The Col de la Loge is located in the heart of the Massif Central region of France between Saint-Etienne, Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon; part of the Monts de Forez mounts. The area offers spectacular views of the extinct volcanoes of the Sancy mountain range to the Alps including le Mont Blanc.
The nordic trails are situated at an elevation of between 1,200 meters and 1,400 meters. From the col the tracks climb through scented pine forests to reach the plateau for a true nordic feeling. Short stumpy trees shaped by the harsh winds that blow across the mountains. The trails themselves from a series of concentric loops starting at the col de la loge. The Puy Gros black is challenging with a steep descent and corresponding climb.
The resort's claimed sixty kilometers of ski runs are groomed for classic and skating. You can rent gear and cozy mountain lodges offer overnight accomodation. The area is also ideal for nordic ski touring and snowshoeing but travelers should take care with the weather once out of the forests.
Website: https://www.station-coldelaloge.fr/
Trip Report
A poor snow year with little opening so I took advantage of the storm mid March to ski a bit. I covered about 17km and to be honest I skied most of what was on offer. There is perhaps 20-25km of unique tracks. So it is not the biggest area in the world. The main backbone track across the plateau was ok but some of the south facing climbs had no snow at all. You can access the ski area from the Col du Beal but the 200 meter link is not covered by piste rescue.
