The Vosges have around ten Alpine ski resorts, each with its own feel. Here’s a quick 2026 comparison of lift passes so you can pick by profile.
Adult day pass comparison
| Resort | Price | Slopes | Max altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Bresse Hohneck | €39 to €42 | 34 | 1,363 m |
| Gérardmer La Mauselaine | €29 to €33 | 20 | 1,150 m |
| Le Markstein Grand Ballon | €32 to €36 | 14 | 1,267 m |
| Ventron | €22 to €26 | 8 | 1,110 m |
| Bussang Larcenaire | €19 to €22 | 6 | 1,060 m |
| Le Schnepfenried | €24 to €28 | 10 | 1,250 m |
| La Bresse Lispach | €20 to €24 | 4 | 1,000 m |
Half-day passes
Most resorts offer a half-day pass (morning or afternoon), generally priced at around 70% of the day rate. Handy for families with young children who only ski in the morning, or for late arrivals on the first day. Check cut-off times at each resort’s ticket office as they vary (noon, 12:30 or 1pm depending on the area).
Child passes
Children benefit from reduced prices at all Vosges resorts. The discount is generally 30 to 40% off the adult rate, depending on the resort and age bracket. Under-5s or under-6s often access the lifts free (check directly). Some resorts also offer family rates grouping 2 adults and 2 children with an additional discount.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in La Bresse
La Bresse is not limited to downhill skiing. The Nordic area offers popular alternatives:
Cross-country skiing: kilometres of groomed tracks on the high plateaus near the Hohneck. Access to the Nordic trails costs separately from the alpine pass, generally around 10 to 15 € per day. Nordic skis are available to hire separately.
Snowshoeing: similar pricing to Nordic access for the waymarked zones. Guided snowshoe outings with a local guide let you discover the snowy Vosges forest in safe conditions.
Tip: in low-snow conditions, Nordic areas are often the first to close. Check snow cover before planning a Nordic or snowshoe outing.
ESF ski lessons in La Bresse
The Ecole du Ski Français in La Bresse offers lessons for all levels:
Children’s group lessons: the most economical formula is the week course, around 150 to 200 € per week (5 days, a few hours each morning). Ideal for children learning in a group, with rapid progress guaranteed with instructors used to young beginners.
Private lessons: around 50 to 70 € per hour for an adult or child. Recommended for skiers who want to improve fast or correct technical flaws. Slots go quickly during school holidays: book before you arrive.
Equipment rental
La Bresse rental shops offer competitive rates, especially compared to ski-in ski-out resort shops:
- Full adult ski set (skis, boots, poles): around 25 to 35 € per day
- Full children’s ski set: around 15 to 20 € per day
- Snowboard: similar to adult ski rates
- Week rental: renting for the week generally works out cheaper than adding up individual days
Several rental shops are clustered in La Bresse centre. Booking online in advance during school holidays can secure a discount and avoid queuing on the first morning.
Budget calculation for 2 days in La Bresse
A rough guide for 2 adults over 2 days:
- Alpine pass x2 days x2 adults: around 160 to 170 €
- Ski rental x2 days x2 adults: around 100 to 140 €
- Accommodation: variable depending on season
- Total excluding accommodation: around 260 to 310 €
Tip: for equipment rental, renting by the week pays off from 3 days on the slopes.
Massif Pass: how it works
The Massif Pass is a multi-resort pass covering several Vosges resorts (and sometimes Jura resorts depending on the season). Key points:
- Validity: seasonal, from the first opening day to the last closing day
- Resorts covered: generally La Bresse Hohneck, Gérardmer, Le Markstein, Schnepfenried and others depending on the season’s agreements
- Value: pays off from around 5 ski days if you vary the resorts. For regulars at a single resort, the specific season pass often remains better value
- Use: loaded on a rechargeable card or hands-free chip. Direct access to partner resort lifts
For a week-long visitor, the Massif Pass is generally not the most economical unless you plan to visit several different resorts during the stay.
Which resort for which profile?
- Beginner families: Ventron, Bussang, Lispach. Village feel, low prices, gentle slopes.
- Confident skiers: La Bresse Hohneck, Le Markstein. More vertical, proper red and black runs.
- Off-the-radar skiing: Le Schnepfenried, Champ du Feu. Quiet during the week.
- Alsace day-trip: Le Markstein, combined with the Route des Cretes and an Alsatian food stop.
Good deals
- Online purchase: up to 15% off at most resorts.
- Combined season passes: the Massif Pass covers several resorts, pays off from 5 days.
- Night skiing: cheaper, less busy, guaranteed thrills (see our La Bresse night skiing guide).
See also
- La Bresse Hohneck resort complete guide
- Night skiing in La Bresse
- Where to stay in La Bresse for skiing
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest ski resort in the Vosges?
Smaller areas like Ventron, Bussang or La Bresse Lispach offer passes around €18 to €25 a day, well below La Bresse Hohneck or Le Markstein.
Is there a multi-resort pass in the Vosges?
Yes, the Massif Pass gives you access to several Vosges and Jura resorts at a preferential season rate, appealing for locals and regulars.