The best ski resort at less than 4 hours from Paris (much better than the Vosges or the Jura).
Tracks are quite easy but steep enough to get some real good fun. The new speed lifts allow you to warm your thighs by getting on the top in 5 min!
The connection to Mont Dore, when the weather is nice, allows you to try one of the best places for extreme free-ride skiing in Europe.
We went to BSB early Feb 2013; 5 hours from house in Angouleme. Weather brilliant, skiing was good, but only enough runs for 2-3 days. We had a camper van but the facilities were poor. The ski hire and pass people were great, the swimming pool manager was unhelpful so we didn't use the pool. Could have done with a sauna/shower area.
But all in all it was good. (Better than Aviemore, Scotland).
I would probably go back for the day but need to get there real early or you have to park miles away.
Due to my parents owning a chalet just down the road from Besse, I have skied at Super Besse (Besse Super Besse) for a number of years.
The resort has improved considerably over recent years with the introduction of snow cannons on most (if not all) pistes, a new chair lift and a new telecabine system opened at Christmas 2008 (this one runs even when it's windy).
Advantages of Besse Super Besse: lower than Alpine prices, access to Le Mont Dore (listed in the top 10 off-piste areas) when there is enough snow for the liason to be open, attractive medieval town of Besse near by.
Disadvantages at Besse Super Besse: weather can often be very bleak, white-outs and high winds are common, Super Besse is not high enough to have a glacier so there isn't a snow guarantee.
Hi, I skied for many years in the Alps at many different resorts including over 30 weeks at La Plagne. I have brought a house in the Auvernge and Besse is 1 one hours drive away. Myself and my family, including a snow boarder, were pleasently surprised at the quality of the slopes. The runs are rather short but good fun up to intermediate level. 1 day lift pass 20 euro, ski hire and drink/food good value buy this a lot cheaper than the Alps. If you are driving to the south of France down the N75 during the winter stop for a ski.