Top 10 ski resorts in Auvergne

Winter sports are you trying? Here is the selection of the best ski resorts in Auvergne: get all the schuss on the slopes!

Do you like winter sports this year to explore the Auvergne ski resorts? It falls well: despite the ideas received, the Massif Central is full of more impressive tracks than others.

Less frequented than the most famous ones found in the Alps or the Pyrenees , the Auvergne ski resorts are actually more family-friendly and perfect to enjoy the mountain otherwise. The Auvergnat landscapes, interrupted here and there volcanic reliefs, are a baunt for lovers of large spaces, who will appreciate their variety while devaluating the slopes at all speeds.

Decided to try your skiing in the Massif Central? Discover areas without any other pretense than that of making you spend unforgettable moments in a region with ancestral traditions! To help you, here is a list of the top 10 ski resorts in Auvergne, to consult before throwing your devotee on one of them!

Puy-de-Dôme

1. Station Super Besse Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

In the commune of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, this resort located on the south side of the Sancy reserve you magnificent views of the volcanoes and lakes around.

From 1,350 metres to 1,850 metres above sea level, the Super Besse ski area offers 40 kilometres of varied trails, accessible at all levels. Of the 27, they are suitable for experienced skiers but also for cabbage tips in full gliding.

Transport means: the car is undoubtedly the most convenient way to get to Super Besse station. Thus, the highway will allow you to reach Clermont-Ferrand , one hour drive, or directly the Sancy.

However, in high winter season, the Flixbus company charters a bus Saturday to go to Super Besse since Paris and Clermont-Ferrand. In the tourist season, free shuttle cross the station up and down.

2. Station du Mont-Dore

On the north side of the Sancy, the Mont-Dore ski resort is a rather family-run historic resort. On its 31 tracks, 23 are labeled green or blue: it is ideal to start slipping. In addition, a fun ski area is set up to introduce the youngest to the pleasure of skiing.

Not to be missed: the cable car climb that will raise you at 1800 meters above sea level!

Transport means: the car is the best way to get to the Mont-Dore station. Thus, you can reach Clermont-Ferrand via the motorway, less than an hour’s drive from Mont-Dore, or directly from the Sancy.

However, a line of train There is also between Clermont-Ferrand and Mont-Dore train station. From there, one free shuttle carries out the link between the village and the slopes in winter.

3. Prabouré station in Saint-Anthème

The Prabouré ski resort in Auvergne is suitable for all ages with its fun equipment such as its giant Tyrolean and its luge slopes. This small ski resort has 4 kilometers of green, blue and red slopes. In other words, it’s a ski resort that’s perfectly suited if you’re an amateur skier or you have children at a low age.

Transport means: come car at the ski resort Auvergnate du Prabouré remains the simplest solution. In fact, you will need a little less than 2 hours’ drive to get there from Clermont-Ferrand, or one hour and twenty minutes from the start of Puy-en-Velay .

4. Chastreix station

Freedom and large spaces, this is what awaits you by spending your holidays in this ski resort in Auvergne. On the west side of the Sancy, the Chastreix station peaks at 1,400 metres above sea level by offering its visitors breathtaking landscapes. On the other hand, the estate has 18 trails over 16 kilometres and welcomes both experienced skiers seeking sensations and families.

Transport means: To get to Chastreix, which is located in the Clermont-Ferrand hinterland at one hour from it, the simplest thing is to borrow your personal vehicle. Indeed, public transport does not serve the city.

Cantal

5. The Lioran

Lioran is the largest ski resort in Auvergne. In a sensational setting in the heart of an unspoiled nature, 43 trails cross the slopes of the largest volcano in Europe, for 60 kilometers! In addition, a space is dedicated to young people and beginners, with progressive levels and a sledge track.

The red and black slopes are concentrated on the top of the resort, from which you will enjoy sumptuous views while deriving the slopes!

Transport means: a line train exists to reach the Lioran station from Clermont-Ferrand or Montélimar . From there, one shuttle performs in winter the connection between the village and the slopes.

6. Saint-Urcize station

In the charming village of Saint-Urcize, this ski resort of Cantal has 35 kilometers of cross-country skiing and 6 alpine ski slopes in a quiet and wild nature. This modest-sized Auvergne ski resort is rather user-friendly and lives at the pace of large spaces at 1,200 metres above sea level. This is an ideal resort for nature lovers who don’t like the hue.

Transport means: To go to the Auvergnate ski resort of Saint-Urcize, it is best to have your vehicle or rent one. Indeed, this domain located just under 2 hours’ drive Aurillac and 2 hours south of Clermont-Ferrand is not served by public transport.

Allier

7. Station de La Loge des Gardes

Classified "Private Nature Station", this ski resort in Auvergne is located north of the Massif Central. Thus, a family atmosphere reigns in this small resort which has 5 ski slopes on three levels (from green to red) and 3 ski lifts. In summary, this is a Auvergnate station full of authenticity!

Transport means: La Loge des Gardes station is a 50-minute drive away Vichy and just over an hour from Clermont-Ferrand. However, it is not served by public transport. As a result, being vehiculated is essential to get there.

8. Chalmazel station in Chalmazel-Jeansagnière

Over 1,600 metres above sea level, Chalmazel has 17 alpine ski slopes. Come and take a good bowl of fresh air in this resort so equipped to practice skiing as snowshoes or snowboarding!

Particularity of this ski resort auvergnate: the clutches that form on the ski lifts almost every night, to see at least once in his life!

Transport means: it is comfortable to be vehiculated to reach this ski resort in Auvergne located halfway between Clermont-Ferrand and Saint-Étienne .

However, a line of train Regional also connects Clermont-Ferrand and Saint-Étienne to the station of Boën-sur-Lignon. From there, the bus number 112 (Montbrison line in Chalmazel) will allow you to reach the station.

9. Station des Estables

This small ski resort in Auvergne peaks at 1,500 metres above sea level. Suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts, it has 9 alpine ski slopes and 96 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. This medium-sized station also offers fun and inclusive activities. In short, a rather friendly and pleasant ski area close to the Mont Gerbier de Jonc !

Transport means: The Estables station is not serviced by transport, but is 30 minutes' drive from Le Puy-en-Velay.

Note: one shuttle travels from Puy-en-Velay to the station twice a day during the winter season weekends.

10. Station de Montoncel in Lavoine

In the snowy massif of Black Woods, discover the joy and conviviality of winter sports! Whatever your level, devaluate all schuss its 6 ski slopes, from green to black. A space specially designed for children welcomes the youngest to initiate them to this wild and winter nature as well as to slip sports.

Transport means: At one hour from Vichy and Clermont-Ferrand, the Montoncel station is not accessible by train or by bus. As a result, it is advisable to go by car.

The easiest way to reach this pretty ski resort in Auvergne is to leave one of these two cities or Saint-Étienne.

So, ready to do your business and spur you on the slopes of the Auvergne ski resorts?