Not a skier, pregnant, injured or just looking for something else? La Bresse in winter has a thousand other faces. Ten activities to try.
1. Snowshoeing
The simplest and most accessible. See our 5 recommended loops.
2. Dog sledding: the magical Vosges experience
Several mushers operate around La Bresse and across the Vosges massif. Rides are pulled by a team of 6 to 12 dogs (Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes or samoyeds depending on the operator).
Practical info:
- Prices: between 50 and 80 euros per adult for a 30 to 60-minute ride. Reduced rates for children from age 3 when accompanied.
- Total time on site (welcome + briefing + ride + return): allow 2 hours.
- Booking: essential, often fully booked from November for Christmas and February holidays. Contact mushers directly or the La Bresse tourist office, which centralises contacts.
- What to wear: multiple layers (windproof anorak, thermal base layer, hat, mittens, waterproof boots). The headwind on the sled is intense: bring a neck warmer or face cover.
- What children experience: an unforgettable experience, contact with the dogs before and after the ride, discovering the musher’s life.
3. Cross-country skiing: quiet glide, pure effort
The Vosges massif is one of France’s best cross-country skiing destinations, often overlooked in favour of downhill.
Skating vs classic: two techniques coexist on the groomed trails. Classic skiing (parallel tracks) is accessible to everyone from the first hour. Skating (lateral push, like ice skating) requires learning but allows you to go faster and cover longer distances.
Recommended sites from La Bresse:
- Lispach domain: regularly groomed tracks, clear waymarking, accessible from La Bresse. Trails from 3 to 15 km depending on level.
- Col de la Schlucht: start point for many nordic loops on both the Vosges and Alsatian sides.
- Lac Blanc (Alsace side): exceptional setting, very well-maintained trails.
Access fees: nordic ski trails are often managed by local massif bodies. A daily trail fee of 4 to 8 euros may be charged depending on the sector. Cross-country ski hire: 12 to 18 euros a day from village rental shops.
4. Spa and wellbeing
Several chalets offer private sauna and jacuzzi. For couples, the private spa in a chalet option (wood-fired sauna, nordic bath or outdoor jacuzzi with snow view) is an experience in itself, ideally after a day’s snowshoeing. A few hotels open their spa to non-residents on booking.
5. For couples without children: a perfect day
La Bresse in winter is also a romantic destination when you plan the day well:
- Morning: snowshoe hike for two around Lac des Corbeaux (2h, easy level). Silence, snow-covered forest, photos.
- Lunch: gastronomic table at a village restaurant or farm inn (marcaire menu with melting munster and blueberry tart).
- Afternoon: access to the chalet’s private spa (2 to 3 hours of sauna, relaxation, duvet nap).
- Evening: Vosges fondue or raclette prepared by the fire with produce bought in the morning from a local producer. A bottle of Alsace pinot gris or a craft Vosges beer to accompany.
This day format is perfectly achievable without a car if the chalet is well situated in the village.
6. Christmas markets
Gérardmer, Sélestat, Riquewihr (further away), Kaysersberg: the massif borders some of the Grand Est’s finest markets.
7. Food and workshops
Vosges cooking classes, munster tastings, brewery and distillery tours.
8. Pool and ice rink
Heated pool in Gérardmer, seasonal ice rink on the lake or in town centre some years.
9. Forest walks
Trails accessible even without snowshoes when the snow is packed. Snow-covered firs, deep silence.
10. Reading by the fire
An underrated activity. Comfortable chalet, wood burner, hot drink, book or board game. Sometimes the very essence of a holiday. Many chalets rented in La Bresse have a board game library: classics like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne. Some owners also leave DVDs or streaming access.
For an even more Vosges atmosphere in the evenings, a few films and documentaries set in the massif or capturing its winter atmosphere make for perfect viewing while it snows outside.
Budget for a winter snowshoe day
For a full snowshoe day from La Bresse, here is a realistic estimate:
- Snowshoe hire (with poles): 8 to 12 euros per person
- Lunch at a farm inn or restaurant: 20 to 30 euros per person
- Trail fee or nordic domain access (some sectors): 5 euros
- Hot drinks and snacks: 5 to 10 euros
Estimated total: 35 to 60 euros per person for a full day with snowshoes, a meal and small expenses. Without a gastronomic meal, you can stay under 30 euros.
Alternatives when there is little snow
Some years, snow cover is insufficient for snowshoes or cross-country skiing before January. Here are the alternatives:
- Cultural visits: Remiremont (abbey, arcades, museum), Gérardmer, Épinal (image museum, medieval town)
- Covered markets: Tuesday and Friday markets in Remiremont operate regardless of weather
- Wellbeing: spas, hammams, massages in valley hotels
- Gastronomy: craft brewery visits, cheese tastings, cooking classes
- Cinema: screen in Remiremont and winter festivals in Gérardmer (Fantastic’Arts in January)
Outside the snow season, La Bresse and its surroundings retain a real charm. The fir forests, even without their white coat, are beautiful and farm inns welcome guests all year round.
Book your chalet in La Bresse
Frequently asked questions
Can you enjoy La Bresse in winter without skiing?
Absolutely. Between snowshoeing, dog sledding, spa, Christmas markets, food and walks, there's plenty to fill a week without clicking into skis.
Do you need snow for these activities?
Some yes (snowshoes, dog sledding), others no (spa, restaurants, cinema). La Bresse centre is often open all year.
Is it suitable for small children?
Very much: pool, husky rides, sledging, Christmas markets, pony walks. Wide family-friendly offer.
What to pack?
Warm waterproof clothing, walking shoes, thermos. For outdoor activities, gloves, hat, sun cream in sunny weather.