Mountain and winter sports Alsace

Discover the snowy forests of the Vosges under the guidance of professional musher Morgan Bachmann. Various formulas are proposed to you. Initiation visit, 1/2 hour baptism, 1 hour or 1/2 day excursion. You will learn how the musher prepares his team and will share unforgettable moments in the company of superb dogs in the magical setting of a winter nature majestically draped in its great white coat. The rest of the year, Morgan swaps his sled for a kart specially adapted to his team of Nordic dogs.

The Grand Ballon is a truly astronomical coup… High point of the Vosges massif (1,424 m altitude) it is easy to access when snow is not part of the game, and fully accessible in the winter, including when a thick layer of fresh snow covers its gentle slopes and access paths. To get there, just take the roads open on its slopes (the Cranes Road, on the other side, is closed in winter), for example from Thann, and then snake nicely until the foot of the summit via Goldbach-Altenbach. The last kilometers in winter may require the establishment of chains or the use, at minimum, of snow tires. In winter always, unless you know the place perfectly, we strongly advise you to go up the day to track the path to go to the radôme and even mark the route through a GPS. This detection avoids a few disagreements when, very close to the summit, possible locks interfere in the last hectometers. It is equally imperative to take into account the weather conditions (only a completely clear night can give the green light for such a shipment). The ideal way is to make the end of the day, attend the sunset, then descend by the same path during the evening or night. Snowshoes may be required. In all cases the climb, which lasts less than 30 minutes, must take place from the parking lot of the Grand Ballon pass (and the corresponding hotel), i. e. slope is, and not on the other side (west slope) whose path is less direct, thus more difficult (the transformed snow can be icy!). Finally, last advice: it can be very cold up there, all the more so since the wind (ice in winter) can get off the side and accentuate the sensation… Very hot clothes are therefore mandatory, as are front lamps (white or red light) for the rise or descent at night. The other basic accessories are added to this package: mobile phone with duly loaded, thermos with hot drink, cereal bars in case of fringal, foot and hands heaters in case of very cold, and photographic material (box + tripod) if you wish to immortalize the event and the celestial vault.

What do we see once up there? At this altitude and with much of the light pollution rejected in valleys and east towards the big cities, it is a small slap waiting for the visitor, caught between the quality of the sky offered, the vision on the valleys around (sometimes submerged by sea of spectacular clouds), and the ghosts of the radôme, its control building, and the Blue Diables monument a little lower. If the moon is present during the visit (in neighborhood for example), blafards and strange white reflections on snow slopes appear to be unreal. In summer, the vision is less spectacular and access is easier, it is not rare to cross a few lovers of night lights coming to impregnate the atmosphere of the place. In any case, and regardless of the number of hours spent up there, once you're down, you're coming to pinch and wonder if we really have experienced this adventure!

Situated at an altitude of 1,247 m, the resort renews summer and winter activities, making it a popular place for sports enthusiasts. The alpine ski slopes are open at night and the slalom stadium for World Cup races has been completely refurbished and equipped with snow-making machines. In the summer, the resort remains very attractive, as it is equipped with toboggans on rails, a salto-trampoline and a miniature golf course. Don't miss out on a paragliding or hang gliding tour either, as the site is a perfect place to take off. To get there, there is the ridge shuttle.

More than 14 km of downhill ski runs and 67 km of cross-country ski runs, 153 snow guns, 7 ski lifts and a 6-seater detachable chairlift, but also a freestyle area (with a boardercross), a snowpark, a Nordic Park (which has been awarded the So Nordic label ), a trail for sled dogs and ski joering, two secure toboggan runs and a 1 km Trick Track (4 seasons)... This superb resort has absolutely nothing to envy to its Alpine alter egos! And in summer, it's mountain biking!

Located in the Alsatian Jura, the Winkel Nordic ski area is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Here, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take center stage, offering an unforgettable snow experience. Once a discreet spot, it's now a popular destination for cross-country ski enthusiasts. Every year, a handful of volunteers carve out a dozen or so trails, allowing skiers to enjoy the great outdoors. Please note: the trails are not groomed!

Small but known as the longest ski run in the Vosges, the Schlumpf resort is acclaimed for its friendliness, mulled wine and simplicity. Very popular with thrill seekers, the resort (municipal management) is run by volunteers! Passionate, they spend their weekends maintaining the piste and the lifts, always taking care of the skiers. Another delight: the arrival at the top (1,012 m) is a great reward: the view is unforgettable.

A small ski resort in the wild nature of the Haute valley, the Frenz offers 32 km of snow-capped circuits for your pleasure. Enjoy Nordic walking! In the shadow of the Grand Ball or more famous stations like the Bresse, the Frenz continues to exist and for any real ski enthusiast it really is worth it.

Created from the union of the Club Vosgien de Mulhouse, founded in 1872, and the Club Vosgien Mulhouse-Crêtes, founded in 1933, this famous association, with around 30 guides and leaders, organizes numerous hikes of all levels, 3 Nordic walking sessions every week in all seasons, snowshoe outings and orienteering walks. The association currently has almost 600 members, 25 of whom are very active in maintaining our trails.

Anne-Lise and Frédéric Dubray share with you their passion for the Far North through sports or family activities: outings on a snow scooter (a small light machine pulled by a dog), dog-sleigh rides led by a musher... When the snow takes its leave, the snow scooter turns into a cani-scooter! You can also opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride on the Hautes-Huttes. This is an original way to discover the Val d'Orbey in all seasons with Anne-Lise and Frédéric, who make an absolutely charming couple!

The Nordique Nordic area features five cross-country skiing trails or Nordic skiing. Marked but not groomed, these circuits range from 2,5 kilometres to 8 kilometres, which makes it possible to do several in the same day. The departure takes place at the parking lot of the Dit, where there is also a toboggan track and two snowshoe circuits of 3 km and 6,5 km. These circuits are maintained by volunteers who carry out the tracks marking the tracks from the first snow.

Tariff: free.

Duration: from 1 h.

Difficulty: .

Between Alsace and Vosges, the Northern Domaine du Donon is a paradise for skiers and lovers of snowshoes. A total of 65 kilometres of trails are available free of charge throughout the winter. A 4,2 kilometre snowshoe loop allows to reach the top of the Donon, passing through the neck shelter, between the Two Donons, located at 822 meters above sea level. An easy loop, which offers beautiful views over the mountain and can also be used in cross-country skiing, on a slightly different route 5 km long.

Tariff: free.

Duration: from 1 h.

Difficulty: .

Skiing at the Ballon d'Alsace is for all levels: 11 slopes from the green for beginners to the black LA of Langenberg and 9 ski lifts to make the most of the area. In addition, there is the snowpark, more than 40 km of cross-country trails as well as snowshoe trails and the toboggan run! You can even spot a musher with his sledge! In spring, hikers, cyclists and bikers are back! The Ballon d'Alsace is as pleasant in winter as it is in summer!