Station Ax 3 Domaines
Ax 3 Domaines - the ultimate ski resort in the Pyrenees
Situated at the gateway to Andorra and Spain and under 2 hours from Toulouse, Ax 3 Domaines is linked by cable car to the little village of Ax-les-Thermes. The variety and quality of its pistes along with its beautiful scenery have made it the most popular ski resort in the Pyrenees.
Ax 3 Domaines attracts more and more skiers, thanks to its delightful pistes among fir trees and its beautiful mountain scenery. Fir trees at Bonascre, summits at Le Saquet, wide open spaces at Campels, there’s something to suit all tastes. The ski area covers 80km of slopes with 19 ski lifts : 8 ski tows - 2 surface lifts - 6 chairlifts - 2 cable cars - 1 magic carpet and more than 200 snow cannon ! Virgin snow zones for freeriding, a snowpark for free-style skiing and perfectly-maintained slopes provide ski conditions for all levels of experience. The resort is an approved ""Espace Loisir Handisport"" for adaptive sports.
The resort also has a zone for beginners called « l'Espace Évolution », a secure area of 10,000m² with 3 different ski lifts at the foot of the slopes, to learn to ski progressively. You start with the ""Bulle"" magic carpet to get your initial balance, then “Desman” rope tow takes you to practise your first bends. Finally, you use “Gypaète” handle towlift before hitting the slopes proper with the two drag lifts Lisière and Lusclade. The resort also has a sledging area next to the summer swimming pool.
Other resort activities include igloo building, two-seater paragliding, speed riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoe trekking, introduction to mountaineering, snake gliss (toboggan train), mountain biking on snow…
Taking the waters at Bains d'Ax
Bains du Couloubret at Ax-les-Thermes not far from the resort is a 3000m² wellness centre - the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes. Go from pool to pool at your leisure, each one filled with hot spring water between 33° and 38°C. Unwind in the jacuzzis, enjoy swan neck jets, underwater massage jets and bubble jets, have a sauna or a hammam steam bath. The two outdoor pools on two levels allow you to discover the pleasure of swimming in 35° thermal water in cold, bracing air with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Round off your experience with a massage or body scrub in the treatment centre.
Restaurant recommendation : Table du Sud-Ouest at Ax-les-Thermes, recommended by the Petit Futé. A friendly restaurant with a lovely aroma of garlic and Espelette pepper in the pedestrianised centre of Ax.
Other activities : Reach for the skies at the ski resort of Plateau de Beille at Les Cabannes, the Number 1 Nordic skiing site in the Pyrenees. Go skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding along trails towards the distant horizon at the heart of the Vallées d’Ax, 90 minutes from Toulouse. Everything is ready when you arrive. Just choose whatever activity takes your fancy, from tobogganing to skiing, sleigh rides to igloos, Mongolian yurts to Nordic walking. At Beille, the snow is radiant, just like Ariège !
Useful information :
Ring 05 61 64 20 06 for information about ski hire, ski schools, adaptive skiing, child-care, restaurants and car parks. The resort is about 1½ hours from Toulouse by car. It can also be reached by public transport. Ski passes available. Real time webcam.
Continue your discovery trip to Ariège on the GR10 hiking path or at the Grotte du Mas d'Azil"
