10 Best Ski Resorts in the Massif Central

At Le Mont Doré, come you can enjoy regular snow and an authentic ambience of the Auvergne region to completely disconnect from everyday life. Although the resort is renowned for its longevity, it nonetheless boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities.

 Nestled in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne (Auvergne National Park), Le Mont-Doré is surrounded by 360º of unspoilt wilderness. The perfect backdrop to your snow sports sessions, with its 34 km of downhill and Nordic ski runs. If you have children with you, don't miss the treasure hunt in the snow. Another significant advantage is that the resort is linked to the Superbesse resort, meaning you don't even need to change accommodations to experience a range of exciting activities.

Not only does Superbesse have an ultramodern infrastructure worthy of some of the best ski resorts, it also offers unrivaled sunshine, thanks to its excellent location. Perched on the southern slope of the Massif du Sancy – the Auvergne's tallest volcano – this resort has, in addition to its 43 km of ski slopes, several specialized neighborhoods that will enthrall thrill-seekers: snowparks, snowboard cross, freestyle jumping, as well as a handful of slopes open at night. 

The covered bathing pool and fitness center are great places to relax your aching muscles after an energetic day in the great outdoors. While the École du Ski Français ski school enables beginners to learn the basics, and the more advanced to perfect their technique.

Le Lioran is racking up the superlatives as the most well-known, the biggest and highest ski resort in the Massif Central mountain range. This resort in the Cantal region is also the best-equipped, with its 250 or so snow cannons that guarantee snow cover across the resort from December to March. 

The ski area includes a beginners' area complete with a 'magic carpet' lift, toboggan run, snowpark and 43 pistes – 2 of which are lit at night. Le Lioran scores points with skiers from all walks of life. And nor does it leave out cross-country skiers or snowshoe enthusiasts, who'll have a blast on the marked trails in the surrounding area, winding through the heart of the unspoilt countryside.

With its pretty log cabins covered in a thick layer of powder snow, Chastreix-Sancy looks like something straight off a postcard. It's more secluded than its neighbours at Puy de Sancy, Super Besse and Mont-Dore, and every bit as charming as it is peaceful. 

What's it gotten going for it? A breathtaking panorama over the volcano as well as direct access to the slopes from your accommodations so you can soak up the wintry atmosphere both day and night. The beauty of the 16-kilometre-long alpine ski runs rivals that of the 15-kilometre-long cross-country ones, and the snowshoeing and dogsledding routes will make your eyes light up.

Located on the plateau of the same name between 2 volcanic sites, Le Guery is a paradise for cross-country skiers. Don your skis and snake through the dense forests which make up its amazing landscapes, ski around sparkling frozen lakes and admire the wonderful spectacle that the Auvergne mountains provide along the route. 

Whether you're a keen skater-style skier or cross-country skier, let these 58 kilometers of slopes invite you to a real moment of escape. You'll also be able to give biathlon a try. A snow garden and sledging slope are also available for children and the accommodations are inspired by Candian chalets to round off the experience.

If the price of the package is something to take into account, don't hesitate any longer and set your heart on Les Estables. This pretty village nestled at the foot of Mont Mezenc enjoys optimal snow conditions and will give you access to 8 alpine ski slopes and more than 50 kilometers of cross-country skiing. 

Go snowshoeing or dog sledging, discover snowkiting, speed riding, or take a trip in a snow groomer. The choice at Les Estables is as wide as the prices are low. At several key points throughout the year, the peaceful atmosphere at this center gives way to contagious energy during the Mezenc Marathon and the traditional cross-country skiing race, La Nanaloppet.

All the optimal conditions have come together at Chalmazel for a fun skiing trip in the snow. This ski station nestled in the Forez mountains invites you to engage in an unforgettable sporting experience with family or friends. It offers skiing, sledging, snowshoeing, snowboarding and snow scooting, so you won't be at a loss for ways to fill your days with snow sports and laughter. 

Beginners can take advantage of great facilities for trying out the sport with the practice ski tows and green slopes. Whereas intermediate and experienced skiers will have plenty of time to earn their stripes on slopes of varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from superb blue runs to black runs with changes in ground level and several bumpy sections.

Skiing in La Croix de Bauzon puts you among a  splendid fir tree forest in Tanargue. This ski station is a place where everyone can take part regardless of level. Apart from alpine skiing, the station is renowned for its cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, which gives walkers the chance to marvel over some of the most beautiful landscapes the Massif Central range has to offer. 

After you've admired the views, why not have a laugh on the snow tubing track available to everyone aged 4-years-old and up? Little ones will have a great time in the snow garden and Farfadets leisure area with a 'magic carpet' and a tow rope ski lift.

Classed as a nature ski resort, La Loge des Gardes offers an adrenaline-packed winter escape. Nestled in the Foret Domaniale de l'Assise in Auvergne, it offers 2.2 kilometers of downhill ski runs through spruce and beech trees. This resort gladly welcomes snowboarders and has a free sledging slope available to all and set to one side for added safety. 

This family and dynamic center gives beginners the opportunity to learn with a magic carpet lift and you can take lessons with experienced state-licensed instructors if you want to improve. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also on the program for your sporty stay.

With a name that infers wild legends and harmony with the wilderness, Brameloup (Wolfhowl) is the ideal backdrop for your open-air activities in the winter sun. One of the most well-preserved ski resorts in the Massif Central region welcomes you into the Foret Domaniale d'Aubrac where magical landscapes and sensations combine. 

Whether you prefer downhill or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or tobogganing, you'll have the pleasure of quenching your passion in optimal conditions and you'll even be able to try boardercross, if you want to try something new. Themed trails will also plunge you deep into the heart of a fascinating region as you go on re-energising hikes.