Snowshoeing in the Ariège Pyrenees

This first hike will be a gentle warm-up for all of us . We'll start by following a track through the forest, climbing gently to a wide plateau with an open view. We'll continue our ascent until we reach some wooded areas where fir trees stand proudly under the snow. After our picnic lunch, it will be time to set off again to return to our starting point, traversing a pretty valley offering magnificent views of the snow-covered mountains of the Haute-Ariège.

On our way back to the cottage, we can make a short stop in Ax-les-Thermes to enjoy the thermal hot water pools and fountains which will provide your feet with well-deserved comfort!

A true mountain experience is guaranteed on this hike, which will take us to an altitude of just over 2,000 meters. Don't worry, though, we'll be starting from a pretty high point! In fact, there will only be a short climb before we reach a plateau worthy of the most beautiful Nordic landscapes. Wind and snow have sculpted the vegetation that still thrives here.

We will traverse these vast expanses and discover, along our route, varied viewpoints overlooking the mountains of the Haute-Ariège and neighboring departments. After a picnic sheltered by a rock or in the cabin located at a wide pass, we will resume our adventure, returning via the ridges (weather and snow conditions permitting).

This day will be dedicated to pleasure and well-being ! In the morning, we'll walk along a gently sloping path winding through a beech forest to reach a more open landscape, which we'll cross to reach the refuge. There, Alvaro, the warden, will give us a warm welcome on the sunny terrace, facing the mountains (weather permitting, of course!). Then, only after a delicious blueberry tart will we put our snowshoes back on to explore other wild areas and admire peaks whose whiteness blends with the pale blue of the winter sky. We'll then return to the forest atmosphere of a trail that will take us back to our starting point. We'll then descend into the valley (by minibus) to enjoy the pleasures of thermal water in all its forms: sauna, hammam, Irish-Roman baths... and other activities at the thermal spa of Bains du Couloubret in Ax-les-Thermes.

For this hike, we'll venture into the neighboring valley to explore the territory of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Park . We'll set off to conquer pristine ridges from a wide pass that was once a trading post between Spain and France. We'll hike through a landscape that is initially lightly wooded, then climb well above the treeline to follow a route between sky and snow, giving us the sensation of weightlessness! We'll have views of the peaks of Andorra, as well as interesting vistas of those in the Haute-Ariège and Cerdagne regions.

This mountainous environment may force us to adapt the initially planned route depending on the weather, snow conditions or the level of the group.

Plan B depending on snow conditions and weather: snowshoeing on the edge of the Porte Pymorens ski area (no pedestrian pass required).

To gently round off your stay, we suggest a short hike in the hills above a remote hamlet, nestled in a valley where the forest reigns supreme and the pastures are king! Once we emerge from the woods, we'll find ourselves in the heart of a landscape opening onto the surrounding mountain ranges. We'll take the time to admire these snow-capped peaks before reaching a charming shepherd's hut for a cozy lunch by the fireplace. We'll then begin our return journey along open slopes, enjoying beautiful expanses of snow all the way down.

Back at the cottage, it will be time to pack and say goodbye over a final little snack together (if everyone's departure obligations allow it ) before leaving.