La Bresse Hohneck’s slopes run from 900 to 1,350 m with 360 snow guns, and the 2026-2027 season is announced from 19 December to 21 March. The question that comes up every winter: will there be snow? Nobody can promise it three months ahead. What you can do is read what actually matters: the altitude of the area, the snowmaking fleet, the announced dates, and where to check conditions before you leave.
The ski area and its altitude
La Bresse Hohneck runs from 900 to 1,350 m, with 450 m of vertical. The area has 30 runs (5 green, 12 blue, 12 red, 1 black) and 15 lifts, making it the largest alpine area in the massif. The base of the slopes sits higher than at Gérardmer (750 m) or Ventron (870 m): in a marginal winter, the base decides what stays skiable.
The announced dates for 2026-2027
Labellemontagne announces a season from 19 December 2026 to 21 March 2027, subject to snow conditions. Night skiing is scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays, and every day during French and Benelux school holidays, until 9.45pm.
These dates are a frame, not a commitment: the resort can open a sector earlier if the snow is there, or close runs earlier if March is mild. The complete resort guide details the sectors.
Snowmaking: 360 snow guns
The area has 360 snow guns. They cover the main runs as soon as temperatures allow and secure the floodlit runs used for night skiing in particular. What guns cannot do: make snow above freezing, or replace natural cover on sectors without equipment. A long thaw shrinks the open area, guns or not.
Compared with the other Vosges resorts
| Resort | Altitude | Runs | Lifts |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Bresse Hohneck | 900 to 1,350 m | 30 | 15 |
| Le Markstein | 1,020 to 1,267 m | 14 | 8 |
| Le Schnepfenried | 1,010 to 1,258 m | 21 | 7 |
| Gérardmer La Mauselaine | 750 to 1,150 m | 22 | 18 |
| Ventron | 870 to 1,110 m | 9 | 7 |
| Bussang Larcenaire | 822 to 970 m | 7 | 5 |
Le Markstein and Le Schnepfenried, on the Alsace side, start higher than La Bresse but on much smaller areas. Bussang, below 1,000 m, is the resort most exposed to a thaw. Le Markstein announces an opening from 25 December 2026 to 7 March 2027.
When to book
- Christmas holidays: the season opens just before. If you book early, plan a fallback activity in case of a thaw, such as the ice rink or the La Bresse swimming pool.
- January outside holidays: the best balance of snow, crowds and prices, with no certainty on depth.
- February holidays: the busiest period, to book well ahead.
- March: long days and spring snow, with an area that can shrink; the resort closes on 21 March.
In every case, check conditions 10 days out and again 3 days before loading the car.
Where to check snow conditions live
- The resort’s site, labresse.labellemontagne.com, publishes the open-runs report and the webcams.
- Météo-France Montagne, for 7-day forecasts on the massif.
- Our La Bresse weather guide, to read the bulletins.
Around the slopes
- La Bresse Hohneck resort guide
- Vosges ski pass comparison
- Ski rental in La Bresse
- Night skiing in La Bresse
Planning your ski week? Browse our chalets 5 min from the lifts.
The La Bresse guide, winter edition
Ski area, après-ski activities and good addresses, in one free PDF.
Your details are used only to process this request. Privacy policy (in French).
Free PDF, no newsletter sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
When does La Bresse open for winter 2026-2027?
Labellemontagne announces a season from 19 December 2026 to 21 March 2027, subject to snow conditions. A partial opening earlier or an early closure remain possible depending on the snow.
Is snowmaking enough in a mild winter?
The area has 360 snow guns, enough to cover the main runs whenever it is cold enough. Guns produce nothing above freezing: a long thaw shrinks the open area, guns or not.
What altitude are the La Bresse slopes?
The alpine area runs from 900 to 1,350 m, with 450 m of vertical. That is the high point of the massif for an area this size: Gérardmer tops out at 1,150 m, Ventron at 1,110 m, Le Markstein at 1,267 m.
Does La Bresse get more snow than Gérardmer or Ventron?
Its base is higher (900 m against 750 m at Gérardmer and 870 m at Ventron) and its snowmaking fleet is larger. That does not promise snow, but it keeps more of the area open in a marginal winter.