Where to go skiing in Ariège?

Winter is coming and with it, the prospect of putting on your skis to slide down the snowy slopes in complete freedom! And in Ariège, there is no shortage of possibilities with no less than 9 resorts open during the season, including 6 for downhill skiing. Pack your bags, put on a down jacket, scarf and hat, we'll tell you where to go skiing in Ariège !

The Ax 3 Domaines station

As its name suggests, it provides access to 3 vast areas which bring together 80 km of ski slopes surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. Bonastre, Saquet and Campels, these are 3 names for 3 types of skiing among the fir trees, on a high altitude plateau or in the high mountains. Adapt your outings to your level to have fun with family or friends sliding on the 37 slopes of different colors, ideal for beginners or for training. Also called Ax Bonastre, this ski resort offers accommodation at the foot of the slopes, but also in the next town, Ax-les-Thermes , where you can relax and enjoy other activities such as the ice rink. Escape to this authentic resort in the Pyrenees, you will be enchanted.

Guzet station

Discover the purity of the mountain in Guzet where time stands still. Nestled in the middle of a fir forest , the small chalets are scattered around to offer an enchanted setting to holidaymakers, who enjoy a 360° view of the wild nature of the Ariège Pyrenees. Admire this beauty covered in a white carpet from where you can slide down 40 km of snowy slopes . Athletes will be able to vary the pleasures with 3 km of cross-country ski trail and 2 snowshoe routes to walk on the powder at your own pace, your eyes amazed by the breathtaking panorama of the mountains. Shuttle, daycare, tobogganing area and area for beginner skiers, everything is done in Guzet to relax and enjoy an intimate and cocooning resort, ideal for holidays with family or friends.

The Monts d’Olmes resort

1h30 from Carcassonne , this pretty ski resort is ideal for learning to ski in Ariège, but also for training on the bumpy slope of Perrine Laffont, gold medalist at the 2018 Olympic Games. Rest assured, the performance t's not the objective of the instructors who give you the lessons, but rather the pleasure of sliding without falling. Do at your own pace and according to your level, the trails are of varied colors to suit everyone over 20 km of sliding . Located in the heart of a fir forest, the Monts d'Olmes resort retains all its charm with its typically mountain chalets surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Equipment rental, restaurant or even ice rink, everything is at the foot of the slopes for fun in winter in a friendly, family-friendly resort.

The Ascou ski resort

The joy of skiing is shared by all lovers of skiing in Ascou, a small resort with multiple possibilities in Ariège. Experienced skiers will be able to tackle the black slopes while regulars ski down the red slopes. Intermediate levels are delighted to train on the blue slopes , while beginners discover the pleasure of sliding on suitable green slopes. The surface of the slopes is rather limited with 15 km of powder where you can ski, with 17 slopes accessible to all levels so you can ski at your own pace on your skis. Are you adventurous? Go beyond your limits off-piste through fir trees and hilly spaces for a unique thrill shot in the Pyrenees.

Mijanès-Donezan station

Here you are in Haute Ariège in the heart of the Donezan territory to enjoy all the pleasures of snow in a resort with multiple activities. Skiing of course is the main attraction with 12 km of sliding space and 15 trails accessible to all levels, but also cross-country skiing which is one of the particularities of the Mijanès-Donezan resort. Indeed, fans of this Nordic practice will be able to have fun on 15 km of snowy slopes to plant the pole and slide at full speed among the fir trees and the forest . What incredible landscapes are those of the Ariégeois Pyrenees where the preserved nature offers panoramas of astonishing beauty. Discover this environment under its winter coat by sliding on a sled , through a sled dog baptism or during a snowshoe hike. Everything is possible in this human-sized resort.

Goulier station

Families and beginners will love this resort, one of the smallest in the Pyrenees which is also the only one in the Montcalm valley. Between green, blue and a few red slopes, the 7 km of skiing are perfect for learning to get by. The little ones will be able to put on skis in the “baby” area, ideal for their first pleasures in winter sports. Open your eyes wide, the landscapes are magnificent since the Goulier station is in the heart of the Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park. Ski on an authentic wild site and go snowshoeing to admire the forest and discover all its secrets. Friendly and family-friendly, the Goulier station is the place where you always want to return.

The Nordic area of the Lers pond

Experience an enchanted break in this magnificent natural space nestled between two valleys, that of Massat and that of Vicdessos. The frozen lake at the foot of Mont Béas offers luminous and exotic landscapes, in the heart of the Pyrénées Ariègeoises Regional Natural Park. Here, no alpine skiing, but cross-country skiing to be practiced on 25 km of groomed and marked trails divided into 4 trails. Experience a magical moment around the Lers pond in a unique setting of the Pyrenees. Walks and hikes are also popular with 23 km of snow-covered trails, perfect for moving at your own pace in the powder. An orientation course open to all allows you to learn how to find your way in a mountain environment, a fun and sporty way to discover the Nordic area of the Lers pond.

The Chioula pass station

Breathe in front of these snow-capped mountains which give you a feeling of freedom . You have arrived in a calm and relaxing resort in Ariège , 15 minutes from Ax-les-Thermes, ideal for combining spa treatment and the pleasure of skiing . Cross-country skiing is in the spotlight and can be discovered through 60 km of trails divided into 14 courses suitable for all levels. Between forest, valleys and plateaus, you will be immersed in a magical setting where the snow-covered trees make magnificent postcard photos . Want to try another activity ? Put on your snowshoes for a hike of 1 to 17 km on 4 marked routes, ideal for warming up while discovering the Pyrenees. Sledding, games for children and sled dogs, you will have something to keep the whole family busy at the Col de Chioula station in Ariège.

Beille station

A legendary resort for cross-country skiing, it is the first Nordic area in the Pyrenees where you can practice skating, 1h30 from Toulouse. Located at an altitude between 1,800 m and 2,000 m, it offers a unique 360° panorama of the Pyrenees, a breathtaking setting of snow-covered peaks and trees. Glide on 32 km of trails through 14 marked and groomed routes, where put on your snowshoes for a fun and sporty hike in the heart of nature. The exceptional setting of the Pyrenees is also conducive to the practice of tobogganing , a fun sliding sport that delights young and old. Take advantage of your stay to crisscross the white spaces on a sled dog, and build an icy igloo in the style of the Eskimos before warming up with a hot chocolate.

Close to Foix , Toulouse and Carcassonne , the ski resorts in Ariège are ideal for enjoying winter sports when the season starts, whatever your preferred activity. You now know the particularities of each of them to know where to go skiing in Ariège. Treat yourself, it's only once a year.

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