Preparing highest pistes at Le Mont Dore

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.

Wide view of ski pistes and draglift at Le Mont Dore, Auvergne, France

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
Ski Resort Lifts : 14
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
Ski Domain Lifts: 38
2 Magic Carpets
25 Draglifts
9 Chairlifts
2 Cable Cars

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Family in falling snow at Le Mont Dore ski village, Auvergne, France.

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

Value for Money Accommodation Dining Out Nightlife Village Charm

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Two skiers on piste at Le Mont Dore, Auvergne, France.

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-Besse
2 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

icon-smileyYes please...

  • Solid value for families & beginners.
  • Dramatic scenery.
  • Something to tell your friends.

icon-frowneyYes but...

  • Lack of convenient low-cost flights.
  • Uncertain snow-cover - timing is all.
  • Not for the mile-hungry.

icon-winkingOur Tips

  • Keep a careful eye on webcams to ensure that conditions are good before heading to the Auvergne.

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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.

Tried and testedLe 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.


Tried and testedAuberge 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.

Tried and tested 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.


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