Snowshoeing at Ax 3 Domaines: Bonascre to Le Saquet

Snowshoes are the quiet way into Ax 3 Domaines. From the Bonascre plateau (1,400m), marked trails climb through fir forest towards Le Saquet (about 2,000m), with views over the Haute Ariège and no skiing required. This guide covers the three marked routes, what they really cost, how to build a day around them and where to eat on the way.

The station does not charge for walking its marked snowshoe trails, and you do not need a ski pass. That is all "free" means here, and a few things around the trails still cost money:

The ratings below are ours, based on the climb, not the station’s.

The Baou gondola takes under ten minutes from Ax to the Bonascre plateau, and you can also drive up. Walk to the Freerando parc sign opposite the station reception and follow the violet markers from there. If you plan to ride a gondola down, buy your pedestrian pass before you start climbing: the ticket office is on the Bonascre plateau, not at Le Saquet.

Sixteen information boards on the local flora and mountains turn this into an unhurried walk. The round trip is about 7km, with roughly 1h30 to climb 326m at an average slope of 9%, steady rather than steep. Dogs are tolerated on a lead. It suits families with older children and first-timers who want a gradient they can settle into.

This is the real effort: a 4km climb through the Bonascre fir forest to the Saquet plateau at 2,000m, gaining 618m at an average of 16%. Allow about two hours one way. Dogs are strictly forbidden. At the top, carry on to the Panoramique viewpoint for the summits. With a pedestrian pass you can take the gondola up, down or both, and many walkers climb and ride down to spare their knees.

A loop on the Saquet plateau, with about 40 minutes of climbing and 100m of ascent. You reach the plateau by the Manseille trail or by the Saquet gondola. The route leads to the two mountain restaurants and the Lac du Saquet, which is in fact the reservoir feeding the snow cannons, so do not expect a natural lake. The real reward is the view: an orientation table on the plateau names the summits of the Haute Ariège. Dogs are strictly forbidden.

The times above are for climbing, so add time for the way back. The station recommends starting between 9:00 and 14:00, and the whole ski area closes at 17:00.

Water and a snack, sunglasses and sun cream (snow glare at 2,000m is strong), a warm layer for the plateau, waterproof boots and walking poles, which help on the 16% slope of the Manseille. Charge your phone before you set off.

At the top, Le Tétras sits at 2,030m with a south-facing terrace, deckchairs and traditional dishes, crêpes, waffles and pastries. It opens daily while the station is open, weather permitting. La Hulotte, also on the Saquet plateau, is listed as reachable on the panoramic loop. At the base, Le Rendez-Vous, L’Atelier and Croq’Soleil are among the places around the lifts. Opening varies, so check with the station and carry water and a snack in any case.

The 2026-27 season is due to run from 5 December 2026 to 29 March 2027, but routes open only with enough snow and decent weather, and the station’s snowshoe page shows which are open today. Outside the ski area’s opening hours (9:00 to 17:00) it is strictly forbidden to be on it. Follow the violet markers and the signs. For rescue between 9:00 and 17:00 call 05 61 05 40 31, otherwise 112, and expect help to take longer than in a town. Good fitness is assumed.

The Bureau des Guides runs a snowshoe introduction from its chalet on the Bonascre plateau, for ages five and up, with snowshoes and poles provided and up to twelve people per guide. The pedestrian pass is extra. The station also lists equipment hire among its services, so ask on arrival.

Finish the day in the thermal baths: our ski and spa guide shows how. Studio Natik is 150m from the Baou gondola, so staying at Natik puts the trailhead a short ride away. In summer the same views make a hiking day, see our hiking guide.

All activities in Ax-les-Thermes →