Markstein is an alpine ski resort in the Hautes Vosges, between 1,020 and 1,268 metres on the Route des Crêtes. This article covers what matters most to a skier: number of pistes, lifts, passes and the alpine coaster in winter. On 6 October 2026 the resort has not yet published its 2026-2027 price list or opening date, so the text separates what the official pages show from what is still to be confirmed. For general access to the site, the Route des Crêtes or how it differs from the Grand Ballon, see our practical guide to Markstein and Grand Ballon.
The Markstein alpine ski area
The official operator lists 13 pistes for all levels, from beginner to advanced skier, served by 8 drag lifts. A dedicated beginner area brings together 3 green runs and 1 blue run: that is where first turns happen before moving on to the longer pistes.
The resort spans 1,020 to 1,268 metres, along the Route des Crêtes. A network of snow cannons provides quality snow cover throughout the season, according to the official site. The official page lists lifts open from 9am to 5pm, with night skiing on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6pm to 10pm on two floodlit pistes, including the slalom stadium. It does not say which season this refers to, and its snow report shows the last snowfall on 18 February 2026: treat these hours as indicative until the 2026-2027 opening.
The ski area is separate from the neighbouring Grand Ballon, whose managing joint authority decided in early September 2026 to stop its ski lifts for good from next winter (ICI, 15 September 2026). If you’re weighing up the two sectors or the Markstein-Grand Ballon cross-country area, our Markstein and Grand Ballon guide sets out the difference before you pick a pass.
Passes: the 2026-2027 price list is not yet published
On 6 October 2026, the winter prices page of the official site still reads “Hiver 2025 / 2026” and “Saison 2025 - 2026”. The operator has therefore not released a 2026-2027 price list (day, season, night), and no opening date is announced on the pages checked. To set a budget, wait for the new list on the official ticket office or call the Maison du Markstein on +33 3 89 82 14 46.
As a benchmark only, the 2025-2026 price list for the record: the resort distinguished a blue period (Monday to Friday, outside school holidays and public holidays) from a red period (Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and school holidays). The adult day pass was 20 euros in the blue period and 25 euros in the red period, and the adult season pass 320 euros, valid for Markstein and Grand Ballon. These amounts do not apply to winter 2026-2027.
For another small Vosges resort, see our piece on Ventron, the family resort.
The La Bresse guide, winter 2026-2027 edition
Ski area opening, official pass prices, cross-country skiing, sledging and winter roads, in one free PDF.
Your details are used only to process this request. Privacy policy (in French).
Free PDF, no newsletter sign-up.
The alpine coaster: the extra winter activity
Another attraction on the site is the alpine coaster: a 1.2 km track with 70 m of vertical drop, 13 bends and a stated top speed of 40 km/h.
You must be 8 or older to drive and 3 or older and at least 90 cm tall to ride as a passenger. The official page lists 7.50 euros per run solo or duo, with sliding-scale deals: 35 euros for 5 runs and 70 euros for 10 runs plus 1 free. Groups of 40 or more pay 6 euros per run. This page does not mention a season for these prices.
According to the same page, from September to June the coaster opens on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1.30pm to 5.30pm (5pm in winter time), and on Sundays and public holidays from 10.30am to 6.30pm (5.30pm in winter time). During Zone B school holidays, the 1.30pm to 5.30pm slot applies Monday to Saturday. In December, January and February, closing is brought forward to 5pm. These hours are indicative and opening depends heavily on the weather, especially from November to April: call +33 7 61 08 60 94 before you travel.
Where to learn or improve before you go
Markstein keeps its beginner area for newcomers, but real progression is usually built elsewhere. If you’re planning a first family ski week, our guide to learning to ski from La Bresse covers ski schools, choosing lessons and the budget for a first week on a larger domain.
For skiers staying on the Moselle valley side, see our piece on Le Thillot.
Planning your day at Markstein
A ski day at Markstein rests on three things to check before you leave: the day’s snow report, the price list in force (the 2026-2027 one is still to be published) and, if the alpine coaster is on the programme, the weather that decides whether it opens. Hours, pistes and prices change from one season to the next: the domain’s official page remains the reference to check on the day, especially outside holiday periods when slots are tighter.
For an overview of the season at La Bresse Hohneck (trails, lift passes, lessons, rental), see our Skiing at La Bresse Hohneck 2026-2027: prices, lessons, rental, trails.
The La Bresse guide, winter 2026-2027 edition
Ski area opening, official pass prices, cross-country skiing, sledging and winter roads, 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
How many pistes does the Markstein alpine ski area have?
The official website lists 13 pistes for all levels, served by 8 drag lifts, with a beginner area made up of 3 green runs and 1 blue run.
How much is a day pass at Markstein for winter 2026-2027?
The resort has not yet published its 2026-2027 price list: on 6 October 2026 the prices page still shows winter 2025-2026. As a dated benchmark, that 2025-2026 list gave 20 euros for an adult day pass in the blue period and 25 euros in the red period. Wait for the new price list before setting your budget.
When does Markstein open for winter 2026-2027?
No 2026-2027 opening date is published on the official pages checked on 6 October 2026. Opening depends on weather conditions: check the resort website or call the Maison du Markstein on +33 3 89 82 14 46.
Does the alpine coaster run in winter at Markstein?
Yes, weather permitting. The 1.2 km track with 70 m of vertical drop is listed for Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays, with extended slots during Zone B school holidays. The official page does not say which season these hours apply to: confirm them before you travel.