Skiing and snowshoeing in Les Estables

Super value, fully inclusive guided cross country skiing holiday – chance to try snowshoeing too Traditional mountain village off the tourist trail with swimming pool, sauna, mini gym Vast open plateaux, pretty valleys, unique volcanic landscapes, breathtaking views Complete flexibility: choice of group every day most weeks

This fully guided, ever popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing holiday is based at the very heart of the Massif Central, in the mountain village of Les Estables, the highest commune in the Auvergne. It’s been a traditional gathering post for local shepherds for over a thousand years!

During the week you’ll glide along well maintained pistes through pretty little valleys and vast open plateaux – it’s a kind of silent “moonscape” feel when blanketed with snow, and you follow deer and fox tracks, surprise unsuspecting partridge, and enjoy the most breathtaking panoramas over the Auvergne and Alps beyond.

Your base for the week is Hotel La Découverte, a modern Scandinavian style building in a wonderful setting just 5 minutes’ walk from the village, the valley and the mountains beyond. Run by the friendly Bernard and Martine Aubry, and their son, Alexandre, it’s a relaxed and welcoming place to stay.

There’s a comfortable lounge with open fire as well as a small library, TV and piano room, games room and bar. The heated swimming pool, and adjoining sun terrace, affords almost 360o views of the mountains. You’ll also find a sauna, shower jet and mini gym, as well as drying rooms for all ski clothes. The 20 twin-bedded rooms, all south facing, are on two floors in the east and west wings, and are lovely and quiet. Dinners are unhurried and convivial in true French style, served with wine from the hotel's extensive wine list (pay locally). Other drinks are available from a help yourself honesty bar; simply settle up for any extras at the end of the week.

The daily skiing programme is managed by Alexandre and his team, and, most weeks, you choose whether to join the beginners or improvers group – no problem if you switch groups mid-week either. Other activities on offer include alpine skiing and dog mushing.