Do you like winter sports? Here is the selection of the best ski resorts in Auvergne: jump all schuss on the slopes!
Winter sports lover, do you want to discover the ski resorts of Auvergne this year? That’s good: despite popular belief, the Massif Central is full of tracks, each more impressive than the next.
Less crowded than the most famous that can be found in the Alps or the Pyrenees, the ski resorts of Auvergne are more family-friendly and perfect for enjoying the mountain differently.
The Auvergne landscapes, interrupted here and there by volcanic reliefs, are a boon for lovers of wide-open spaces, who will appreciate their variety while hurtling down the slopes at full speed.
Decided to try your hand at skiing in the Massif Central? Discover estates without any other pretension than that of making you spend unforgettable moments in a region with ancestral traditions!
To help you, here is a list of the 10 best ski resorts in Auvergne to consult before setting your sights on one of them!
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The 10 Best Ski Resorts in Auvergne (For Couples)
Best Ski Resorts in Puy-de-Dôme
1. Super Besse station in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise
In the town of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, this resort perched on the southern slope of the Sancy offers magnificent views of the volcanoes and lakes of the surroundings.
From 1,350 meters to 1,850 meters above sea level, the Super Besse ski area offers 40 kilometers of varied slopes, accessible to all levels. Numbering 27, they are suitable for experienced skiers and the little ones in full learning to slide.
Means of transport: the car is undoubtedly the most convenient way to get to the Super Besse station. Thus, the motorway will allow you to reach Clermont-Ferrand, an hour’s drive away, or directly the Sancy.
However, in the high winter season, the Flixbus company charters a bus on Saturdays to get you to Super Besse from Paris and Clermont-Ferrand. A free shuttle runs through the resort from top to bottom during tourist season.
2. Mont-Dore station
On the northern slope of the Sancy, the Auvergne ski resort of Mont-Dore is a historic resort that is rather family-friendly. Of its 31 slopes, 23 are labeled green or blue, so it’s ideal for starting to slide.
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 ride that will take you up to 1800 meters above sea level!
Means of transport: the car is the best way to get to the Mont-Dore resort. 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 regional train line also exists between Clermont-Ferrand and Mont-Dore station. A free shuttle runs in summer and winter between the village and the slopes.
Mont-Dore station is one of the best ski resorts in Auvergne. There are also plenty of best outdoor activities to do in Mont-Dore to make a trip worthy.
3. Praboure station in Saint-Antheme
With its fun equipment, such as its giant zip line and toboggan runs, the Prabouré ski resort in Auvergne is suitable for all ages. This small ski area has 4 kilometers of green, blue, and red slopes. In other words, it is a ski resort quite suitable if you are an amateur skier or you have small children.
Means of transport: coming by car to the Auvergne ski resort of Prabouré remains the simplest solution. Indeed, it will take you a little less than 2 hours drive to get there from Clermont-Ferrand or an hour and twenty minutes from Le Puy-en-Velay.
4. Chastreix Station
Freedom and wide-open spaces this is what await you when spending your holidays in this ski resort in Auvergne. On the west side of the Sancy, the resort of Chastreix rises to 1,400 meters above sea level, offering its visitors breathtaking landscapes.
On the other hand, the area has 18 slopes over 16 kilometers and welcomes experienced skiers searching for sensations and families.
Means of transport: to get to Chastreix, located in the hinterland of Clermont-Ferrand, one hour from it, the easiest way is still to borrow your vehicle. Indeed, public transport does not serve the city.
Best Ski Resorts in Cantal
5. The Lioran
Le Lioran is the largest ski area in Auvergne. In a sensational setting in the heart of unspoiled nature, 43 tracks run along the slopes of the largest volcano in Europe, over 60 kilometers!
In addition, a space is dedicated to the youngest and beginners, with progressive levels and a toboggan run.
The red and black slopes are concentrated on the top of the resort, from where you will enjoy incredible panoramas while hurtling down the slopes! You can also enjoy the best outdoor activities in Lioran to make your trip memorable.
Means of transport: a regional train line exists to reach Lioran station from Clermont-Ferrand or Montélimar. From there, a shuttle bus runs in winter between the village and the slopes.
6. Saint-Urcize station
In the charming village of Saint-Urcize, this Cantal ski area has 35 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and 6 alpine ski slopes in a calm and wild nature.
This modest ski resort in Auvergne is rather friendly and lives to the rhythm of the great outdoors at 1,200 meters above sea level. Thus, it is an ideal resort for nature lovers who do not like the crowd.
Means of transport: to get to the Auvergne ski resort of Saint-Urcize, it is better to have your vehicle or rent one.
Indeed, this area, located a little less than 2 hour’s drive from Aurillac and 2 hours south of Clermont-Ferrand, is not served by public transport. Saint-Urcize is one of the best ski resorts in Auvergne Rhone Alpes.
Best Ski Resorts in Ally
7. Station of La Loge des Gardes
Classified as a “Resort of Plein Nature,” this ski area in Auvergne is located north of the Massif Central. Thus, a family atmosphere reigns in this small resort with 5 ski slopes on three levels (from green to red) and 3 ski lifts. In summary, it is an Auvergne resort full of authenticity!
Means of transport: La Loge des Gardes station is a 50-minute drive from Vichy and just over an hour from Clermont-Ferrand. However, it is not served by public transport. As a result, being conveyed is essential to get there.
8. Chalmazel station in Chalmazel-Jeansagnière
At more than 1,600 meters above sea level, the Chalmazel area has 17 alpine ski slopes. Come and have a breath of fresh air in this resort equipped to practice skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding!
The particularity of this Auvergne ski resort: the frost gangues that form on the ski lifts almost every night, to be seen at least once in your life!
Means of transport: it is comfortable to be transported to this ski resort in Auvergne, located halfway between Clermont-Ferrand and Saint-Étienne.
However, a regional train line connects Clermont-Ferrand and Saint-Étienne to Boën-Sur-Lignon station. From there, bus n°112 (line from Montbrison to Chalmazel) will take you to the station.
9. Les Estables Station
Of modest size, this ski resort in Auvergne culminates at 1,500 meters above sea level. Suitable for beginners and enthusiasts, it has 9 alpine ski slopes and 96 kilometers of cross-country ski trails.
This medium-sized resort also offers fun activities accessible to all. In short, a rather friendly and pleasant ski area close to Mont Gerbier de Jonc!
Means of transport: Not served by transport, the estables station is, however, accessible in 30 minutes by car from Le Puy-en-Velay.
Note: a shuttle bus makes the journey from Puy-en-Velay to the resort twice a day during the weekends of the winter season.
10. Montoncel station in Lavoine
In the snow-capped massif of the Bois Noirs, come and discover the joy and friendliness of winter sports! Whatever your level, go down all schuss its 6 ski slopes, from green to black.
A space specially designed for children welcomes the youngest to introduce them to this wild and winter nature and board sports. Means of transport: one hour from Vichy and Clermont-Ferrand, Montoncel station is not accessible by train or bus. As a result, it is advisable to get there by car.
The easiest way to reach this pretty Auvergne ski resort is to start from one of these two cities or Saint-Étienne.
So, ready to do your business and hit the slopes of the Auvergne ski resorts? What do you think is the best ski resort in Auvergne.
