An exciting family holiday in the heart of Haute-Ariège and the Ax Valley where you can discover the magic of the Pyrenees. Combine snowshoe hikes with dog sledding and tracking activities, e.g. following animal trails, and experience regional gastronomy and moments of relaxation in picture-perfect surroundings. There is also the chance for children (…and grown-ups too) to learn how to build their own Inuit-style igloo. With the company of a local guide, the whole family can take advantage of the relaxing winter scenery and engage in exciting activities.

Day 1
Arrive at your hotel, La Grande Cordée. Meet up at 6pm with your guide later in the afternoon for a welcome drink and presentation of the week’s activities.

Day 2
Leave for a snowshoe hike in the heart of Haute Ariège. See the changing scenery as you pass through fir-tree forests and over the snow-covered landscape –the perfect way to observe animal life during the long winter months. The tracks they leave behind need no longer be a mystery!

Day 3
Today you will discover dog sledding! After meeting your four-legged companions, you’ll have time to learn the ropes before heading off on an adventure over the beautiful frozen landscape…

Day 4
Some exciting snow activities await you today in the heart of the Ariège forest. Return at 4pm for 2 hours in the thermocentre.

Day 5
Your guide will show you how to make an Inuit-style igloo. You can even have your picnic inside!

Day 6
Today’s insight into the life of an animal tracker will round your holiday off nicely! With an introduction to orienteering and “prehistoric” spear-hunting, the spirit of the Far North really comes to life.

Day 7
End of stay after breakfast.

Start
On Sunday, from 16:00 at La Grande Cordée, Ax-les-Thermes.
End
Next Saturday, at La Grande Cordée after breakfast.
How to get there
SNCF station in Ax-les-Thermes (09), or motorway A66 to Tarascon sur Ariège and then the highway Nationale 20 to Ax-les-Thermes.
Accommodation
Full board in double rooms at the hotel La Grande Cordée with bathroom and WC. Buffet-style breakfast and evening meal at accommodation, picnics at midday on terrain. Traditional specialities guaranteed to be made from natural ingredients. For more information about accommodation: www.grande-cordee.com
Number of people
of 5 to 15
Level of difficulty
Easy: Maximum altitude difference: +400m, Maximum altitude: 1800m. Nature of terrain: way-marked trails, mountain areas, varying between forests and snow-covered areas.
Guide
A qualified mountain guide, specialising in the Haute Ariège area.
Carrying
Only personal belongings for during the day and your picnic.
Price includes
Full board accommodation, local transfers, visitors’ taxes, guide, equipment for the activities (snowshoes and poles).
Price does not include
Transport to and from start/finishing points, insurance, drinks, lunch on day 1 and day 7, daily cleaning of rooms.

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