Winter activities

The diverse landscapes of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park offer a perfect setting for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, water sports, and winter sports. The Park actively encourages these activities, ensuring they are enjoyed responsibly and with respect for the fragile wildlife and ecosystems. Let’s embrace the Quietude Attitude!

The Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park boasts around twenty winter sports resorts, equipped with ski lifts and offering over 500 km of marked cross-country skiing trails. All the joys of snow sports can be found in the Vosges mountains, including: Alpine skiing; Nordic skiing; Snowboarding; Sledging; Snowshoeing; and Ski touring.

Quietude attitude
Winter hiking
Mountain Resorts and Winter Activities

Preparing for Your Winter Outing

  • The mountains can be dangerous. Apart from marked Nordic trails (for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing), summer trail markings do not guarantee safety in winter.
  • Seek guidance from professional nature guides. They can lead you on classic routes, away from wildlife sanctuaries in the Vosges forests. They can also teach you how to read animal tracks safely, provided you remain silent. Make sure to always keep your dog on a lead and respect waymarked trails: staying on designated paths helps reduce stress on wildlife, preventing displacement and habitat loss.
  • Trail markings can often be difficult to follow in winter due to fog. Be cautious of hidden hazards such as snow-covered holes, rocks, and ice on steep slopes. Stick to the trails, as paths can be difficult to identify.

Cross-country skiing is a rapidly growing activity and can be enjoyed on a dedicated site: the Gaschney Ski Touring Area. Follow the waymarked routes!

navette neige_Benoit FacchiTo facilitate access to the resorts, several shuttle services have been set up, departing from various valleys.
Make use of them for an easier journey! 

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Certified ‘Valeurs Parc’ Mountain Guides

The State-certified mountain guides lead hikes across the Vosges Massif, offering a rich and educational experience.

Their professionalism ensures that participants discover the mountains safely while gaining insight into the local environment and fragile ecosystems. The ‘Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional’ national label is awarded to mountain guides who formally commit to upholding the values of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park. This certification is built on three core principles: People, Environmental conservation, and Commitment to the region.

During guided snowshoe excursions, these guides share their passion and expertise, offering hikes that respect nature and highlight the beauty of the landscapes and ecosystems. During their outings, depending on the hike’s duration and theme, guides often arrange exchanges with local residents, creating meaningful and authentic experiences.

Guided Snowshoe Excursions

• View the list of certified ‘Valeurs Parc’ mountain guides offering guided snowshoe outings

Guided Cross-Country Skiing

• Sylvie Triboulot

 

‘Horloge des neiges’ Snow Report

During the winter season, snow conditions are reported in the regional newspapers: L’Alsace, Le Pays de Franche-Comté, L’Est Républicain, La Liberté de l’Est, and Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace. You can also contact the Snow Report hotline on +33 (0) 389 413 476, or get in touch directly with the resorts and local tourist offices.

Enjoy Winter Activities Responsibly

During winter, wildlife is particularly vulnerable and highly sensitive to disturbances. When exploring the outdoors, please follow these simple guidelines to help coexist peacefully with local species:

  • Check for quiet zones and follow regulations,
  • Stay on marked trails within quiet zones,
  • Respect the silence of nature,
  • Keep your dog on a lead,
  • Prioritise daytime activities.

For more information on quiet zones, wildlife species, and best practices, visit:www.quietudeattitude.fr

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