A few kilometres from the centre of La Bresse, the Domaine de Lispach is the secret of families who want to ski without the crowds. More modest than the Hohneck, it offers a village feel and accessible prices.
A human-sized area
Lispach has 8 alpine runs (25% green, 50% blue, 18% red, 7% black) spread over around 14 km, served by 5 drag lifts. The longest run is 2 km. The atmosphere is relaxed, ideal for very first turns or for stress-free family skiing. Queues are almost non-existent.
Area history
The Domaine de Lispach was developed in the 1970s, as part of La Bresse’s winter tourism expansion. The idea was to create a dedicated learner area separate from the main resort, letting beginners and families progress without crossing paths with experienced Hohneck skiers. The first drag lifts were installed on the gentle north-east facing slopes, which hold snow longer thanks to their aspect. Over the decades, the area has specialised in school groups and snow classes, and remains the go-to spot for first turns among Vosges children.
Cross-country skiing at Lispach: 50 km of trails
The Lispach Nordic area is one of the largest in the Vosges massif. It offers around 50 km of waymarked trails, split between skating and classic technique. The loops extend across the plateaus and ridges between La Bresse and the Col du Bramont, through snowy beech forest landscapes.
Main loops:
- Boucle des Chaumes (8 km, easy): ideal for beginners or a gentle warm-up at the start of a stay
- Boucle de la Tourbière (12 km, intermediate): runs along the Lispach peat bog, stunning views
- Boucle du Bramont (18 km, confident): reaches the Col du Bramont with some demanding climbs
- Grande Boucle des Cretes (25 km, expert skating): panoramas across the Vosges summits, for experienced skiers only
Trails are groomed daily in season by the area team. Nordic access fee: around 12 € per adult day. Nordic ski hire available on site.
Combined Lispach + Hohneck pass
For a full day alternating between both sectors, a combined pass is available. Expect around 38 € per adult in high season for access to the full domain (Lispach alpine + Hohneck-Vologne + Nordic). This represents a 15 to 20% saving over buying separate tickets. Available at both sector ticket offices and online on the resort site.
Getting there from La Bresse: bus and shuttle
From the centre of La Bresse:
- By car: 4 km along the Col du Bramont road, free parking at the foot of the slopes
- Free shuttle: a ski shuttle runs from the village centre in high season (December to March), stopping at the main residences and hotels. Frequency around every 30 minutes at peak times
- On foot or cross-country: for the sporty, a Nordic link from the village connects directly to the Nordic area from La Bresse centre
The Lispach peat bog: summer and winter
The Lispach peat bog is a classified natural area nestled among the slopes at around 900 metres altitude. In winter it blends into the snowy landscape, crossed by Nordic trails. In summer it becomes a fascinating ecosystem: carnivorous plants (sundew), sphagnum moss, cottongrass and common frogs cohabit. Waymarked paths let you skirt the bog without trampling it. An educational panel at the entrance explains how this wetland formed over thousands of years.
Sledging and snowshoeing
The secured sledge run with its conveyor belt is a constant hit. The site is also the starting point for several waymarked snowshoe routes, notably towards the peat bog and the Col du Bramont. Snowshoes are available to hire on site, expect around 10 € for a half-day.
Lispach in summer: hiking and MTB
Out of winter season, Lispach becomes a nature leisure base. Ski runs become waymarked hiking trails, and forest paths welcome mountain bikers. Several MTB routes of varied difficulty start from the domain car park, including a link to the La Bresse Bike Park trails for the more technical riders. Snowshoes give way to trail shoes, and the peat bog comes fully into its own botanically.
Practical
- Access: 4 km from La Bresse centre, Col du Bramont road
- Lispach-only pass: around €22 adult day rate
- Equipment rental: on site (alpine and Nordic skis)
- Dining: mountain chalet with tartes flambées and tartiflettes
Lispach is the perfect complement to the main Hohneck area: a morning of lessons for the kids here, the afternoon at the Hohneck for stronger skiers, and a snowshoe walk around the bog to close the day.
Comparing Lispach and the Hohneck
| Criterion | Lispach | Hohneck |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine runs | 8 runs, 14 km | 34 runs, 40 km |
| Max altitude | 1000 m | 1363 m |
| Day pass | ~22 € | ~39 to 42 € |
| Queues | Almost none | Variable in high season |
| Nordic skiing | 50 km | Separate sector |
| Night skiing | No | Yes (Mauselaine sector) |
For a family where some members ski and others prefer Nordic or sledging, Lispach covers everything in one place.
See also
- La Bresse Hohneck resort complete guide
- Vosges ski pass comparison
- Night skiing in La Bresse
- Where to stay in La Bresse
Book your chalet in La Bresse a few minutes from Lispach and the Hohneck.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Domaine de Lispach?
The area is in the commune of La Bresse, about 4 km from the village centre, along the road to the Col du Bramont. Free parking at the foot of the slopes.
Is the Lispach pass included in the La Bresse Hohneck pass?
Yes, the La Bresse pass gives access to Lispach and the Hohneck-Vologne area. A cheaper Lispach-only pass is also available for beginners and families.
Is there a sledge run at Lispach?
Yes, a dedicated, secured sledge run operates all winter, with a conveyor belt so you don't have to walk back up. Ideal for children.
Is Lispach suitable for total beginners?
Absolutely. The high share of green and blue runs, the relaxed atmosphere and the almost non-existent queues make Lispach one of the best spots in the Vosges for first turns.