45 minutes from La Bresse on the Alsatian side, the Markstein Grand Ballon is a duo of ski resort and emblematic summit. The Grand Ballon, at 1424 metres, is the highest point of the Vosges.
History of the Grand Ballon
At 1424 metres, the Grand Ballon is the roof of the Vosges, dominating the Alsace plain on one side and the Vosges valleys on the other.
At the summit stands an imposing monument dedicated to the Blue Devils, the nickname of the alpine infantry battalions who fought in the sector during the First World War. The summit and its surroundings were fiercely contested between 1914 and 1918, with the trenches passing just a few kilometres away. The monument was erected after the war and has been renovated several times since.
The 1905 Tour de France: the Grand Ballon was climbed as early as the second edition of the Tour, in 1905, in a stage through the Vosges massif. It is one of the oldest cycling ascents in the massif, well before alpine and Pyrenean cols came to dominate the race.
The Markstein resort
Family domain with 14 slopes, modern chairlifts, beginners’ area and snowpark. Sweeping view over the Alsace plain. Livelier than Ventron, quieter than La Bresse Hohneck.
Lifts: the resort includes the Firstmiss chairlift, one of the main installations serving the upper slopes. Several chairlifts and drag lifts complete the domain.
Snowpark: the Markstein has a snowpark with modules (boxes, kickers, rails) regularly maintained according to snow levels. Dedicated zone for freestyle riders and advanced snowboarders.
Slopes: the domain includes named runs, with the most frequented descending towards the Markstein plateau. The reference run for intermediate skiers is the long Goldbach run on the north side. At the bottom, an unobstructed view over the Alsace plain to the Rhine.
Day pass: 32 to 36 euros.
The summit of the Grand Ballon
10 minutes on foot from the route des crêtes car park, orientation table and Blue Devils monument (Alpine hunters). 360° panorama: Vosges, Black Forest, Jura, Swiss Alps (on a very clear day).
The Route des Crêtes from the Markstein
The Markstein sits on the Route des Crêtes (D431), the iconic Vosges road built largely during the First World War to protect troop movements from German observation from the plain.
Northwards: from the Markstein, the Route des Crêtes climbs towards the Hohneck (1363 m) over about 40 km. It passes the Col du Herrenberg, Steinlebach and Kastelberg before reaching the Hohneck and its cliffs. The route is punctuated by farm inns, orientation tables and viewpoints over both slopes.
Southwards: from the Markstein, the road descends towards the Ballon d’Alsace (1247 m) over about 35 km through the Ballon de Servance. This section is less frequented and offers wilder panoramas.
By car: the road is passable from May to November depending on snow. In winter, sections are closed or require chains.
The Alsatian side: descending towards Guebwiller
One of the pleasures of the Markstein is the descent towards the Alsace plain from the pass. The winding road reaches Guebwiller in about 25 km (30-40 min).
Highlights:
- The Alsace vineyard begins at 600 m altitude, just 20 km from the summit. Wine cellars and wine routes are accessible for a day trip.
- Lunch in Orschwihr: this wine village on the Markstein foothills has several restaurants and cellars serving Alsatian cuisine (choucroute, baeckeoffe, tarte flambée) paired with local wines (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris).
- The descent from the Vosges ridges to the plain in 20 minutes is striking: you go from mountain landscape to Rhine vineyard landscape in a very short drive.
War memorial tourism: the Vieil Armand
About 15 minutes from the Markstein by road (D431 then D431b towards Cernay), the Vieil Armand (Hartmannswillerkopf) is one of the most important First World War memorial sites in Alsace.
This 956 m summit saw intense fighting from 1914 to 1918. Tens of thousands of French and German soldiers died on these few hectares of forested ridge. The site holds a memorial crypt containing the bones of 12,000 unidentified soldiers, a national monument and a museum.
Renovated and labelled a national memorial, the Hartmannswillerkopf is now a Franco-German memorial co-managed by both countries. Entry is free for the outdoor spaces; the museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions.
For a complete cultural stay from La Bresse, the combination of Grand Ballon (panorama) and Vieil Armand (memorial) makes for a dense and meaningful day.
Parking and access
From La Bresse: take the D34 towards the Col de Bramont, then the D431 (Route des Crêtes) southwards. Duration: about 45 minutes. The ridge road opens in summer once the snow melts, generally from April-May.
From Colmar or Mulhouse: access via the Alsatian valley and the Guebwiller-Markstein road (D431). More direct from the Alsace plain.
Grand Ballon car park: located directly on the D431 at the summit level. It fills up quickly on sunny summer Sundays: arrive before 9:30am to be sure of a space.
Summer hiking at the Grand Ballon
Grand Ballon loop:
- Distance: about 7 km loop
- Elevation: 250 m
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Waymarking: GR5 (white and red) for the main sections
The complete loop follows the open ridges, with permanent views over both slopes. The GR5, the great Vosges traverse from north to south, passes through the Grand Ballon.
Hikes from the summit
- GR5 to Vieil Armand, 3h
- Grand Ballon loop: 1h30 on the ridges
- Descent to Markstein via the high pastures
Gastronomy
Many farm inns on the route des crêtes, Munster, marcaire meals, homemade tarts. Our farm inns guide lists the best.
Combine with La Bresse
- A Markstein ski day from La Bresse: novelty, change of scene, Alsatian side
- Grand Ballon summer visit: orientation table, hike, picnic facing the plain
- Descent to Guebwiller for a half-day in Alsace
Insider tips
- Cross the pass at sunset for sublime light
- Moderate footfall on weekdays
- Summit car park fills up fast on sunny summer Sundays, arrive before 10am
Stay at our chalet in La Bresse and alternate both sides of the massif.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Grand Ballon be reached all year?
Yes by car via the route des crêtes in summer, on ski touring or snowshoes in winter when the road is closed. The summit is 10 minutes on foot from the car park in summer.
What is the altitude of the Grand Ballon?
1424 metres, the highest peak in the Vosges massif. 360 degree view on a clear day: Vosges, Black Forest, Jura, Swiss Alps.
Is the Markstein good for beginners?
Yes, the resort has a dedicated learners' area and gentle blue runs. Quieter than La Bresse Hohneck, a family atmosphere.
When does the route des crêtes close?
From mid-November to late March depending on snow. In winter, access is on foot, snowshoes or ski touring from the valleys.