The rail luge at Col de la Schlucht is a guided, all-weather ride on a 1,245 m steel track, opened in July 2024. Located on the commune of Le Valtin (88230), it offers 750 m of active descent at up to 40 km/h, and is open to riders from age 3 upwards. From La Bresse, it is a 25 km excursion, around 30 minutes along the Route des Crêtes.
What the rail luge at Col de la Schlucht is
The installation comprises 35 guided sleds on steel rails, each fitted with an integrated hand brake and an automatic anti-collision system. The full track runs 1,245 m, with 750 m of powered descent featuring banked turns, waves and jumps. Throughput is high, up to 518 riders per hour, keeping wait times short.
The project represented an investment of close to 4 million euros. A 350 m² reception building, designed to blend with the Vosges forest landscape, houses ticketing and facilities. Unlike the older Luge en Auge at the same col (two classic snow-dependent tracks), this rail luge runs regardless of weather.
Who can ride and what to expect
Minimum height to ride solo: 1.25 m, from age 8. Children from age 3 can ride tandem with an adult who is at least 1.50 m tall. Tandem rides for parent and young child are available. The attraction is accessible to people with reduced mobility: contact the site directly for specific arrangements.
The indicative price is around 8.20 euros per descent, with multi-ride booklets for families. Prices may change: check laschlucht.labellemontagne.com before you go.
Getting there
Address: Col de la Schlucht, 88230 Le Valtin. Phone: +33 3 29 63 11 38. By car: D417 from the Lorraine side (from Gérardmer or La Bresse via the Route des Crêtes), or D430 from Stosswihr/Munster on the Alsace side. On-site parking. From La Bresse: around 25 km via the D34 and the Route des Crêtes, approximately 30 minutes.
The attraction is open year-round, but opening hours vary by season, school holidays and public holidays. Verify on the official website before planning your outing. In winter, the Route des Crêtes (D430/D417) can be temporarily closed due to snow or ice.
How it differs from Schlitte Mountain in La Bresse
The two installations are often confused. Schlitte Mountain is at La Bresse-Hohneck (88250) and features a 900 m track with a 340-degree corkscrew. The Schlucht luge is on the commune of Le Valtin (88230), with a 1,245 m track and 750 m of descent. Same operator, two physically separate sites around 25 km apart.
What to combine with a visit
Col de la Schlucht is itself a trailhead for several walking routes. Our hiking guide to Col de la Schlucht covers the trails from the col, including routes to the Hohneck summit and the high-altitude garden.
The Jardin d’Altitude du Haut-Chitelet is a free botanical walk above 1,200 m, a relaxed complement to a luge session.
For a full day out with children based in La Bresse, see our family activities in La Bresse guide and our things to do in La Bresse overview.
To make the most of the trip, explore our chalets in La Bresse: base camp for the whole Vosges massif.
Key points
The Schlucht rail luge opened in 2024, is well equipped and runs in any weather: a real asset for Vosges holidays where conditions are unpredictable. From La Bresse, it is an easy half-day excursion, ideal combined with a walk at the col or a stop at the botanical garden. Check opening hours at laschlucht.labellemontagne.com before setting off.
The 2026 La Bresse guide, ready to download
Access, activities, hikes and useful 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
What is the rail luge at Col de la Schlucht?
It is a guided rail luge track measuring 1,245 m (750 m of active descent), opened in July 2024 at Col de la Schlucht. The 35 sleds feature integrated brakes and an automatic anti-collision system. The attraction runs year-round, including in rain and snow.
Is this the same as Schlitte Mountain in La Bresse?
No. These are two separate installations run by the same group Labellemontagne but on different sites. The Schlucht luge is in Le Valtin (88230), with a 1,245 m track. Schlitte Mountain is in La Bresse-Hohneck (88250) and features a 900 m track with a 340-degree corkscrew.
From what age can children ride the luge at Col de la Schlucht?
From age 3 in a tandem sled with an adult who must be at least 1.50 m tall. Children can ride solo from age 8, with a minimum height of 1.25 m. The attraction is also accessible for people with reduced mobility (PMR).
Does the luge run in winter and bad weather?
Yes, that is one of the key advantages of this rail installation: it operates in rain, snow and fog. Check the official website for seasonal opening hours, which may vary on public holidays and during school holidays.
How much does a ride cost?
The indicative price is around 8.20 euros per descent, with multi-ride booklets available for families. Prices may change, so check laschlucht.labellemontagne.com for current rates before you go.
How do you get to Col de la Schlucht from La Bresse?
From La Bresse it is about 25 km and 30 minutes via the D34 and the Route des Crêtes. The col is also accessible from the Lorraine side via the D417, or from Alsace via the D430 from Stosswihr. On-site parking is available. In winter, check road conditions on the Route des Crêtes before setting off.