CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: EASTERN PYRENEES

Reality Check

The flexible nature of this week makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced classic cross-country skiers as well as those wanting to progress with or try out the skating technique. We offer great flexibility so that you get all the benefits of being in a mixed skill group (meeting others, having fun, teaming up with people at your level), with none of the disadvantages (feeling like you are slowing the group down, being out of your depth or conversely being held back by others in the group!) Although guided skis tours (with informal instruction) are offered every day, they are not compulsory, so you are free to ski as much or as little as your aspirations and physical ability allow. If you and your partner are of different standards then this trip is perfect for you as there is bound to be someone in the group after a similar experience to yourself.

Guiding and Instruction Beginners: You will receive a formal lesson on the first morning to help you master the basic techniques. In the afternoon you will go on a ski tour with the 2nd leader to give you an opportunity to put into practice what you have leant. For the rest of the week James will offer informal tips and exercises on a one to one basis tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you can progress at your own rate whilst still giving you the chance to tour the ski areas.

Improvers: On the first morning you will have a chance to get back into the swing of things with the 2nd leader. During the afternoon James will give a refresher of the basics and offer a few pointers on an individual basis. This style of informal tuition will continue thought the week to fine tune your technique and hopefully make your skiing more efficient and enjoyable. Skating: James will offer skaters with one or more weeks experience a rolling program of instruction throughout the week and offer various exercises tailored to your level. People wanting to try skating for the first time are encouraged to hire a local French instructor for an hour (at extra cost).

Activity details and risk of injury All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday. Please see 'walking conditions / activity details'in the Trip Notes, and 'risk of injury' note on page 67 of the brochure.

Cross-country skiing On the first few days of a beginner's cross-country skiing course your instructor will choose the trails and terrain carefully, and will avoid steep slopes, however, even on the flat you should expect to fall over. Unlike downhill skiing, where falls can happen at speed, most cross-country falls happen at slow speeds or from an almost static position, and cause no injury. Although it is very rare, some falls do lead to injury, in the worst cases this may include broken bones. Overall cross-country skiing is a safe sport to take part in, especially if properly instructed. All the skiing is done on specially landscaped pistes that are groomed and prepared every night. Parallel loipes (tracks) are pressed into the snow along the edges for the classic skiers, and a wide area is left free for the skaters. Most of the pistes in the ski areas are one way, which makes things a lot less worrying. Every day, James will offer guided ski tours at different ability levels in order to get you orientated. However, as all the pistes are graded for difficulty and the junctions are clearly signposted, it is very easy to ski on your own. You will be provided with maps of the ski areas.

Please note that off-piste or backcountry skiing is not encouraged in either resort.

Mountain snowshoeing This holiday includes 'Mountain Snowshoeing' as an optional activity, which is described as mountainous terrain, but where we restrict travel to areas considered to have very low or non-existent avalanche risk. In certain extreme conditions avalanches may become a risk in areas generally considered to be safe, and standard walks may have to be re-routed, replaced or cancelled. There will be steep and dangerous terrain in the region, but this can be easily avoided in the choice of walks.