Skiing in the Auvergne

[Wizzer]

We spent several days last week skiing in the Auvergne at Super Besse (which is only 20 minutes from our house).

The vast majority of the cars parked there are obviously French, with a few Dutch and German, so we were wondering if anyone on the forum from the U.K. had skied Super Besse, Le Mont Dore or Le Lioran, and what you thought of it?

BTW, last week the snow was fantastic and the lift queues non-existent (even at the weekend).

 

[Kent]

We spent Christmas in Superbesse and had a fantastic time. Not an english voice heard all weekend. No lift queues, friendly satff, quiet pistes. we couldn't get over to Mont Dore as visibility was quite bad but we will definately be going back for another trip.

I can heartly recommend Le Petit Auberge in le Faux as a place to stay - amazing four course meals and breakfast for about £21 a head and a five minute drive to the slopes.

Equipment hire is much cheaper and easier to do than in the big resorts

Don't tell too many people though! I was hoping it was my little secret!

[moon]

I love the idea of being able to ski whilst we are at our house in France. What is the season for SuperBesse and other Auvergne resorts.

Bob

[Wizzer]

We have skied in January and March at Super Besse and Le Mont Dore - the snow has always been execllent in January but a bit slushy in March as it was too hot! There do seem to be a lot more snow canons at Super Besse this year so that should help guarantee the season.

You can get daily snow reports from http://www.skiinfo.fr

The other thing to consider is either cross country skiing or snow shoeing, as there are miles of tracks to discover when the snow is good enough.

 

[Woodchurchzoo]

[quote]We spent several days last week skiing in the Auvergne at Super Besse (which is only 20 minutes from our house). The vast majority of the cars parked there are obviously French, with a few Dutch and ...[/quote]

We are staying in Montboudif over the holidays and are taking our children skiing for the first time at Super Besse.  We have arranged lessons and hope that we all have a great time.

We are looking to move to the area this year, just waiting to sell our house.  This will be our 3rd visit to the area - we really love it!

Did you hire skis?  We will need to hire skis for the kids and also organise lift passes - hope that we can find everything when we get there and that the weather is ok as it will probably be a 30 minute drive there every day.

[Wizzer]

It's all easy to find and efficient woodchurchzoo..... I've sent you an e-mail with details.

[Ron Avery]

Went to Super Lioran this time last year on a "ski train" arrangement with SNCF, fare included ski pass.  We had to change at Aurillac on the way up from Figeac, 10 minute wait for a Paris via Clermont Ferrand.  We got our ski passes at Super Lioran station and a coach took us to the ski station. 

Very busy, two locations, the lower for the kids and the upper station for others, although there were lots of kids having lessons at the higher station as well.  But short queues for ski's etc.  Lots of French from Paris and lessons had to be booked in advance,  but a great spot for all abilities and due to the train,  no parking problems.  

The only downside to the train was the hour wait going home at Aurillac for a connection toward Figeac:

Also looked at Laquiole just North of Espallion and Rodez, not a lot of snow at the time and it looked much smaller with fewer downhill pistes, also quite a long drive from Rodez, which would probably be difficult in the snow, however, I believe it is excellent for the cross country skier.

[Kent]

You'll find everything really easily - the lift pass office is just by the lift which is next to the car park. I used cabri for ski hire. Quick efficient and cheap.

Found the staff in the bars and restaurants help-ful and friendly and enjoyed being in a resort not full of english drunks and not having to pay £5 a pint.

Enjoy!