Why not put on Ariège during your next sports trip? Here are the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes!
Ax-les-Thermes is a French commune located in the department of Ariège in the middle of the Pyrenees . This spa has around 60 hot springs, whose water is renowned for its benefits.
But Ax-les-Thermes is also Ax 3 Domaines: a beautiful ski resort located eight kilometres from Ax-les-Thermes. Distant of the border with the Andorra 30 kilometers, you can easily reach the station from the Midi Toulouse. Renowned for its 80 kilometers of track, it attracts many visitors who visit it during the winter. Why not you?
Get out of the beaten paths and come and shine in this southern pearl of the France ! Slip sports, climbing, water sports... there are for all tastes and seasons. The best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes will be presented to you in this article. What do you want to start with?
Summer
Trail
Photo credit: Facebook – Courses des 3 Villages & Trail du Llata
The trail consists of walking through marked trails - or non-mountain trails in a small trail. This is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes. Indeed, hiking trails are countless and offer sublime views of the region.
For example, hold the loop above Ax-les-Thermes, to the top of the Roc de l’Orri d’Ignaux. The arrival at the Refuge du Chioula will offer you a magnificent panorama on the chain of the Ariegean Pyrenees!
Address games
Photo credit: Facebook – Ax 3 Domains
If you want to spend a day without getting too tired, here’s one of our favourites on the spot. This outdoor activity is one of the best to do in Ax-les-Thermes! The domain offers spaces dedicated to address games to be created with the family.
Thus, a beautiful boulodrome and a mini-golf hard await visitors wishing not to sweat too much. Probably to save their strength before the next activity?
Escalade
Photo credit: Shutterstock – zhukovvvlad
We could have just presented you some classic escapades but we chose to share one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes, without a doubt.
The climbing takes place at the Rocher de la Galine, near the pool. This school-type rock is well equipped and will be the ideal spot to learn about the joys of the climber. The equipment can be rented in the heart of the resort: don’t hesitate!
You will be able to do an initiation course at the cliff climbing, for a group rate from 270€ .
Road cycling
Photo credit: Facebook – Tourist Office of the Ariegeoise Pyrenees Valleys of Ax
Perfect for a sporting stay, we present you one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes of this selection. The climb to the Bonascre plateau is known for its short length (about 8 km) but its slope is almost 9%!
Lacets and faux-plats follow up to the foot of the Ax 3 Domaines slopes. It’s a must-see for lovers. It’s a trip by cyclists in the summer season.
Outdoor swimming pool
Photo credit: Facebook – Tourist Office of the Ariegeoise Pyrenees Valleys of Ax
There is no doubt about this outdoor activity in Ax-les-Thermes, it is one of the most pleasant of the place. The resort offers a splendid heated outdoor swimming pool located on the Bonascre plateau... 1 400 m away.
Open every day except on Saturday, the swimming pool allows you to refresh yourself while enjoying the sun of the mountain. Careful, this last hard tap in summer: don’t forget the sun cream...
ATV
Photo credit: Facebook – Ax 3 Domains
The ATV is part of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes. As soon as you arrive, you will quickly understand why by discovering countless routes!
In addition to the descent mountain bike, you will be able to explore the Saquet Plateau in peace. The cable car Ax-Bonascre and the chairlift of the White Lièvre will be the guarantors of an effortless and eye-catching lift. The eight tracks in the Saquet area and their 1,400 m of denial are waiting for you!
If you want to progress alongside a professional, you will be able to offer an introduction to the ATV for a group rate from 380€ .
Hiking
Photo credit: Facebook – Ax 3 Domains
Of course, hiking is a common leisure in the mountains. But if it is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes, it’s not for nothing! Go to the Col de Joux by taking an absolutely splendid medium mountain route. Crest passages offer very beautiful views of the surrounding summits.
The south side of the Dent d’Orlu extends in front of you to the bells worn by placid cows. The most ambitious will try the mountain tour of Ax, a route offering varied scenery between forest and high mountain. What a marvel!
Spéléologie
Photo credit: Facebook – Bureau des Guides des pyrénées Ariégeoises
Visiting Ax-les-Thermes is good, but visiting its basement is better! And this is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes. Vicdessos or the cave of Siech are known for their beauty and lack of technical difficulties.
