What to do in Ariège in winter?

Looking for fun and unique activities for your next winter vacation in Ariège ? The Toulouse Pyrenees Guide has put together a great program to satisfy all your desires. At the foot of the Pyrenees, this department is a natural destination that offers numerous outdoor and mountain sports in all seasons. We also promise you moments of relaxation to take care of yourself and visits to educate yourself on the region's history.

Opening photo: Couflens in winter © Marc Andreu / Adobe Stock

Practice a winter sport in the Pyrenean resorts of Ariège

In the Ariège Pyrenees, many resorts welcome you and offer you original snow sports. It's the opportunity to try out unusual activities, to enjoy the snow in a different way!

• Ax 3 Domaines is an innovative resort where you can try all kinds of board sports: freestyle, boarder-cross, snowpark, fatbike, snake slide... But also more technical activities, such as mountaineering, or fun ones, such as igloo building.
• The Monts d'Olmes resort is the ideal place to enjoy mogul skiing.
• The Beille resort invites you to stroll across its magnificent plateau, at the natural pace of its horses, the Mérens, either ski-joering or in a horse-drawn carriage.
• At the Chioula pass, you can admire nature on board a dog sled.
• In the Mijanès-Donezan resort, you can also try the snake-gliss.
• The Guzet resort offers you its slalom stadium, as well as its freeride snowpark areas.

The mountains in a different way: enjoy the snow through original activities in Ariège! Photos @Unsplash.com

Hot water canyoning in the Thuès canyon

Canyoning is a very complete activity, combining hiking, climbing or abseiling and swimming. It is a white water sport, which is practiced mainly from spring to autumn. For a change, we take you to the heart of a snowy forest, to enjoy the pleasures of water, in the middle of winter ! In Thuès-entre-Valls there is a small canyon from which spring hot springs at 40°.

Try high-altitude hiking in the Ariège Pyrenees

To get some fresh air and recharge your batteries in the great outdoors, hiking, whether on foot or by bike, allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Ariège, practicing a sport suitable for all levels. To admire the beautiful landscapes under the snow, try a high-altitude hike :

• In the Monts d'Olmes resort, you can take beautiful walks, on foot or on snowshoes, to an icy pond !
• On the Beille plateau, you can observe the typical wild fauna of the Pyrenees, thanks to the Nordic walking trail.
• The snow-covered forest of Aulus-les-Bains is magnificent, from the first snowflakes.

In the mountains, don't neglect safety. Guides are there to help you select routes suited to your level, advise you and accompany you.

Taking on the Ariège mountains in chamois leather. Photo: @Todd Diemer / Unsplash

Explore the beautiful villages of Ariège

Lovers of old stones will have their eyes sparkling in front of these witnesses to the history of Ariège. The vestiges of prehistory, the Hundred Years' War, then the War of Religion and the Cathar persecutions have left their mark on the architectural heritage. You will see beautiful bastides, medieval villages, Templar cities. We take you to visit the most beautiful villages of Ariège and here are our favorites:

• Montségur, the city of Catharism.
• Mirepoix is a medieval fortified town, with its cathedral, half-timbered houses and its house of chivalry.
• Saint-Lizier and its religious heritage.
• Mas d'Azil has been occupied since prehistoric times. This village has such a long and rich history to tell...

Heritage discovery walks are available in Saint-Lizier. Photo @Guide Toulouse Pyrénées

Relax in the thermal baths and wellness areas

Do you want to take advantage of your vacation to relax and take care of yourself ? The Pyrenees are known for their springs. Thermal spas dot the Pyrenees mountain range and allow you to enjoy the benefits of their waters:

• The thermal spa of Ax-les-Thermes;
• The Couloubret Baths;
• The thermal baths of Aulus-les-Bains.

The pleasures of a high mountain spa. Photo @Fiche du Château de Beauregard

Go shopping

Pamiers and Foix are important economic centers in Ariège. While strolling through the city center or shopping centers, you will find numerous boutiques, large brands, and independent stores.

Markets allow you to meet producers, discover local crafts and taste good local products.

You're now well prepared for your next winter vacation in Ariège. We hope we've inspired you to try new activities to discover the region under this beautiful white veil of winter.

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