The closest ski resorts to Clermont-Ferrand

  Familiar with the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral and the Puy de Dôme in this historic Auvergne city? This winter, explore ski resorts just a 4-hour drive from Clermont-Ferrand and the wider Auvergne region. From Super-Besse Sancy to ski resorts in the Northern French Alps, there’s plenty to choose from! On the agenda: alpine skiing for enthusiasts, and fun family activities like sledging and ice skating – creating unforgettable memories for kids and grown-ups alike in the heart of the mountains.  

Super Besse

In the heart of the Massif Central, on the southern slopes of the Sancy range, Super-Besse is a ski resort near Clermont-Ferrand that keeps its reputation as a local favourite and a central spot in the Puy de Dôme.

Families will love the wide range of activities on offer: a permanent and sound-equipped freepark, a boardercross run, and two dedicated sledging areas. Little ones can enjoy safe climbing and sliding in l’Enclos de Tibou, a fun, enclosed play zone with free access.

Thrill-seekers can try an exciting 2.5 km downhill ride with a 300m drop on the unique Fantasy Luge. And for those who want to go even higher this winter, the Fantasticable zip line offers a full panoramic view over the Sancy mountains and the Auvergne region – guaranteed to get your heart racing!

The Super-Besse ski area

Ranging from 1,350 to 1,850 metres in altitude, the Super-Besse ski area offers 40 km of slopes – perfect for all levels. You’ll find 5 green runs, 9 blue, 9 red and 4 black pistes, making it a great choice for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers alike.

The main 20-seater cable car carries up to 3,000 people per hour. You’ll also benefit from 5 chairlifts (including one detachable), 13 drag lifts and 2 covered magic carpets – ensuring smooth access across the ski area.

If you fancy a break from the slopes, snowshoe trails are a fantastic option for all ages, with two scenic loops of 3 km (the Tibou route) and 4.8 km. There’s even a 10 km link trail between Besse and Pertuyzat for longer winter walks.

How to get to Super-Besse from Clermont-Ferrand?

By car (fastest and shortest route – approx. 1h10, 54 km): From Clermont-Ferrand, head towards Beaumont via the D3, then follow the D2089 through Saulzet and La Cassière. Continue on the D213 towards Besse-Col de la Ventouse and Aydat. Take a right onto the D5 towards Murol, Saint-Victor-La-Rivière and Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise. Finally, follow the D978/D149 to reach Super-Besse.

By bus: If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, Super-Besse is served by several regional lines:

Saint François Longchamp

Located at 1,650 metres altitude, Saint-François Longchamp is a friendly, human-scale resort that’s perfect for families and groups of friends, thanks to its wide range of activities. The Comète, a year-round rail toboggan ride, is a great way to share fun, unforgettable moments together.

Looking for peace and relaxation? The resort’s balneotherapy centre is the place to unwind, with five dedicated areas: Balneotherapy, Spa Treatments, Beauty, Health & Fitness, and even a Bar-Bowling lounge.

The Grand Coin Nordic Area promises magical snowshoe hikes in stunning natural surroundings – both in winter and summer.

The Grand Domaine ski area

Saint-François-Longchamp sits at the heart of the Grand Domaine ski area – the 5th largest ski area in France. With over 165 km of alpine ski slopes (95 km in Valmorel and 70 km in Saint-François-Longchamp), the resort is served by 49 ski lifts, spans 1,300 metres of vertical drop, and reaches its highest point at 2,403 metres, at the iconic Col du Mottet.

The Grand Domaine is a true playground for all levels, offering excellent snow conditions all season long thanks to 356 snow cannons. You’ll also find a wide range of fun zones: 5 boardercross runs, 3 snow parks / rail parks, 4 fun areas, and 4 freeride zones.

How to get to Saint François Longchamp from Clermont-Ferrand?

By car (fastest route with tolls – approx. 3h40, 370 km): From Clermont-Ferrand, take the D69c towards Gerzat to join the A71 heading towards Lyon/Montpellier. Continue on the A89 towards Lyon/Roanne, then merge onto the A6 towards Grenoble. Follow the A466 for 15 km, then take the A432 towards Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport. Join the A43 heading towards Turin–Milan. Take exit 26, then follow the D927 and D213 through Saint-Avre, La Chambre and Le Planet. You’ll arrive in Saint-François Longchamp.

Le Grand Bornand

Set in the stunning natural landscape of the Aravis mountains, this resort offers a wide range of winter activities: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, ski touring, snowshoeing, Nordic walking, and sledging.

The resort is also inclusive and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, offering adaptive skiing options such as handiski, tandemski, and dualski – all supervised by fully qualified instructors.

The Grand Bornand ski area

With 46 ski runs covering 84 km (5 black, 13 red, 13 blue and 15 green), including a Freeride zone and a run with 1,100 metres of vertical drop, the Grand-Bornand ski area is perfect for all levels. The resort is served by 24 ski lifts, ensuring easy access across the slopes. Beginners can learn in complete safety thanks to 3 dedicated beginner zones, while 2 sledging runs provide extra family fun.

Children will love the 2 fun areas, including the Mom’Park freestyle zone and the themed Défi’Mom slope, both designed to bring joy to young skiers. Skiing at Le Grand-Bornand is truly for everyone!

Good to know: the other Aravis ski resorts – Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, La Clusaz and Manigod – are all easily reached by shuttle buses, a popular and convenient way to explore the surrounding mountains.

How to get to the Grand Bornand from Clermont-Ferrand?

By car (fastest route with tolls – approx. 3h40, 360 km): Take the D69C to join the A71 towards Gerzat, then the A89 towards Lyon/Roanne. Continue on the A6 towards Geneva/Grenoble, followed by the A46 and A432. Take the A42 towards Geneva before joining the A40 (Autoroute Blanche). Exit at Junction 16 for Bonneville, following signs for Bonneville/La Clusaz/Le Grand-Bornand (20 km). Then take the A41, exit Annecy Nord, towards Thônes and the Aravis resorts (30 km). Pass through Glières-Val-De-Borne and Entremont via the D12 and D224. Turn onto the D4 to reach Le Villaret, then Le Grand-Bornand.

By train: You can reach Annecy with a transfer at Lyon, then take a shuttle bus for the final leg. Expect a journey of over 5 hours by train from Clermont-Ferrand to Le Grand-Bornand.

If you’re looking to ski in the Massif Central, the Chastreix-Sancy ski resort, near Clermont-Ferrand, could be the perfect choice for your next winter holiday.

Travelski, the ski expert, is here to help you find the ideal ski package.

With over 20 years’ experience specialising in mountain holidays, our team based close to the resorts in Chambéry is ready to assist you in booking your ski break at the best price! Choose from hotels, holiday residences, clubs or chalets—all available on our website.