Puits and cavities are easily crossed by enjoying the freshness of the place. Small reminders, underground rivers and fun slides await the most curious. Claustrophobes, abstain!
Canyoning
Photo credit: Facebook – Bureau des Guides des pyrénées Ariégeoises
If you dream of strong sensations, we thought of you. Canyoning is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes! At the Mounge Canyon, you will descend the bed of the river by jumping, slipping or pulling the recalls.
This output will be ideal to try with family canyoning. Very pleasant in the month of July where we enjoy optimal conditions, we recommend it.
Rafting
Photo credit: Facebook – Bureau des Guides des pyrénées Ariégeoises
The rafting is part of these outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes that will seduce you as much as we do. On an inflatable boat for up to eight people, you will descend the river in the heart of the Pyrenees.
A monitor will of course be present to guide the adventurers of the day through the rapids of Ariège, the local watercourse. Again, the hot summer afternoons will be adapted to get out of the way!
Equestrian hike
Photo credit: Facebook – The Cimes ECrin
It’s certain: this is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes. The horse is great and it pleases young and old! You can arrange a nice riding trip with your loved ones.
The smallest will have a lovely pony that will be a joy to drive them along the hiking trails. Animals are accustomed to human presence and are of great kindness. Tell them hello!
Winter
Snowshoe hike
Photo credit: Facebook – Domaine de la Vallée d’Ax
The resort offers a wide range of winter activities including several snowshoe hikes. Start by familiarizing yourself with the somewhat special approach to be adopted on the Saquet Plateau.
An hour and a half walk will allow you to take your marks. Then a four-hour route between the Saquet route in Bonascre will take you 600 m of negative denial in all. Good luck!
You can offer a start-up to snowshoes from 24€ per person.
Sled dogs
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sirko Hartmann
This outdoor activity in Ax-les-Thermes is of course a must essential for any visitor in love with animals. Nordic dogs are pure beauties! They work in packs, like wolves, and roles are distributed according to a very precise hierarchy.
Just like the trappers in the North, you can learn how to conduct a sled on the northern space of Beille. It’s a real pleasure from 7 to 77 years old, enjoy it!
Nordic skiing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Thomas Dekiere
You choose: Beille plateau or northern Chioula area? In both cases, it is in Ax-les-Thermes that it happens. You can try this iconic sport of the northern regions in the midst of fabulous landscapes.
Accessible to all, Nordic skiing is an unmissable place. It is also an opportunity to burn the calories stored during the delicious meals taken the day before: this corner of the Pyrenees is renowned for its local products!
Fatbike
Photo credit: Facebook – Ax 3 Domains
If you want to spend a dream stay in this unique domain, we offer you this outdoor activity to do in Ax-les-Thermes of the most fun. Fatbike is a bike with large tires that prevent it from sinking into the snow.
You can get off the Griolle green track that crosses the large beech and fir forest to reach the station. This route is travelled in an average of 45 minutes during initiation: a pure treat.
You can enjoy this unique experience alongside a professional for a group rate from 210€ .
Construction of an igloo
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Piotr Piatrouski
Why is she one of the best outdoor activities to do in Ax-les-Thermes? For his playful and instructive side, of course! An igloo village is located in the heart of the resort to learn how to create its own glazed shelter.
The Bonascre Guide Office is responsible for this adventure that will delight the little ones. Between design and practical realization, it has nothing of a game!
Slip sports
Photo credit: Facebook – Ax 3 Domains
Ax ski area is one of the most beautiful in the Pyrenees. It is divided into three areas: Bonascre (between 1,400 and 2,000 metres), Saquet (between 1,800 and 2,300 metres) and Campels. It's 2 400 metres tall!
In addition to the trails itself, many nice little bars punctuate the damated areas and allow for a glass of hot wine between two descents. 36 tracks and a beautiful snowpark are waiting for the slippers. What about you?
Winter mountaineering
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pecold
Located in the middle of the Pyrenees, the estate of Ax-les-Thermes offers great opportunities to learn about the practice of mountaineering. The progress on the rope, the handling of the equipment and the contemplation of the snowy mountains are all unique experiences.
You could enjoy your winter stay to solve the difficulty: more cold, more snow... But on arrival, what compelling memories!
If you want to learn about winter mountaineering, take advantage of the valuable advice of a middle professional from 320€ for a group rate.
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