Massif du Sancy
Le Mont Dore & SuperBesse, Auvergne, Central France
Traditional Le Mont Dore is lift-linked to purpose-built Superbesse, to offer relaxed family skiing.
The Massif dominates the Auvergne’s dramatic volcanic landscapes 50km SW of Clemont-Ferrand.
It’s dominated by the 1866m Puy du Sancy, highest peak in the Massif Central.
The Ski Area
The Sancy Massif has four downhill ski centres: Le Mont Dore, SuperBesse, Chastreix-Sancy and Chambon-des-Neiges. The main downhill areas are Le Mont Dore and Super-Besse, which are linked to create 85km of groomed terrain.
The combined piste networks of Le Mont Dore and Super-Besse should be varied enough to entertain a relaxed, mixed-ability family group for a week, or a more experienced intermediate for a couple of days’ break.
Resort Information
Altitude :
1200m -
1840m
Le Mont Dore
Pistes Total: 41 km
17 Green
9 Blue
5 Red
1 Black
Pistes Total: 41 km
9 Blue
5 Red
1 Black
Ski Resort Lifts :
14
1 Magic Carpets
9 Draglifts
3 Chairlifts
1 Cable Cars
1 Magic Carpets
9 Draglifts
3 Chairlifts
1 Cable Cars
Massif du Sancy
Pistes Total: 84 km
21 Green
17 Blue
15 Red
5 Black
Pistes Total: 84 km
21 Green
17 Blue
15 Red
5 Black
Ski Domain Lifts:
38
2 Magic Carpets
25 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
2 Cable Cars
2 Magic Carpets
25 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
2 Cable Cars
The Ski Village
For traditionalists the choice really boils down to Le Mont Dore or (rather less convenient, distance-wise) La Bourboule, each of which is a charming and historic spa towns with lots of character and plenty of choice for dining out and shopping. However, there’s no denying the convenience value offered by SuperBesse, which was purpose-built at the foot of the slopes, removing any need to drive or bus to and from your accommoodation. And nearby is the village Besse, which is high on traditional Auvergnat ambiance and well worth visiting while you’re here.
Staying There
Le Mont Dore is a Famille Plus resort
Famille Plus is a national label awarded to tourist destinations offering a special welcome and services tailored to families and children.
See Practical Information below for accommodation suggestions.
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Why go skiing in Le Mont Dore ?
The Massif du Sancy is worth considering for anyone looking for a quiet, unpressured ski break combining solid value for money with an interesting and generally uncrowded setting. The appeal broadens further with the radically different settings of traditional Le Mont Dore and purpose-build SuperBesse.
While there are currently no budget flights into nearby Clermont Ferrand, the area’s central location represents the closest skiing to a lot of people based in France. In which case it’s a useful ski-break destination.
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Skiing There
Beginners / Families
Intermediates
Advanced / Expert
Mountain Scenery
Snowboarding
Freestyle area at Super-Besse2 Snowparks
2 Snowboarder Cross
Cross-Country Skiing
Nine sectors on both sides of the mountain with link routes.250km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Yes please...
- Solid value for families & beginners.
- Dramatic scenery.
- Something to tell your friends.
Yes but...
- Lack of convenient low-cost flights.
- Uncertain snow-cover - timing is all.
- Not for the mile-hungry.
Our Tips
- Keep a careful eye on webcams to ensure that conditions are good before heading to the Auvergne.
Practical Information
Le Mont Dore: Most of the accommodation lies within the town, with plenty of small hotels and self-catering accommodation from which to choose. It’s a short drive to the ski station, which has free parking - or you can catch a shuttle bus.
Le Buron de Dame Tartine
Route du Sancy
Le Mont Dore
+33 (0)4 73 65 28 40
Comfortable and spacious rooms in contemporary style with traditional features. Some rooms have a view of the Massif du Sancy. Convenient for the slopes, cosy restaurant.
La Lauzeraie Chambres d’Hôtes
La Bourboule
Tel: +33(0)4 83 81 15 70
Exceptionally well-appointed double rooms from €90 inc breakfast.
Auberge La Cabanne
Murat-le-Quaire
Tel: +33(0)4 73 81 19 25
Offers simple accommodation and real, home-cooked food.
Super-Besse: It’s mostly self-catering accommodation here, including a couple of large hotels which mainly cater for families and groups, and offer both half and full-board at reasonable cost.
Le Gergovia
Super-Besse
Tel: +33 (0)4 73 79 60 15
A friendly family hotel whose decor was pure 70s. Basic standard en-suite rooms with views over the ski station.