La Bresse-Hohneck

Located in the city of La Bresse, the La Bresse Hohneck ski resort is the largest in the Vosges mountains and northeast France, in terms of extension and reception of skiers. The Labelle montagne company is in charge of its exploitation.

History of the La Bresse Hohneck ski resort

The resort was officially created in 1965 by the Remy family after a first aborted attempt near the town of Bresse (Supervallée resort which opened in 1961 and closed in 1972). The snow cover is better preserved upstream (the Chitelet River) and the town of Belle-Hutte, which led to the project being developed in this area. It was intended to be built as the “Vologne-Chitelet” resort from 1962 and it was definitively validated in January 1965, with the signing of an agreement with the municipality until 1983.

The resort opened in December 1965 with three lifts. The resort has an old military barracks where you can stay overnight.

2009 means the renovation of this ski resort with the demolition of the “Le Slalom” ski lift (which had just celebrated its 40th anniversary). A major period of reforms spanning several years, beginning with the complete restructuring of the snow front; the creation of a village made up of more than 150 apartments with shops, restaurants, ski rental, nursery schools, children’s school skiing, mountain biking, etc. A new parking area was also built. In 2015, the resort celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Location of the La Bresse Hohneck ski resort

The largest ski area in the northeast of France: 220 hectares dedicated to skiing in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Natural Park, in a fascinating landscape of steps, lakes, ridges and forests.

Nestled in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Park, in the Lorraine region, among Colmar (1h), Mulhouse (1h10), Nancy (1h30), Strasbourg (1h45), Metz (2h) and Besançon (2h). The La Bresse Hohneck ski area welcomes families who come to recharge their batteries in the snow (‘Famille Plus’ certified resort). Its gentle slopes run mainly through wooded areas.

Located in the Vologne valley, 9 km from the center of La Bresse (mountain village of 5000 inhabitants), La Bresse Hohneck offers a ski area with 34 slopes spread over 220 hectares through forests and lakes; all tracks run past Hohneck, the highest point in the Vosges (1363 m). The skiable domain spreads among 900 m on the snow front (with two main access points to the slopes, Belle Hutte and Le Slalom), and 1350 m (on top of Kastelberg), La Bresse Hohneck is the largest area Alpine skiing in northeast France.

Layout of the alpine slopes in La Bresse Hohneck

The La Bresse Hohneck ski resort offers 34 trails (6 green, 14 blue, 13 red, 1 black, 1 slalom stadium, served by 17 ski lifts) across 220 hectares. More than 300 snow cannons scattered throughout the area ensure perfect snow quality when snowfalls are scarce.

The La Bresse Hohneck ski slopes offer easy skiing that winds through the forests of the Vosges. We found a higher elevation in the Kastelberg sector, from where there are incredible views of the Hohnek, the highest peak in the Vosges. At this resort we will enjoy wooded valleys as far as the eye can see, on the Alsace plateau and the Alps. Another peculiarity of the slopes of the vosges: the presence of many lakes, including La Lande and Blanchemer.

Night skiing, one of the main assets of the resort

 Night skiing is a characteristic of La Bresse Hohneck as you can ski non-stop from 6 a.m. to 21 p.m. (depending on the snow cover and weather conditions). We find 9 illuminated slopes such as Aurora and Nocturnes, with artificial snow.

La Bresse Hohneck has the largest illuminated ski area in Europe. It is possible to go skiing early on Saturdays, Sundays and every day of the French and Benelux school holidays. We can have breakfast at the resort in various places to gather strength before the day in the snow.

During March we can descend from Kastelberg, although we must consult it at the tourist office before heading to it. 

The mandatory visits on skis

For experienced skiers, we recommend Gaby Curien’s red trail. It is the most recognizable track in the resort, classified as one of the most beautiful in France; 1200 m of descent and pure adrenaline, accessible from the Grand Artimont chairlift. The trail is also illuminated at night, so a visit is mandatory along with the Aurores and Nocturnes trails.

The second mandatory visit of the resort is undoubtedly the top of the slopes, the Kastelberg. From this peak, considered the “roof of the Vosges ski”, the panorama is impressive. Mostly we find blue trails, which speak for themselves for the ability of the resort to surprise any skier.

The blue “Goulet Bleu” trail, accessible through the Goulet ski lift, is a gentle slope in a preserved environment surrounded by pine trees. To many, it is the perfect trail to enjoy with children. 

Snowparks and play areas of Bresse Hohneck

A snowpark for all levels is located 5 minutes from the resort, heading to Le Collet, in La Schlucht. It offers 2 Big Air lines, a 6m canon box, rails and a 700m boardercross. A good part of the facilities are placed in the ‘Wood Zone’. We also have a ‘Relax’ area with barbecue, sound system and sun loungers, perfect for relax between descents.

