La Bresse, in the Hautes-Vosges, packs an impressive range of activities into one compact mountain town. Hike to the Hohneck summit (1,363 m), ski the largest resort in the Vosges, swim in a glacial lake, pick wild blueberries on the high meadows, or mush a dog sled across a snow-covered plateau. Two hours from Strasbourg, three from Paris.
12 unmissable activities in La Bresse
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Hiking the Hohneck : the iconic summit at 1,363 m, views to the Alps on clear days, trails from La Bresse or La Schlucht, open all year. Hohneck hiking guide
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Downhill skiing at La Bresse Hohneck : 40 km of runs, 14 lifts, from green beginner slopes to expert couloirs. Open December to March depending on snowfall. La Bresse ski guide
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La Bresse bike park : one of the best bike parks in the Vosges with summer lift access, runs for all levels, DH and enduro lines. Season: May to October. Bike park La Bresse
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Mountain biking and enduro trails : over 200 km of marked trails around La Bresse, from family circuits to technical enduro tracks. E-bike rental available in the resort. Mountain bike guide La Bresse
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Swimming in Lac des Corbeaux : a mountain lake at 750 m altitude, water reaching 22°C in July-August, a 45-minute walk around the shore. Designated swimming area, free access. Lac des Corbeaux swimming
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Blueberry picking : peak season mid-July to mid-August on the high meadows. Free activity, a Vosges tradition. When and where to pick blueberries
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Fermes-auberges (mountain farm restaurants) : authentic meals at altitude - toflailles, Munster cheese, blueberry tart - cooked by local farmers. Book ahead on weekends. Farm restaurants near La Bresse
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Tree climbing park : courses in the forest canopy, suitable from age 3, multiple difficulty levels. Open May to September. Tree climbing at La Bresse
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Dog sledding : sled rides through the snow-covered Hautes-Vosges from first snowfall. A unique family experience. Dog sledding at La Bresse
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Snowpark and freestyle : one of the best-equipped snowparks in the Vosges (kickers, rails, halfpipe), open to snowboarders and freestyle skiers. La Bresse snowpark
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Snowshoeing : signed circuits from La Bresse, easy to sporty levels, rental on site. A great winter option for families. Snowshoeing circuits La Bresse
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Advanced enduro and downhill MTB : La Bresse hosts national-level enduro events. Technical trails for experienced riders. Enduro MTB itineraries
What to do by season
Summer (June - September)
Summer is the outdoor high season. The high meadows bloom, the lakes warm up and the lifts stay open for the bike park. Priorities: Hohneck hike, Lac des Corbeaux swimming, blueberry picking (July-August), mountain biking and long evenings at a ferme-auberge.
A full summer family week at La Bresse is enough time to do it all without rushing.
Winter (December - March)
La Bresse Hohneck is the Vosges’ largest ski area: 40 km of pistes, a snowpark, cross-country skiing on the Marcairie plateau. Off the slopes, snowshoeing and dog sledding complete the picture. Check the snow conditions before setting off.
A winter family week at La Bresse covers skiing, sledding and cosy chalet evenings.
Autumn (October - November)
Autumn brings turning foliage, mushroom foraging and quiet trails. The beech and fir forests turn amber and red. The best season for hiking without crowds, mushroom picking and seasonal farm menus.
Spring (April - May)
Daffodils cover the upland meadows from late April. The best time to start hiking before summer crowds arrive, and to see the first mountain bikers back on the trails.
What to do in La Bresse with kids
La Bresse works exceptionally well for families. Our full family activities guide for La Bresse breaks things down by age, but the highlights:
- Tree climbing park: courses from age 3, graduated difficulty
- Swimming: Lac des Corbeaux with a supervised area, gently sloping entry
- Snowshoeing and sledding in winter: suitable from the youngest age
- Dog sledding: no prior experience needed
- Blueberry picking: free, beloved by children, mid-July to mid-August
- Easy family hikes: see also hiking with children at La Bresse
What to do in La Bresse when it rains
Rain is part of mountain life. The detailed guide what to do in La Bresse on a rainy day covers all indoor and covered options, but the essentials:
- Ferme-auberge lunch (book ahead)
- Visit to a local craft brewery
- Spa or Nordic bath session in your chalet
- Local producers and covered markets
- La Bresse textile heritage museum
Where to stay in La Bresse
A chalet at La Bresse is the best base: ski access in winter, trail access in summer. Our selection on /en/chalets/ includes options with sauna, Nordic bath and ski-in access. For a full overview of accommodation: where to stay in La Bresse.
All La Bresse activities are listed on the /en/activites/ hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in La Bresse?
La Bresse offers hiking to the Hohneck summit, downhill skiing and a snowpark in winter, a summer bike park, swimming in Lac des Corbeaux, dog sledding, tree climbing, blueberry picking and meals at traditional mountain farm restaurants. There is something for every level, year-round.
What to do in La Bresse in summer?
In summer: hike the Hohneck, ride the bike park, swim in Lac des Corbeaux or Lac de Blanchemer, pick blueberries (peak July-August), mountain bike the enduro trails, and spend evenings at a ferme-auberge.
What to do in La Bresse in winter?
La Bresse Hohneck is the largest ski area in the Vosges: 40 km of runs, a freestyle snowpark, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. A full winter programme without the Alpine crowds.
What to do in La Bresse when it rains?
When it rains, head to a ferme-auberge for a long lunch, visit a local craft brewery, browse the producers market, or enjoy a spa session at your chalet. See our full rainy-day guide for La Bresse.
What to do in La Bresse with kids?
La Bresse is very family-friendly: tree climbing parks from age 3, supervised swimming areas, dog sledding, snowshoeing, blueberry picking in summer, and easy signed hiking trails. The ski area has dedicated beginner slopes.
What is the best season to visit La Bresse?
Every season has something to offer. Summer (June-September) for hiking, mountain biking and lakes. Winter (December-March) for skiing. Spring for wild flowers and quiet trails. Autumn for forest colours and mushroom picking.
How much should I budget for La Bresse?
A day ski pass costs around 30-50 € per adult. Bike park sessions run 15-25 €. Tree climbing is 10-15 € for children. Blueberry picking and hiking are free. A ferme-auberge meal is roughly 20-30 € per person.
Is La Bresse worth visiting as a family?
Absolutely. La Bresse is one of the most family-oriented destinations in the Vosges, with activities spanning all age groups, beginner ski zones and many family chalets.