In the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees, Ax-les-Thermes offers a unique dual experience: the charm and buzz of a historic spa town in the valley, and the wide open spaces of a vast ski area at altitude. Directly linked to the town centre by cable car, the Ax 3 Domaines resort spreads its 80km of slopes over three sectors with varied atmospheres. It’s the perfect destination for those wishing to combine the pleasures of skiing, relaxation in hot springs and life in a genuine mountain town, summer and winter alike.
Ax-les-Thermes
Overview
Ax-les-Thermes
📏 Altitude: 700 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 80 km
🌟 Resort style: Village resort
💰 From 47.5 €/day (2026-2027)
📅 Open 5 December 2026 to 29 March 2027
Overview of Ax-les-Thermes
Ax 3 Domaines is one of the largest ski areas in the Ariege, its name coming from the union of its three distinct sectors: Bonascre, Le Saquet and Les Campels. Access is one of its strong points: a gondola links the centre of Ax-les-Thermes (720 m) to the Bonascre plateau (1,400 m) in under 10 minutes, allowing you to leave your car in town. The ski area ranges from 1,400 to 2,400 metres altitude, offering a great diversity of landscapes and runs. Bonascre is ideal for beginners and families with its forest runs. The Saquet sector offers more open runs and a snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts. Finally, the Campels sector — the wildest and highest — offers more technical runs and breath-taking panoramas over the Pyrenean range. This three-zone configuration allows every skier, whatever their level, to find what they are looking for.
Our review — Ax-les-Thermes
3.5/5
Ski area — key figures — Ax-les-Thermes
- 🌟 Village resort (Ariège)
- 📏 700 m Village altitude (2330 m Top altitude)
- 🎿 37 runs
🚠 23 ski lifts
Average lift age: 32 years
When to visit
Ax-les-Thermes in summer
The thermal town reveals its full potential in summer. It is a crossroads for walkers, cyclists and spa-goers. The surrounding mountains offer countless trails, particularly towards the Orlu national wildlife reserve. Cyclists can take on the great Pyrenean passes such as the Port de Pailheres. The town is lively with its markets, terraces and thermal centres — Les Bains du Couloubret — for absolute relaxation.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Road cycling • ✅ Downhill MTB • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking • ✅ Spa & wellness
Ax-les-Thermes in winter
In winter, the Ax 3 Domaines ski area is the main playground. With 80 km of runs, a snowpark and a beginner area, it satisfies all sliding desires. Beyond skiing, the resort offers dog sledding initiation, snowshoe walks and a toboggan piste. In the evenings, the warm atmosphere of Ax-les-Thermes town takes over, with its restaurants, cinema and casino.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing
Skiing
Below are the 2 ski areas accessible from Ax-les-Thermes: Ax 3 Domaines (alpin), Le Chioula (nordique).
Ski area — Ax 3 Domaines
⛰️ Altitudes: 1380 m – 2330 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 80 km
💰 Day pass: 47.5 €
Ax 3 Domaines is one of the largest ski areas in the Pyrenees. Its 36 runs are spread across three linked sectors: Bonascre (1,400-2,000 m) for beginners and forest skiing, Le Saquet (1,900-2,300 m) for intermediate skiers and freestyle, and Les Campels (1,700-2,400 m) for more technical skiing and wide open spaces.
Cross-country ski area — Le Chioula
⛰️ Altitudes: 1450 m – 1650 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 51 km
💰 Day pass: 13.5 €
The La Chioula Nordic domain is a sliding and contemplation space extending over 56 km. Designed for nature lovers, it offers complete Nordic experience in an exceptional setting with panoramic views over the Pyrenees chain, labelled Nordic France for reception and trail quality. Cross-country skiers have 9 all-level runs groomed dual for classic and skating. Beginners safely initiate on 3 flat sunny-plateau green runs. Intermediate skiers appreciate 3 blue runs offering fine loops with more descent — ideal for forest ambles. For sporty types, 2 red and 1 16 km black run offer significant technical challenges with demanding ascents and fast descents in preserved wild setting. Snowshoe enthusiasts have 3 dedicated 16 km routes avoiding skier crossings — family-walk to sport-excursion options in silent forest immersion with fine vistas. Whether skier or walker, La Chioula promises escape and communion with the mountains.
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Ski pass prices — Ax-les-Thermes
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Ax-les-Thermes.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ax 3 Domaines (alpin skiing) | 47.5 € | 247 € | 719 € | 2026-2027 |
| Le Chioula (nordique skiing) | 13.5 € | N/A | N/A | 2024-2025 |
Where to stay
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