|
OVERVIEW
Cross-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.
DATES
There 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.
FOOD
3 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 INSTRUCTION
Private 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.
GROUP
There 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.
TRANSPORT
Throughout 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.
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.
SKI HIRE
Basic 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 BRING
Cross 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.
|