On Saturday, we ease into the season at Super-Besse, gliding along beginner-friendly green and blue runs carved into the ancient, eroded volcanoes of France's Massif Central. Perfect for building confidence, these slopes offer stunning 360-degree views from Puy de Sancy and Puy de la Perdrix, showcasing the region's iconic rounded peaks. Come Sunday, we shift to the steeper, more alpine challenges at Mont-Dore, where freeriders flock to its dynamic runs.
Super-Besse shines as a hotspot for snowscooting—think high-speed snow scooters. Test your skills on a yooner (an ultra-fast sled), snow Segway, ice diving, dog sledding, or snowmobiling. At Mont-Dore, hurtle down on an airboard, an inflatable sled, belly-first and headlong into the action. Embrace the alpine vibe with icefall climbing using ice axes and crampons. As lifts close, grab a fatbike for snowy mountain biking.
Cap your day with spa relaxation at Mont-Dore's historic thermal baths (auvergne-thermale.com), featuring stunning neo-Byzantine architecture and mosaic decor from the early 1900s. Sourced from volcanic springs, the mineral-rich waters boost immunity and ease muscle tension. Post-ski bliss awaits with treatments like the Île Rouge massage, drawing inspiration from Madagascar.