Snowshoe Escape

Our day at Chioula!

Take the time to escape on snowshoes, a place recommended by Lonely Planet, l’espace nordique du Chioula
Le Chioula, a privileged snowshoeing area. Easy routes to the refuge, unexpected detours where the scenery will take your breath away. Awaken your senses to nature.

This morning, seeing the freshly fallen snow, 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 head for the Espace Nordique du Chioula. Olivier has told us that this little spot, at the gateway to the Aude, is only open to true lovers of nature and space. With snowshoes on our feet, we’re determined to discover this jewel.

Getting there

A morning of escape

in the forests of Chioula

Right from the parking lot, our first contact with nature was magnified by the snow that had fallen the day before, illuminated by the first rays of the morning. As a botanical enthusiast myself, I clearly recognized the Epicea Pireneus. We made our way back to the reception building to grab a quick “café-croissant” to take away from the ” La Marmotte Toqu&e acute;e” bar-restaurant. Then, well warmed up, we follow the snowshoe trail that takes us to the refuge in 1h15. Poles in hand, I pick up my pace on this 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 peaks towards Prades and Le Roy Ladurie’s Occitan village of Montaillou, but also towardsAndorraandSpain. In the distance, we catch sight of a pretty green-roofed hut, beautifully integrated into the landscape.

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 janitor, gives us a warm welcome. I take advantage of the tables in the snow in the sunshine before having lunch and tasting the local produce. I take time to admire the landscape, 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 to show us the most secret corners. We appreciate the beauty of this truly natural area. As we walk, we listen with delight to his anecdotes about place names and the animals whose tracks we’re following.

Dream landscapes

Words from a guide

He also tells us about his magnificent landscapes.

He tells us about the different trades and mountain life, which combines harshness and love of place.

We’re carried away by his passionate language.

Sharing moments

Mountain hospitality

Back at the refuge, Stéphane and Alvaro invite us for an aperitif, which we drink outside. What better way to end a 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 infusion of herbs collected by a young herbalist who lives in the next village. Tomorrow, I’ll pay her a visit.

Let's make a reservation!

Everything for a beautiful day

Activities
Restaurants
Lodging

Living in the Ariège Pyrenees

Try it out

Ariege's little extras

The Ariege Pyrenees, your oxygen bubble!

Looking for unspoilt nature, the great outdoors and white water?
In winter, ski, snowboard, skating, snowshoeing, sledging and 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, enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes, Ussat-les-Bains or the Bains du Couloubret.
And don't miss the Grotte de Niaux and the Parc de la Préhistoire.

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

Book your next mountain vacation!