but will then encourage you to try out your techniques
and offer more informal 'top tips' as the week (and your confidence)
improves. Cathy will offer orientation tours at a reasonable pace,
however all the stations are well signposted and the maps are
very clear and easy to read, so it is possible to ski off on your
own, if that is your desire.
TRANSPORT
Throughout the trip you transferred to and from the ski areas in a private
minibus. Both James and Cathy have lots of experience of driving in
snowy conditions. The buses are naturally fitted with snow tyres and
chains are carried. Each day we transfer 15 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. Font-Romeu
get more sun than anywhere else in France, this has been exploited and
there are several huge solar energy stations in the region.
SKI HIRE
Ski Hire is not included, so you can hire the type and quality of ski
you want.
Basic
classic ski hire starts at €49 per week, including boots and poles.
We are very lucky to have a ski hire shop with an excellent
selections of equipment and there will be an opportunity half way
through the week to change your skis if necessary. The Ski's are mounted with NNN bindings.
If you have your own skis, you can use the waxing rooms in the ski
stations. In
addition there is a very good outdoor clothing and gear shop in
Ax-les-Thermes, 200 meters from our hotel - see Telemark
Pyrenees (external website).
OTHER ACTIVITIES
There is no 'official' rest day, but you are encouraged to take it
easy on at least a couple of days. Both Ax and Font Romeu have downhill
ski stations. All the ski areas have marked snowshoe trails and Snowshoes
can be hired for a couple of hours. At several of the stations you
could try dogsledding
or paragliding. Relaxing is always an option!
WHAT TO BRING
Cross country skiing can be fairly energetic, so you will need lots of
layers, ending in a windproof shell. You will need to be
able to carry some water with you while you are skiing. One of the
joys of skiing in the Pyrenees is that even in January we are skiing
in temperatures over 12 dec C, so you do not get cold when you stop.
A full packing
list will be sent to you on booking.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
For this trip airport transfers will be made to tie in with the
following Ryan Air flights into Carcassonne from London
Stansted:
Monday 17th March, depart Stansted at 1125, arrive Carcassonne at
1420.
Monday 24th March, depart Carcassonne at 1445, arrive Stansted at
1540.
These flights are currently very cheap and currently cost 54 GBP
(8th Dec)
Please see the Transport
section for all travel options (air, road and rail), plus getting to
the start point independently of the group transfer.
| HOLIDAY ITINERARY |
|
NOTES
|
The itinerary remains flexible to accommodate
differing snow conditions and the desires of the group.
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 all
areas have cafes offering fine mountain views from a reclined
deck chair.
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.
|
|
DAY 1
|
Transfer 1hr 30 mins from Carcassonne airport
to the ski hire shop near Ax-les-Thermes. Kited out we
continue our journey to Font Romeu (another 1 hr 45mins).
There will be time for a briefing before dinner in the
hotel.
|
|
DAY 2
|
Transfer 15 mins then ski all day at Pyrenees 2000.
Lessons will be provided for beginners and those new to snow. Experienced
skers will have the opportunity to explore the ski area
independently.
|
|
DAY 3
|
Transfer 15 mins to the Ski area at Font-Romeu.
We intend on skiing as much of the ski area as possible and
informal lessons will be given throughout the day. Dinner at
the Hotel in Font-Romeu.
|
|
DAY 4
|
Transfer 25 mins to the Ski area of Capcir.
After a full day's skiing we will transfer to Ax (1hr 30mins)
and check into out new hotel in time for dinner.
|
|
DAY 5
|
Transfer 45 mins to the Plateau de Beille.
Today we will ski the full 21km route that is used in the
Transpyrenneen, but at a slightly more leisurely pace. If this
is not enough, there are will be time to explore the ret of
the ski area. Dinner at the Hotel in Ax-Les-Thermes.
|
|
DAY 6
|
Transfer 20 mins to the Domain de Chioula. It
is sensible to have a slightly more relaxing day today with a
long lunch at the refuge! It is a perfect opportunity to fine
tune your technique and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful
corner of the world. Tonight's dinner in the hotel will be
tailored to our needs.
|
|
DAY 7
|
After a substantial breakfast we transfer back
up to Beille for the Transpyreneenne ski marathon (see above).
After the event we can enjoy a few beers and dinner out in Ax
(not included).
|
|
DAY 8
|
Time to leave. After breakfast we transfer
2hrs back to Carcassonne airport full of memories of a great
week of cross-country skiing
|
|
To detailed itinerary 
