The largest area in the Massif Central, on the slopes of an extinct volcano in the Cantal, and a landscape that looks nothing like the Alps.

The terrain is wooded and mainly intermediate with a good deal of gentle runs, and a cable car climbs to the Plomb du Cantal at 1855 metres. Snowmaking covers a substantial part of the area, which matters at this altitude.

The Cantal is a region of old volcanoes, gorges and cheese, and the food here is worth the trip on its own.

Prices are among the lowest in France and the crowds are almost entirely French. Clermont Ferrand is around an hour and a half away.