What to do in Ariège in winter?

Looking for fun and original activities for your next winter holiday in Ariège ? The Toulouse Pyrenees Guide has put together a great program to satisfy all your desires. Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, this department is a nature lover's paradise, offering a wide range of outdoor and mountain sports in every season. We also promise moments of relaxation to pamper yourself and visits to enrich your understanding of the region's history.

Cover photo: Couflens in winter - ©Marc Andreu / Adobe Stock

Practicing winter sports in the Pyrenean resorts of Ariège

In the Ariège Pyrenees, numerous resorts welcome you and offer a variety of unique snow sports. It's the perfect opportunity to try unusual activities and enjoy the snow in a whole new way!

• Ax 3 Domaines is an innovative resort where you can try all kinds of snow sports: freestyle, boardercross, snowpark, fatbike, snake gliss… 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 on its magnificent plateau, at the natural pace of its horses, the Mérens, either by ski-joering or by horse- drawn carriage.
• At the Chioula pass, you can admire nature from aboard a dog sled.
• In the Mijanès-Donezan resort, you can also try snake-gliss.
• The Guzet resort offers you its slalom stadium, as well as its snowpark and freeride areas.

Go canyoning in warm water in the Thuès canyon

Canyoning is a very comprehensive activity, combining hiking, climbing or rappelling, and swimming. It's a whitewater sport, mainly practiced from spring to autumn. For a change of pace, we're taking you to the heart of a snow-covered forest to enjoy the pleasures of water in the middle of winter ! In Thuès-entre-Valls, there's a small canyon where hot springs reach 40°C.

Testing high-altitude hiking in the Ariège Pyrenees

To get some fresh air and recharge in the heart of nature, 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 enjoy beautiful walks, on foot or snowshoes, towards a frozen pond !
• On the Beille plateau, you can observe the typical wildlife 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.

Explore the beautiful villages of Ariège

Lovers of old stones will be captivated by these witnesses to the history of Ariège. The vestiges of prehistory, the Hundred Years' War, then the Wars of Religion and the Cathar persecutions have all left their mark on the architectural heritage. You'll see beautiful fortified towns (bastides), medieval villages, and Templar cities. We'll take you on a tour of the most beautiful villages in Ariège, and here are our favorites:

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

Relax in the thermal baths and wellness areas

Looking to take advantage of your vacation to relax and pamper yourself ? The Pyrenees are renowned for their thermal springs. Spa towns dot the Pyrenees mountain range, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of their waters.

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

Go shopping

Pamiers and Foix are important economic centers in Ariège. While strolling through the town centers or shopping malls, you will find numerous boutiques, large chain stores, and independent shops.

Markets offer the opportunity to meet producers, discover local crafts and taste good local products.

You are now well prepared for your next winter holiday in Ariège. We hope we have inspired you to try new activities and discover the region under this beautiful white blanket of winter.

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