Ax-les-Thermes, Winter sports resort in Ariège department, France.
Ax-les-Thermes is a ski resort in the French Pyrenees with runs spanning between 1,380 and 2,346 meters in elevation across three linked areas. The valley also contains natural hot springs that emerge from the ground and feed public bath facilities throughout the town.
The location gained fame as a thermal resort in Roman times before transforming into a winter sports destination during the 1950s development boom. This shift merged the long-standing bathing tradition with modern ski infrastructure and mountain tourism.
The mountain village maintains traditional Pyrenean building styles, and visitors can experience local life centered around the natural hot springs that have shaped daily routines for generations.
The best conditions for skiing occur from December through March when snow cover is adequate and most lifts operate regularly. Arriving early or visiting on less crowded days helps avoid long lines at the lift stations.
The area is notable for its exceptionally hot thermal springs that flow year-round regardless of weather or season. This constant heat source allows visitors to plunge into steaming natural pools directly after skiing down the mountain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
