Cross-Country in the Eastern Pyrenees, France
The high altitude and sunny plateaux of the Eastern Pyrenees are a great place to go cross-country skiing. There's over 120 kilometres of skating and classic cross-country trails on the plateaux of Beille and Chioula.
Overview of Cross-Country in the Eastern Pyrenees
The wonderful location in the Eastern Pyrenees makes this a fantastic cross-country skiing destination for beginners. You'll have easy access to over 120km of cross-country trails, with the high peaks and deep valleys of the surrounding areas begging to be admired. Because the trip is designed with you in mind, you can choose to go off and explore on your own or alongside an experienced guide. If you're a beginner you'll also benefit from top tips and lessons with the experts.
It is most likely the week will involve two days in Chioula, a beautiful little mountain pass where you can ski through beech forests and wide valleys, and another three days at Beille, widely regarded as on of the best cross-country skiing destinations in the region. Here you'll find around 70km of pistes, and wonderful views of the surrounding peaks around every corner. You'll also get a free day to explore the area at your own pace, opting to relax in Ax-les-Thermes or taking part in any number of extra winter activities including skating and dog sledding.
Here's a brief overview of the itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive at Ax-Les-Thermes
- Days 2 - 7: 5 days of either guided or independent cross-country skiing. This trip is designed with the specific requirements of the group in mind, so you can decide yourselves where you'd like to go
- Day 8: Departure from Ax-Les-Thermes
Haven't tried cross-country skiing before? Here's a video showing you the kind of fun and adventure you can expect to have on this winter holiday in the Eastern Pyrenees...
What price includes
- 7 nights at Hotel Le Terminus
- All breakfasts and 6 evening meals
- Transport to and from the ski areas
- 5 optional guided day tours
- Tour Leader(s) and some instruction
- Optional activities
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Hotel Terminus, Ax-Les-Thermes
Ax-les-Thermes
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
The hotel is opposite the train station.
How to get there:
Train from London to Paris Nord. Underground to Paris Austerlitz. Direct train to Ax on overnight sleeper.
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Hotel Terminus, Ax-Les-Thermes
Ax-les-Thermes
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
The hotel is opposite the train station
How to get back:
Train from Ax-les-Thermes to London (via Paris)
