Ski Mountaineering in the Puys

Puy de Sancy seen from Puy Ferrand, spring conditions. 

In central France near the city of Clermont Ferrand are the highest peaks of the massif Central, mostly called Puy's. These hills are nice and rolling but steep enough to give some good skiing in the winter months of January and February, I have just made one short visit in late March, when there was still enough snow to ski on... just!

The highest peak in the range is Puy de Sancy at 1886m, with a cable car to within 100m of the summit

Skinning up the northern staircase on Puy de Sancy!