20 minutes from La Bresse, Ventron is a family resort that keeps all the charm of an authentic mountain village. Perfect for those who want to ski stress-free and at low prices.
History of the resort
Ventron is a Vosges village whose winter tourism development dates back to the 1960s, a period of creation and expansion of small ski resorts across the Vosges. The Hôtel de l’Ermitage Frère Joseph, named after a Capuchin monk who lived as a hermit on the massif in the 18th century, is one of the resort’s founding establishments. The Ermitage hosted the first mechanical lifts and the first organised ski lessons in the area, before the resort gradually developed a proper ski domain. Unlike large Alpine resorts built from scratch, Ventron grew organically around its existing rural fabric, which explains its preserved charm and the absence of massive residential tower blocks.
The resort
The Ermitage Frère Joseph domain staggers its runs over 460 m of vertical drop. 8 runs including several greens and blues ideal for learning. Day pass around 22 to 26 €, roughly half the price of the big Alpine resorts.
Technical details of the domain
The ski domain is spread between 650 and 1,110 m altitude:
- 8 runs: 3 green (initiation and beginners), 3 blue (intermediate), 2 red (advanced)
- Detachable chairlift: modern equipment that slows down for boarding, ideal for beginners and children
- Additional drag lifts for beginner zones and green runs
- 460 metres of vertical drop between the base station and the summit
- Snow cannons on the most frequented sectors to secure snow cover at the start and end of season
Ventron vs La Bresse: comparison
| Criterion | Ventron | La Bresse Hohneck |
|---|---|---|
| Day pass | 22-26 € | 30-38 € |
| Number of runs | 8 | 26 |
| Maximum altitude | 1,110 m | 1,363 m |
| Vertical drop | 460 m | 760 m |
| Atmosphere | Intimate village | Lively resort |
| Lift queues | Very short | Short to moderate |
| ESF ski school | Yes | Yes |
| Summer bike park | No | Yes |
Ventron is ideal for beginners, families with very young children, or skiers who want a relaxed day without queues. La Bresse Hohneck offers more variety and a considerably larger domain for experienced skiers.
What we love
- Relaxed atmosphere, little queueing
- Competent ESF, very good children’s teaching
- View from the slopes over the valley and ridges
- Authentic mountain restaurants
Summer at Ventron
The resort transforms in summer and reveals a different face:
- Grand Ventron hike: the summit at 1,202 m offers a 360° panorama over the Vosges, Alsace and, on clear days, the Alps. Access from Ventron takes 2 to 2.5 hours on marked trails.
- Blueberry picking: the Ventron chaumes are covered with bilberry bushes. In July and August, picking is free in non-regulated zones. Bring a container: you can harvest 500 g to 1 kg in an hour.
- Farm inns: several mountain farm inns in the surrounding area serve meals and local products in summer.
- Access to the Route des Crêtes: Ventron is a good starting point for the route des crêtes on the Lorraine side.
Accommodation in Ventron
- Hôtel Ermitage Frère Joseph: the historic resort hotel, comfortable rooms, traditional Vosges restaurant, mountain atmosphere. Ideal for an all-in ski stay.
- Gîtes: several rural gîtes in and around the village, for weekly stays with family or friends.
- B&Bs: family home stays, breakfast included, often warmer than a hotel.
- Campsite: accessible in summer, less developed than at Gérardmer but available for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ventron for groups of friends
The small size of the domain is paradoxically an asset for groups:
- Easy to meet up: with only 8 runs, you cannot lose your friends. The resort is human scale, everyone naturally ends up in the same place.
- Friendly atmosphere: the instructors, piste patrol and resort volunteers know their regulars. The vibe is warmer and less anonymous than a large resort.
- Affordable prices: a pass under 26 € makes the day accessible for a group that wants to ski without spending a fortune, with budget left over for the evening raclette.
Village
Ventron has kept its authenticity: no concrete blocks, traditional wooden houses, small church. A few family restaurants and inns. No nightlife, that is not the point.
Who for?
- Families with young children starting out in skiing
- Couples looking for a quiet resort
- Small budgets for an affordable ski stay
- Hikers looking for a less-visited base village
Combine with La Bresse
Two options: stay in Ventron with a La Bresse Hohneck day, or stay in La Bresse with a Ventron discovery day for a change. Our chalet lets you enjoy both in a week.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ventron a ski resort?
Yes, the Ermitage Frère Joseph resort at Ventron has 8 runs between 650 and 1110 m altitude, a detachable chairlift and beginners' lifts. Family atmosphere, affordable prices.
What price for a day pass?
Around 22 to 26 € for the day, roughly half the price of the big Alpine resorts. Evening and afternoon packages also available.
Is it open in summer?
The resort itself is not, but the village is very lively in summer: hiking, high pastures, restaurants, berry picking. The Grand Ventron (1202 m) offers a 360° panorama.
Can you combine Ventron and La Bresse?
Yes, 20 min between the two. Common pass possible in the Massif des Vosges. Ideal to vary the ambience on a ski week.