Skiing and winter sports in the Vosges and the Grand Est

💡 January: The heart of the season: often the most reliable month for snow at altitude. Outside the school holidays, some resorts open only on certain days or close at midday on weekdays, such as Ballon d'Alsace and Bussang: check opening times.

Also in season: Skiing at Bussang – LarcenaireSkiing at Champ du FeuSkiing at Lac BlancSkiing at Le TanetSkiing at SchnepfenriedSkiing at Ventron – Frère Joseph

💡 February: The winter holidays draw large crowds to the slopes and roads: book accommodation and equipment hire early, and arrive before the ticket offices open. It is also a good month for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Also in season: Downhill Skiing at Gérardmer – La MauselaineSkiing & Sledging at Le MarksteinSkiing & Snowshoeing at the Ballon d’AlsaceSkiing at Lac BlancSkiing at Le TanetSkiing at Ventron – Frère Joseph

💡 March: End of the season: Ballon d'Alsace and Bussang have announced closure on 7 March 2027, and La Bresse-Hohneck plans “aurore” (dawn) passes in early March. After that, skiing depends on the remaining snow: check before you set off.

💡 April: Off-season for skiing: the lifts have stopped. Keep the thrill of the slopes alive with the alpine coaster at La Bresse, open all year round, or the one at Le Markstein; take care on summits where snow still lingers in places.

💡 May: No skiing in May: the mountains switch to hiking mode. La Bresse and Le Markstein focus on their four-season activities (alpine coasters, walks); preparations for the return of the snow in December are under way.

💡 June: Off-season for snow: take advantage of the resorts in summer to get to know the area, with the alpine coaster at Le Markstein or La Bresse and the summer activities at Champ du Feu.

💡 July: High summer, no snow: the resorts can be explored on foot or by mountain bike. Ballon d'Alsace and Champ du Feu offer outdoor activities, and the alpine coasters are running at La Bresse and Le Markstein.

💡 August: Still off-season: a good time to compare resorts and book accommodation early for the Christmas or February holidays, which are often in high demand.

💡 September: No skiable snow yet. Prices and opening dates for the following season are generally published in the autumn: keep an eye on the resorts' official websites.

💡 October: Pre-sale season: discounted season and 6-day passes at La Bresse-Hohneck until 19 November 2026, a season-pass pre-sale at Gérardmer, and Nordic pre-sales at Le Markstein until 15 November 2026.

💡 November: From 1 November, winter equipment becomes compulsory in the High Vosges. Ski swaps (second-hand ski sales) are a cheap way to kit yourself out; the slopes themselves do not open before December.

💡 December: Opening announced for Saturday 19 December 2026 at La Bresse-Hohneck, Gérardmer, Ballon d'Alsace and Bussang, subject to snow conditions. The Christmas holidays really get the season going: check the snow report before you set off.

Also in season: Dog Sledding in the High VosgesSkiing & Sledging at Le MarksteinSkiing at Champ du FeuSkiing at Lac BlancSkiing at Le TanetSkiing at SchnepfenriedSkiing at Ventron – Frère Joseph