The resort also has a “quiet ski” initiation area from the La Bresse Hohneck snow front and accessible from the Ecole and Feignes triple chair lift.

Cross-country skiing at Bresse Hohneck

On the Nordic ski area, we find 50 snow covered kilometers guaranteed by 15 snow cannons in the main sectors. We find fun parks, a ski jumping trampoline, a biathlon stadium and 40 km of marked snowshoe routes. The area is labeled as “Site d’Excellence” (with a score of 4/5) by Nordic France, the reference distinction for the Nordic areas of France.

Two possible departure points; from Bresse Lispach (where we find the main facilities) and a secondary exit from La Bresse Hohneck (the 9 km long red trail n ° 16 “Grande Basse” connecting the 2 areas). And if the size of the area is not enough to satisfy the most athletic, head to the 5km long link of the Gérardmer and Xonrupt slopes to take advantage of an additional 100km of descent.

The 2 snowshoe trails from La Bresse Hohneck offer a real challenge. The first, whose exit is accessible from the “Vologne Express” chairlift, allows you to breathe fresh air. In the heights, by a small circuit in the local mountain pasture (there is a restaurant nearby).  The second, at the bottom of the resort, is a long loop that begins through the fir trees and then runs through a vast plateau. It leads to a rest / picnic area equipped with braziers and barbecues.

Relieving from all the stress

In adition, La Bresse Hohneck also offers sledding “great classics”, guided snowshoeing, paragliding initiations / baptisms, and walking tours on groomed and safe trails.

Just 9 kilometers from the resort, in La Bresse, you can also enjoy; a wooded natural ice skating rink, a cinema, horse or pony rides in the snow or initiations to Joering, rounds of golf (simulator) and miniature golf (9 holes) at the “Haute Vosges Golf and Miniature Golf “, a bowling alley, a squash court (at the Hôtel Les Vallées) and tennis courts and a climbing wall (at the Hall des Congrès).

Also in La Bresse, culture lovers will discover heritage riches: the 18th century church, rue Paul Claudel, the old copper mine, the Moroccan goums, the Duchess fountain … As well as the visits (art workshops, Bressaude confectionery, Saicky farm, Chèvrerie du Brabant …) that will make your stay a place you will be willing returning to.

Skiing in La Bresse-Hohneck: the highlights of the resort

The largest ski resort in northeastern France

Located in the heart of the Vosges Mountains, within the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, La Bresse-Hohneck stands as the largest ski resort in northeastern France. The ski area stretches between 900 and 1,350 metres above sea level, offering around 50 kilometres of slopes surrounded by pine forests, open glades and panoramic viewpoints. Its preserved natural environment and peaceful atmosphere are central to its identity.

A modern and well-equipped ski area

The alpine domain features 34 runs — 6 green, 14 blue, 13 red and 1 black — served by 17 efficient ski lifts. The resort has consistently invested in modernisation: improved snowmaking systems, fast chairlifts, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Thanks to its orientation and balanced altitude, La Bresse-Hohneck ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season.

A benchmark for family skiing

Awarded the Famille Plus label, La Bresse-Hohneck is renowned for its warm welcome and family-friendly atmosphere. Its wide, secure slopes, dedicated beginner areas and highly regarded ski school make it an ideal destination for children and first-time skiers. The convenient layout of on-site accommodation, restaurants and services enhances the comfort of family stays.

A true four-season mountain destination

La Bresse-Hohneck has evolved into a genuine four-season resort, combining winter sports with summer and autumn adventures. In winter, the area offers alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, sledging and scenic hikes. During the warmer months, the lifts remain open for hiking, mountain biking, trail running and climbing, turning the Vosges landscape into an outdoor playground of endless possibilities.

Innovation and environmental commitment

A pioneer in the Vosges, La Bresse-Hohneck has embraced a strong eco-responsible strategy. The resort focuses on reducing energy consumption, optimising artificial snowmaking, preserving local biodiversity and educating visitors about sustainable mountain practices. This forward-looking approach strengthens its reputation as a modern and environmentally conscious destination.

Accessibility and comfort

Easily accessible from Strasbourg, Nancy, or Luxembourg — and just about four hours from Paris — La Bresse-Hohneck offers one of the most convenient mountain getaways in France. Its accommodation options range from cosy chalets and family residences to hotels with wellness facilities. The generous and authentic gastronomy of the Vosges region completes the experience with a distinctive local flavour.

Limitations to keep in mind

Like all mid-mountain resorts, La Bresse-Hohneck relies partly on snowmaking during mild winters. It may not offer the dramatic vertical drops of the Alps, but it more than compensates with excellent infrastructure, a welcoming human scale, and a genuine commitment to sustainable, nature-friendly tourism.