Le Mont-Dore
&
the surrounding area
Le Mont-Dore ski area
Piste map & prices
The Mont-Dore ski area (Sancy) offers ski passes for every length of stay. Here are the indicative prices for the 2025/2026 season (full price, excluding low-season offers). More information at www.sancy.com:
Day pass
€42.70 adult · €30.40 child (5-15 years) — 9am to 5pm
2 consecutive days pass
€81.60 adult – €57.90 child
6 consecutive days pass
€231.60 adult – €57.90 child
Good to know
Free for children under 5 and adults aged 75 and over, on presentation of proof of age.
Alpine & cross-country skiing
The Sancy ski area offers slopes for all levels, both alpine and Nordic.
Free shuttle
The Sancy ski area offers slopes for all levels, both alpine and Nordic.
Equipment hire
Many rental shops are just a stone’s throw from the apartment, and you have a private ski locker on the ground floor of the residence to store your equipment.
Hiking & nature
The Sancy massif is an exceptional playground for hiking, in summer as in winter. Whether you are a family or a seasoned athlete, the trails around Le Mont-Dore suit every level.
Puy de Sancy
It is the highest peak in the Massif Central (1,886 m), reachable on foot via a waymarked trail or in just a few minutes by cable car. Several routes lead to the top, from the classic trail starting at the resort to more demanding variants along the ridges, with an elevation gain that varies depending on the route chosen. The view from the summit stretches across the Auvergne volcanoes and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps. Going up on foot and coming back down by cable car is a popular option to enjoy the climb without straining on the way back.
Snowshoeing in winter
In winter, several waymarked routes around Le Mont-Dore can be enjoyed on snowshoes, from easy family-friendly trails suitable for beginners to longer outings along the Sancy ridges for more experienced hikers. Snowshoes can be hired directly at the resort, and guided outings are available to discover the snow-covered massif safely, especially off the groomed trails. It is a different way to explore the landscapes you walk through in summer, with open views over the snow-capped Chaîne des Puys.
Mountain biking & climbing
The Sancy massif has several waymarked mountain bike routes, from family rides around the resort to more technical descents for experienced riders, with panoramic views over the whole Chaîne des Puys. Bike hire and a mountain bike area are available directly from the resort. For climbing, the natural sites in the valley (including the rocks near the Dordogne) offer routes for all levels, and several local organisations run introductory sessions for beginners as well as more experienced climbers.
Family trails
Many easy, waymarked trails criss-cross the Mont-Dore valley, with gentle slopes and short durations (1 to 2 hours), perfect for children and beginners. The Grande Cascade, a 15-minute walk from the town centre, is a classic destination accessible to everyone. The Sentier des Crêtes or the walk to the Fontaine Pétrifiante offer other short options with natural curiosities to observe along the way. Several loops also follow the Dordogne near its source, a flat and shaded route ideal with young children or a pushchair.
Mont-Dore and Chambon lakes
A waymarked trail goes around Lac Chambon in just over an hour of easy walking, suitable for families, with lovely views of the village of Chambon-sur-Lac and the surrounding peaks. The walk around the lake easily extends to the Vaufranc waterfall or the Col de la Croix Morand for a longer hike. In summer, supervised swimming, pedal boats and fishing round off the walk, making for an easy day out that can be combined with a more challenging hike in the morning.
Thermal baths & wellbeing
Just 100 m from the apartment, the Thermes du Mont-Dore carry on a thermal tradition unique in Europe, renowned for the treatment of respiratory conditions. A must-visit place to recharge your batteries.
Thermal Cures
The Thermes du Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme) offer two treatment areas: rheumatology (RH) and respiratory conditions (VR), either on their own or combined. Located at an altitude of 1,050 m, the resort enjoys an invigorating climate renowned for allergies and asthma. The waters are sodium bicarbonate and carbonated, and emerge at between 32 and 44 °C. The establishment offers subcutaneous injections of thermal gases for osteoarthritis and rheumatism, a treatment unique to Le Mont-Dore.
Wellbeing and relaxation
A wellness area offers massages, body treatments and relaxation sessions open to everyone, whether taking a cure or not. Hammam, sauna, hot tubs and affusion showers with massage complete the offer for a relaxing break after a day of skiing or hiking. Half-day and full-day packages are available on a drop-in basis, without booking a cure.
Sightseeing & heritage
Between Belle Époque thermal heritage, unspoilt nature and Auvergne culture, Le Mont-Dore can be explored in every season. Want to discover the apartment or check availability? Book now.
Capucin funicular
The Capucin funicular, the oldest in France still in operation, links the town centre to the top of the Capucin in just a few minutes. It offers quick, effortless access to an open viewpoint over the valley and the surrounding massifs, with easy walking trails at the top and a place to eat to make the most of your break.
Historic town centre
The historic centre of Le Mont-Dore is best explored on foot, strolling through the streets around the Notre-Dame church and the old 19th-century thermal villas. You will find shops, cafés and boutiques housed in Belle Époque buildings, just a few steps from the Thermes. It is a natural stop before or after a hike, for a drink on a terrace or a bit of shopping.
Seasonal events
Le Mont-Dore celebrates throughout the year: farmers’ markets and street entertainment in summer, transhumance festivals in autumn, and festive lights for the end-of-year holidays in winter, in addition to events linked to the ski season (slope openings, local competitions). Sports lovers are not left out: in January, the Trail hivernal du Sancy takes runners along the snowy trails of the massif, and at the end of September, the Trails du Sancy bring together thousands of participants around the Grand Trail (around 60 km) and shorter courses, starting from the municipal park. The resort also hosts the Transvolcanique, a very popular mountain bike race. The calendar varies each year, but it is worth checking before setting the dates of your stay, as some events can enrich your visit.
360° panoramas
From the summit of the Puy de Sancy, a viewpoint indicator helps you identify the main peaks of the massif and, on a clear day, the Chaîne des Puys, the Cantal and even the Alps in the distance. The observation platform, a few minutes from the cable car arrival, offers a 360° view over the whole Massif Central, one of the finest panoramas in Auvergne.