Over a 18 miles (30 km) diameter area, the Sancy massif is made up of steep slopes, couloirs, and passes that require a great deal of knowledge for ski tourers. It is recommended to go with a guide, especially as the oceanic climate quickly changes the composition of the snow, which can become ice or spring snow in a single day. The three valleys of the massif – Val de Courre, Fontaine Salée and Chaudefour – offer vertical drops of 1,500 metres. The Croix Morand (1,401 metres) and Geneste (1,372 metres) passes provide access to other peaks.