Snowshoe Escape

Our day at Chioula!

Take the time to get away on snowshoes, a place recommended by Lonely Planet, the Nordic area of Le Chioula
Le Chioula is a great place for snowshoeing. There are easy routes to the refuge and unexpected detours where the scenery will take your breath away. Awaken your senses to nature.

This morning, seeing the fresh snow that had fallen overnight, my husband Nicolas and I decided to set off on snowshoes for the day. On the advice of Olivier, the owner of our B&B Les Granges de Ignaux, we headed for the Espace Nordique du Chioula. Olivier has told us that this little spot on the edge of the Aude is only open to true lovers of nature and space. With our snowshoes on, we decided to discover this jewel.

Getting there

A morning of escape

in the forests of Chioula

As soon as we reached the car park, our first contact with nature was magnified by the snow that had fallen the day before, lit up by the first rays of the morning. As a botany enthusiast, I clearly recognised the Epicea Pireneus. We made our way back to the reception building to grab a coffee and croissant from the bar-restaurant ” La Marmotte Toqu&e acute;e”. Then, warmed up, we follow the snowshoe trail that takes us to the refuge in 1 hour 15 minutes. Poles in hand, I set my pace on the path that climbs a little in this snow-covered deciduous forest.

The horizon widens as we leave the woods, revealing a 360° panorama over the summits towards Prades and Le Roy Ladurie’s Occitan village of Montaillou, as well as towardsAndorraandSpain. In the distance, we can see a pretty hut with a green roof, beautifully integrated into the landscape.

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A guarded refuge

A warm welcome at Chioula

We arrive at the refuge nestled in the middle of the snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Alvaro, the caretaker, gives us a warm welcome. I make the most of the tables in the snow in the sunshine before having lunch and tasting the local produce. I take the time to admire the scenery, and here comes Stéphane, our guide!

Off the beaten track

The guide's secrets

We set off again with him, and he takes us off the beaten track and shows us the most secret corners. We appreciate the beauty of this truly natural area. As we walked, we listened with delight to his anecdotes about the names of places and animals whose tracks we were following.

Landscapes of dreams

The words of a guide

He also tells us about his magnificent landscapes.

He tells us about the different professions and life in the mountains, which combines harshness and love of place.

We are carried away by his passionate language.

Sharing moments

Mountain hospitality

Back at the refuge, Stéphane and Alvaro invite us to an aperitif, which we drink outside. There’s nothing like it to round off this fabulous day. On the way back to the B&B, I call my daughter to tell her all about it – she really should bring Hugo and Léa, my grandchildren. Olivier offers us an evening herbal tea made from plants collected by a young herbalist who lives in the next village. Tomorrow I’ll pay her a visit.

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Everything you need for a great day

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Living in the Ariège Pyrenees

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Ariege's little extras

The Ariege Pyrenees, your oxygen bubble!

Looking for unspoilt nature, the great outdoors and white water?
In winter, skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, sledging, dog sledding, at Ax 3 Domaines, Beille, Ascou and le Chioula, Mijanés and Goulier...

In summer, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or canyoning...

And all year round, you can enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes, Ussat-les-Bains or the Bains du Couloubret.
There are also some unmissable tourist sites: the Niaux cave and the Prehistory Park.

Not forgetting the history of our mountains and its heritage, pastoralism and local produce!

Book your next mountain holiday!