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Skiing on a Volcano
The south of France does not automatically ring a skiing bell. Even the French themselves, until a few years ago, did not know how to find their way to the beautifull white slopes of the Auvergne preferring instead the Alpes or the Pyrenees. Lately, this has changed! The Massif Central has grown up and offers a skiing resort where not everything revolves around money. It can easily compete with good Austrian locations. More and more wintersport enthusiasts are beginning to discover this area. Château de Tautal Bas is located exactly between three ski areas.
The Puy de Sancy, the hightest mountain, is 1866 meters. Instead of "mountain", we should use the word "volcano", because the whole area consists of a ridge of prehistoric volcanos (the so called "puys" as in Puy the Dome). These give the area especially in winter its unique cosy atmosphere one does not immediately expect in France.
The area of the Massif de Sancy contains three official ski areas. Together they offer 100 kilometers of ski runs: Superbesse, Le Mont-Dore and Le Lioran. Besides these slopes, you will find approximately 250 kilometers prepared langlaufpistes. At present the Auvergnats are dedicated to making it a sporty, dynamic resort. And they are succeeding! The facilities are good, and being improved on all the time. The area boasts 54 lifts, one of them connecting Superbesse and Mont Dore. It is easy to see why these locations are becoming more and more popular. The relaxed atmosphere and low prices make it very attractive designation. No megastores, no big flats with appartments or huge parking lots. The picturesque medieval village of Besse is a stonethrow away of Superbesse.
For everyone
Even without skis you will definitely enjoy yourself in the Auvergne. In wintertime you could be mistaken, thinking you are in Finland or Canada. Though on second thought... the Auvergne is not to be compared with any other stunning "beauty".
You can put on your boots for a winterwalk, but there are plenty alternatives for getting around: for example with a horse, mountainbike or dog sledge. For the experienced skier who likes "the road not travelled by" there are several possibilities to ski off-piste. For those who love to play with the wind: bring your snowkite or rent one.
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