Ax 3 Domaines is best known for its alpine skiing, but the Saquet plateau — perched at 2,030 metres at the top of the gondola — is also an outstanding snowshoeing spot. 360° panoramas over the high Pyrenean chain, snow that often lasts until April, waymarked routes for all levels: it is one of the best winter outings in Ariège. Here is everything you need to know to plan your walk from your stay at Domaine de la Trille.
Getting there: from Ax-les-Thermes to Bonascre, then Le Saquet
From Domaine de la Trille, allow about 1h10 by road to reach Ax-les-Thermes (72 km via the N20). From there, two options: drive up to Ax-Bonascre (the ski station, 1,400 m) on the small mountain road, or take the gondola from the centre of Ax which drops you directly at Bonascre. A second lift (the Saquet gondola) then takes you up to the plateau at 2,030 m — this is where the snowshoe outing begins.
Pedestrian gondola fares (winter 2026): around €14-16 return. Always check the timetable on the Ax 3 Domaines website before setting off, especially in low season.
Recommended route: the plateau loop (2h30, easy)
The classic route from the top of the Saquet gondola is a loop of about 5 km with 150 m of elevation gain. It is an easy level, suitable for teenagers and doable as a family from around age 10 if the children are used to walking in snow. The trail follows the resort's snowshoe markers (blue and red posts), passes the Saquet lake (frozen in winter), skirts the Tute de l'Ours ridge and returns to the top station. Allow 2h30 including breaks.
Views not to miss
- Pic de Soularac and the Saint-Barthélemy massif (north side)
- The Ax valley and the confluence of the three rivers (west side)
- The ridge line towards Andorra on clear days
- The Ax 3 Domaines resort seen from above and the Saquet chairlift
When to go?
The ideal period runs from mid-December to early April. January and February offer the most reliable snow. March is often the best month for combining plentiful snow with longer days. Avoid school-holiday weekends (Christmas, February) if you are after peace and quiet — on weekdays outside the holidays you will have the plateau almost to yourself.
Snowshoe rental and equipment
Snowshoe rental: several shops in Ax-les-Thermes and Ax-Bonascre rent equipment for €8-12/day. Ask for a model with heel-lift bars and anti-slip crampons — the plateau can have icy patches. Telescopic poles are strongly recommended. For clothing: technical layers (base layer + fleece + windproof), warm gloves, sunglasses (snow glare is intense at 2,000 m), SPF 50 sunscreen and water in a thermos (regular water freezes quickly).
Tip: go up to Le Saquet mid-morning (around 10:30) — it gives fresh snow time to settle and the light is ideal for photos. Plan to come back down before 4 pm, the last gondolas close early.
Alternative: the long Tute de l'Ours loop (4h, moderate)
For confident walkers, a longer loop climbs to the summit of the Tute de l'Ours (2,227 m) via the south ridge. Allow 4 hours in total, with 300 m of elevation gain — moderate level, good fitness required. The view from the top is extraordinary: the whole high Pyrenean chain stretches out before you, from the Canigou in the east to the Andorran massifs. Only attempt it in good visibility.
After the walk: the thermal baths of Ax
Ax-les-Thermes lives up to its name: the town is famous for its hot sulphurous waters. After a snowshoe outing, nothing beats relaxing in the Bassin des Ladres (a free open-air natural pool in the town centre) or at the Bains du Couloubret (a modern thermal spa, €15-20 per session). It is the perfect reward to end the day before heading back to the Domaine.
