In the heart of the Monts du Forez, Chalmazel resort is the quintessential nearby skiing destination for residents of the Loire and surrounding areas. Nestled in a vast state forest, this friendly family resort offers an authentic skiing experience, ideal for learning and family days out. With its human-scale ski area, relaxed atmosphere and four-season fun activities, Chalmazel is a genuine breath of fresh air, which has modernised while retaining its nature-resort soul.
– update November 2026: faced with structural difficulties, the ski area, managed by the department, will not open during the 2025-2026 winter –
In summer, the Chalmazel chairlift opens for downhill mountain biking enthusiasts, with several dedicated tracks. The site is also a starting point for numerous walks across the Hautes Chaumes du Forez. The resort offers fun activities such as mountainkart, downhill scooters and a tree-top adventure park — making it a very complete summer destination.
In winter, alpine skiing is the main activity, with a varied ski area and a snowpark. Nearby, cross-country skiing is available on the Haut-Forez Nordic ski area departing from the Col du Beal. The Col de la Loge ski area also has marked snowshoe trails and a toboggan piste.
Skiing
Below are the 2 ski areas accessible from Chalmazel:
Chalmazel (alpin), Les Hauts du Forez (col de la Loge – col de Béal) (nordique).
Ski area — Chalmazel
⛰️ Altitudes: 1110 m – 1590 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 12 km
💰 Day pass: 24 €
The Chalmazel alpine domain is ideal family terrain. Its 15 runs (3 green, 8 blue, 3 red, 1 black) served by detachable chairlift and 7 drag lifts. A discovery area lets beginners initiate safely. — Updated November 2026: facing structural difficulties, the ski domain managed by the department will not open winter 2025-2026 —
Our full guide to Chalmazel
Cross-country ski area — Les Hauts du Forez (col de la Loge – col de Béal)
⛰️ Altitudes: 1260 m – 1420 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 20 km
💰 Day pass: 8.9 €
From Col de la Loge and Col du Beal departures (15 min resort distance), this immense Nordic domain offers all-level runs plus snowshoe routes and dog-sledding in magnificent Hautes Chaumes du Forez setting.
Our full guide to Les Hauts du Forez (col de la Loge – col de Béal)
