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Cross Country skiing weekend in the Pyrenees, FranceThe perfect hassle free short winter break to a beautiful ski area. |
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2 days of x-country skiing. |
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OVERVIEWCross-country skiing is a fantastic winter activity and there is no better place to do it than the Plateau de Beille, high in the French Pyrenees near Andorra. It was the first purpose built x-country ski domain in the Pyrenees and offers us over 65km of well maintained Loips. Despite the long sunny days and Mediterranean climate, the snow cover is very reliable up to the end of April. So, good snow, sun and warm enough so that you don't freeze when you stop - Perfect!!During the weekend you will be accompanied by Alan Toogood, a cross-country
ski enthusiast, who will offer daily guided tours to his favourite
corners of the mountainside. However the loips are well marked and
graded so you are free to go exploring on your own, if that is your
choice. The Plateau de Beille and the domain du Chioula both have
excellent south facing mountain cafes, with a stunning panoramas,
so you do not have to be on the go all the time. Instructors can
be hired by the hour if you are looking to fine tune your technique
or try out skating. We base ourselves in the pretty spa town of Ax-les-Thermes, which gives us easy access to the two dedicated cross-country ski stations that make up the 'Espace Nordic des Pyrenees' IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?This weekend is aimed at people who have had some exposure to Cross-Country Skiing and now want to travel some distance amidst a stunning mountain landscape, but don't have time to commit to an entire week. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.DATESThere are no scheduled departures currently for 2008, however, should you be interested, please do email us to make an enquiry.HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £300, starting and ending at the train station in Ax-les-Thermes. 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. More Info >>WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?2 days entrance to the ski area at Beille. Basic ski / boot / pole hire. Transfers to / from the train station. Vehicle support during the weekend. 3 nights in l'Alpage. 3 evening meals, 3 breakfasts. Services and guiding of Alan Toogood throughout the weekend.WHERE DO WE STAY?We stay at L'Alpage, a comfortable chalet just 15 minutes walk from the town centre of Ax-les-Thermes. Alan makes us feel like 'visiting friends' in his beautiful house. There is a spacious lounge and a bar leading to a south facing terrace with panoramic views. Rooms are allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.FOOD3 substantial continental style breakfasts are included. Lunches are not included as there is an excellent restaurant at the plateau, or if you prefer you can make up a packed Lunch. The evening meals will be taken at the lodge where we will be served regional specialties like confit du canard and Cassoulet. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONPrivate instructors for beginners and improvers can be arranged on arrival. The cost for an instructor is about 32 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 lessons on the first day. Alan Toogood will offer orientation ski tours, taking you to his favourite corners of the ski area.GROUPThere is a maximum of 8 people (minimum 2) plus Alan on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends. TRANSPORTThroughout the trip you transferred to and from the walk start points in a Private minibus. The bus is naturally fitted with snow tyres and chains are carried. Transfers will be from 20 to 45 mins each way depending on snow cover. There are no Airport transfers included in the price of this weekend.CLIMATEThe 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.
SKI HIREBasic ski hire is included. If you want to try out skating, there is a good gear shop at the plateau de Beille, but this will be at your own expense.WHAT TO BRINGCross country skiing can be fairly energetic, so you will need 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 kit list on booking.HOW DO I GET THERE?
Please see the Transport
section for all travel options (air, road and rail). For this trip
there are no airport transfers included. There is a very good rail
service from Toulouse to Ax taking 2hrs and costing 15 Euros. You
will be picked up the the train station on your arrival and transported
to the lodge. Full instructions and timetables will be sent to you
on booking.
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| HOLIDAY ITINERARY | |
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DAY 1 |
Pick up from the station in Ax-les-Thermes. |
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DAY 2 / 3 |
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 there
is a great cafe offering fine mountain views from a reclined deck
chair. There is even a special dog sledding area as Beile, if you
fancy trying something different for a few hours! |
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DAY 4 |
A morning of relaxing then taking the train back to Toulouse |
