At the end of the last period of volcanic activity in the Monts Dore massif, 250,000 years ago, glacial episodes and rainwater shaped the current landscape, which ranges from the gentle slopes of the domes and flows to the steep ridges of the Puy de Sancy. Reaching its summit in winter requires between 3 and 6 hours of walking, but it offers a 360-degree view of the Chaîne des Puys (Puys chain), the glacial valleys or even the alpine Forez. From June to October, hikers can choose to take the Mont-Dore or the Super-Besse cable cars. They will still have to climb the 864 steps of a wooden staircase to reach the summit.