Monts d’Olmes is not just a ski resort; it lies in the Ariège, a fascinating region of France which can be explored year-round. The local area is steeped in Cathar history with the famous Château Montsegur on the drive up to Les Monts d’Olmes. Add the rich viticultural heritage of Corbieres, Minervois and Fitou nearby, the cities of Carcassonne, Toulouse, Lourdes and Perpignan and you can quickly see why this is such an excellent base to explore southern France, the Pyrenees, northern Spain and Andorra at any time of year. There are also plenty of sporting and cultural activities such as fishing in season, trekking, mountaineering, ski de fond, horse riding, thermal spas, mountain biking and that great French institute, the fête. Festivals and events fill the calendar from May to October celebrating everything from pumpkins to story-telling, the transmigration of cows to the high pastures to cycling legends of the Tour de France. The times given below are for travelling by car.

Château Montsegur - 25 mins - The stunning hilltop castle of Montsegur witnessed the final stand of the Cathar religion against invading crusaders sent by Pope Innocent III in the thirteenth century. After a 10 month siege, hundreds of Cathars were burnt to death for refusing to denounce their faith. There’s a good climb up to the castle’s atmospheric ruins. 

Montferrier - 20 mins - This is the closest village as it lies at the bottom of the hill to Les Monts d’Olmes. You’ll find a patisserie / boulangerie and salon de thé, a tabac / grocers, post office, Chez Patillos restaurant, a tourist information office and a museum. There is also a beautiful eleventh century church. In summer there is fresh trout fishing and, when it gets really hot, swimming in the snowmelt river.

Lavelanet - 35 mins - This is the nearest town to Les Mont d’Olmes. You’ll find two supermarkets, two estate agents, several boulangeries, cafés, bars, bistros and restaurants, a cinema, an excellent tourist information office and plenty of shops. There is also a local weekly market and many fêtes throughout the year.

Lac Montbel - 35 mins – This beautiful lake offers opportunities for windsurfing, canoeing, swimming, fishing and pottering about in pedaloes. It is fringed by a man-made sandy beach where there’s a bar and restaurant.

Mirepoix - 40 mins - This charming medieval city with a stunning cathedral is centred around the market square which is surrounded by timber-framed houses that have perched upon their timber supports for hundreds of years. There are many attractive bars and restaurants as well as antique shops to browse in. Market day is on Monday, where you can buy locally grown produce and handmade arts and crafts. For those looking to invest in a property there are several estate agents.

Foix - 40 mins - This historic town is dominated by the famous "Chateau de Foix" which looms over a maze of cobbled streets packed with interesting little restaurants, cafes and shops. The busy market is twice a week. There is an excellent golf course nearby and for the adventurous there is also hang gliding.