Ax-les-Thermes, Winter sports resort in Ariège department, France.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
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Bains du Couloubret
226 m
Orgeix Castle
1.7 km
Bassin des Ladres
65 m
Établissement thermal du Teich
111 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Mérens-d'En-Haut
7.1 km
Château de Villemur
335 m
Église Saint-Vincent d'Ax-les-Thermes
131 m
Château de Savignac
5.3 km
Chapelle Saint-Jérôme d'Ax-les-Thermes
152 m
Église Saint-Simon et Saint-Jude d'Ascou
1.9 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Mérens-les-Vals
6.9 kmDrinking fountain, water well
160 mDrinking fountain, water well
246 m
Pont d'Enfontange
491 mLe Lata
4 kmScenic viewpoint
531 mLa cabane du trône
1.8 kmVallée d'Ax
1.5 kmVers Ascou
1.5 kmVallée d'Orgeix
2.1 kmScenic viewpoint
1.1 kmTurbine centrale du Teich
236 mScenic viewpoint
300 mScenic viewpoint
452 mScenic viewpoint
7.8 kmScenic viewpoint
1 kmScenic viewpoint
702 mWayside cross
333 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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