The paths of La Bresse lend themselves magnificently to trail running: varied elevation, alternating soils, constant panoramas. Several races animate the Vosges calendar, from discovery formats to committed ultras.
The Trail des Hautes Vosges
THE annual rendezvous. The edition is typically held late August or early September, depending on the year. Several formats starting from La Bresse:
- Ultra 100 km: around 6000 m D+, across the main Vosges ridges
- Trail 40 km: around 2000 m D+, demanding loop on the summits
- Trail 20 km: around 900 m D+, perfect for a first experience
- Nature Race 10 km: accessible to all, festive atmosphere
Entries generally open several months in advance and sell out fast for the ultra. Check the official organiser site from January to avoid missing the opening.
Runner profiles by distance
Each format attracts a different crowd:
- Ultra 100 km: experienced runners used to night racing, full mandatory kit (bivouac gear, headlamps, food reserves). Strict cut-offs.
- Trail 40 km: regular runners with several half-trail events under their belt. Good resistance to accumulated fatigue required.
- Trail 20 km: accessible to recreational trail runners with a solid aerobic base. A few months of preparation is enough.
- Nature Race 10 km: open format, ideal for discovering the trail atmosphere with family or friends. Minimal mandatory kit.
Other dates
- La Bresse night trail in summer, with head torches compulsory
- Grand Ballon trail in autumn, on the Alsatian side of the massif
- Hohneck vertical kilometre: straight uphill race in September to the summit at 1363 m
Training in La Bresse
The Vosges massif offers exceptional training terrain. From La Bresse, several classic outings cover every aspect of trail running:
- GR5 from La Bresse: a reference route alternating beech forests and open ridges, ideal for long runs
- Hohneck summit climb (1363 m): net ascent of around 700 m from the village, steep and sustained, perfect for hill work
- Col de la Schlucht: access to the Route des Cretes, with possible links towards the Tanet or the Gazon du Faing
- Tanet and Gazon du Faing: boggy, open terrain, good for navigating in poor weather
- Grand Ventron (1204 m): technical descent on the north face, rocks and roots, for building confident downhill technique
The cumulative elevation gain in a single outing easily exceeds 1000 to 1500 m D+ without leaving the trails close to the village. Soils vary: compacted forest paths, grassy trails, scree and wet zones. Several springs allow you to refill water reserves in summer.
One notable bonus: Vosges wildlife often accompanies early morning runs. Deer, wild boar and foxes are regularly spotted at dawn in clearings. On the ridges, keep an eye out for chamois around the Hohneck and Kastelberg.
Race day logistics
Parking and access: La Bresse centre has free car parks. Shuttles are typically organised from overflow car parks for the larger editions. Plan to arrive early, especially for the ultra where starts can happen at night.
On-course feed stations: spacing varies by format. For the ultra, expect a station roughly every 15 to 20 km. Water, salty broth, dried fruit, bananas and sometimes hot food at major stations. On short formats, liquid feeds only.
Volunteers: the Trail des Hautes Vosges mobilises several hundred local volunteers. Their knowledge of the terrain is invaluable if you have doubts about the markings.
Nutrition tips
The day before: carbohydrate-rich meal (pasta, rice), steady hydration throughout the day.
Race morning: light meal 2 to 3 hours before the start, avoid fibre and fats. White bread, jam, banana, mild coffee.
During the race: aim for around 40 to 60 g of carbohydrates per hour on long formats. Gels, bars, dried fruit, fruit pouches. Drink regularly without waiting for thirst. On the ultra, add savoury foods (broth, crackers) to prevent cramps.
After the race: 30-minute anabolic window: recovery drink or chocolate milk. Full meal within 2 hours with protein and carbohydrates.
Kit for each distance
- Trail shoes: aggressive lugs for muddy Vosges terrain, at least 4 mm grip recommended
- Pack: 5 L for the 10 and 20 km, 12 L minimum for the 40 km, 20 L for the ultra
- Windbreaker: mandatory on most formats, the ridges are exposed to sudden weather changes
- Poles: optional on 20 km, useful on 40 km, recommended on the ultra for rocky sections
Post-race recovery
- Sauna at the chalet to release tired muscles
- Sports massage offered by several village therapists
- Marcaire meal to replenish reserves: Vosges tartiflette, munster, blueberry tart
- A quiet night in La Bresse before the drive home
See also
- Hohneck hike: complete guide
- Route des Cretes in the Vosges
- Grand Ventron hike
- Enduro des Hautes-Vosges in La Bresse
- Where to stay in La Bresse for events
Frequently asked questions
What is the flagship trail in La Bresse?
The Trail des Hautes Vosges, with its 100 km ultra on the ridges, is the massif's benchmark race. Several shorter formats (40, 20, 10 km) let everyone take part.
When do entries open?
Generally from December for races the following summer. Short formats fill up fast, the ultra often has 9 to 12 months' wait.
Are the courses marked all year?
The TdHV race markings are temporary. However, most of the paths used are permanently marked yellow and blue (GR and PR).
Where to stay for the races?
Our [La Bresse chalet](/en/chalets) is 10 min on foot from the usual start/finish area. Ideal for pre-race rest and post-race recovery.