Winter breaks
Winter in the Vosges, from a gîte by the fire
The slopes of Gérardmer half an hour away, those of La Bresse in under an hour, and in the evening a house for six warmed by a wood-burning stove. Our tips for a good winter stay.
Downhill skiing
Two ski areas within easy reach
Gérardmer is the nearest resort, half an hour from the house. Its La Mauselaine ski area overlooks the town and the lake: around twenty runs, night skiing on some evenings, and shuttle buses from the centre.
La Bresse-Hohneck, under an hour away, is the largest downhill ski area in north-eastern France, with around thirty runs between 900 and 1,350 m. Both usually open from late December to March, depending on the snow: check their websites for dates before you book.
More things to do
Cross-country and snowshoeing
The quiet of the snowy ridges
Above Gérardmer, the Les Bas-Rupts Nordic area has some thirty kilometres of cross-country trails. Up on the ridges around the Hohneck, waymarked snowshoe routes cross the high pastures and fir forests.
For a first outing, hire your gear locally and pick a short circuit. Fog can roll in quickly on the ridges, so set off early and be back before dark.
Getting here
Driving in winter
Many towns and villages in the Vosges mountains require winter equipment from 1 November to 31 March: winter tyres with the mountain symbol, or snow chains or snow socks in the boot. The Vosges prefecture publishes the list of places concerned every year.
There are two parking spaces in front of the house. Any questions about the roads before you set off? Just send us a message.
Frequently asked questionsBack at the house
The stove lit, the raclette on the table
In the evening, life happens in the big room downstairs: the wood-burning stove warms the house, logs and kindling are stacked beside it, and the kitchen has everything you need for a raclette or fondue. The old chest is full of board games for the rest of the evening.
Beds are made when you arrive, towels are provided, and self check-in from 5 pm means you can make the most of your day on the slopes.
Take the tour
December
St Nicholas and Christmas markets
In Lorraine, St Nicholas’ Day matters as much as Christmas. In early December, Épinal, 20 minutes from the house, holds a big parade of floats followed by fireworks, and a St Nicholas village livens up the town centre until the holidays. The town publishes the dates each autumn.
During the French winter school holidays, weeks book up quickly, so plan ahead.
Our Épinal guide
Winter questions
Is firewood provided?
Yes, logs and kindling for the stove are provided.
Do I need winter tyres?
In many places in the Vosges mountains, yes, from 1 November to 31 March: winter tyres, or snow chains or socks in the car. Check the up-to-date list from the Vosges prefecture before you travel.
Where can we hire skis and snowshoes?
At the resorts in Gérardmer and La Bresse, at the foot of the slopes. During the school holidays, book your equipment online.
What is the minimum stay?
Two nights, except during certain periods shown in the booking calendar.
Book direct
Same house, same hosts, without the platform service fees. Instant confirmation, 30% to book, and free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival.