Lac Blanc: 4 days New Year's in the Vosges mountains on snowshoes with guide
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationGrand Est / Vosges
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions50.31 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
German
In a few words
Lac Blanc: New Year's Eve and Snowshoeing in the Vosges
You will enjoy the following during your stay:
- A snowshoe hike to a mountain inn for a mountain lunch
- An outing to the ridges and lakes to admire the magnificent Vosges landscapes
- A visit to the village of Kaysersberg and its medieval castle
- Private minibus transfers for your comfort
In the evening, it's time to relax:
- Comfortable three-star hotel
- Heated swimming pool and sauna
- Fitness and spa area
Gastronomy as the central theme of New Year's Eve:
- A gourmet New Year's Eve dinner (6 to 7 courses, wine included), accompanied by music
- Discover the specialties of the Vosges and Alsace regions
- Traditional "Marcaire" meal and lunch at the inn
The highlights
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A gourmet New Year's Eve celebration: 6 to 7 courses, wines and music
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A comfortable 3-star hotel: swimming pool, sauna and spa
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The loan of all necessary equipment
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
No snowshoeing experience is necessary.
They are aimed at hikers in normal physical condition who are able to walk at least 10 km.
As the amount of snowfall varies from year to year, especially at the beginning and end of the season, we recommend bringing your hiking boots. In case of insufficient snow, the itinerary may be modified or completed on foot. The winter atmosphere and light will be present, even if you have to carry your snowshoes on your pack to reach the snow.
The maximum elevation gain will not exceed 350 m per day.
You will walk an average of 4 to 5 hours per day (depending on snow conditions). See the day-by-day program.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 205 m
- Average daily descent: 435 m
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 2 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 290 m
- Average daily descent: 290 m
Management
French
English
German
Guillaume is our favorite! He knows the Vosges and Alsace regions like the back of his hand. He'll happily accompany you and share the history of the area with you. He's not the only guide on this trip, so you might have the chance to hike with Romuald or Benoit.
Program
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Welcome and settling in the Vosges
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 5pm at Colmar SNCF train station for train arrivals. Transfer by private minibus (reservation required at registration) to the accommodation.
For arrivals by car, check-in is directly at the accommodation at 6pm.
Accommodation for 3 nights. The property features a wellness area with a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa.
Presentation of the stay in the early evening.
Day 1 -
December 30th Hike in the High Pastures
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 5km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 230 m
- Negative elevation 230 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure after transfer to the Col du Calvaire (1144 m) or the Col des Bagenelles (904 m), depending on the snow conditions.
The route follows the ridges to the Gazon du Faing (1302 m) or to the Petit Brézouard (1202 m).
At lunchtime, the break is taken in a mountain inn at around 1000m altitude, the atmosphere is warm, the cuisine is traditional and generous.
The hike then continues along a balcony path with beautiful views of the lakes and the Vosges mountains.
Stage of 9 km – approximately 3 hours 45 minutes of walking.
Elevation gain: +230 m / -230 m.
Day 2 -
December 31st Walk to the Tête de Faux
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 5km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h15
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 180 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Col du Calvaire (accessible by minibus or chairlift depending on snow conditions), the route leads to the Tête de Faux (1219 m). Throughout the hike, you can enjoy views of the Alsace plain, the Bernese Alps, and the spruce forests. The descent passes by the Étang du Devin (926 m) and its protected peat bog.
Lunch takes the form of a hot packed lunch, providing an opportunity to discuss the history of this area marked by the Great War.
Walk back to the hotel, then time to prepare for New Year's Eve and enjoy a festive gourmet dinner (6 to 7 courses, including wines) with music.
9 km – approximately 4 hours 15 minutes of walking.
Elevation gain: +180 m / -640 m.
- Menu for the last New Year's Eve celebration (wines and entertainment included)
Pumpkin cappuccino with hazelnut powder and grilled chorizo
as an appetizer
Goose foie gras, dried fruit jam and toasted kougelhof
Scallops in their skins, citrus sauce and
fried leeks
Roasted sea bass fillet, sauerkraut clafoutis, anise-flavored beurre blanc
Mirabelle plum sorbet
Venison fillet with red fruit mustard, and its garnish
Cheese platter
New Year's dessert
Day 3 -
January 1st: Stop in Kaysersberg
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 290 m
- Negative elevation 290 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
On the Alsace Wine Route, Kaysersberg is a memorable stop at the end of a trip. A climb along a path through the vineyards leads to the imperial castle that overlooks the village.
A visit to the medieval town reveals a well-preserved historic center and numerous half-timbered houses.
Lunch in the village before the group disperses around 2pm. Return to Colmar by private minibus (booking at registration).
2-hour walking stage.
Elevation gain: +290 m / -290 m.
Day 4
Note
Snowshoeing requires, among other things, a sufficiently deep snowpack to ensure optimal conditions. Your guide will take you to the areas with the best snow cover, but depending on the snow conditions, some routes may require walking, meaning without snowshoes. One thing is certain: your guides know every nook and cranny of the area and will use all their experience to ensure you have a wonderful week in the mountains, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change from year to year to ensure quality. Furthermore, circumstances beyond our control may alter the course of your trip (weather, road closures, canceled or delayed flights, strikes, local festivals, etc.). Our guides will do their best to adapt to these unforeseen events, drawing on their experience and professionalism.
Accommodation
A charming 3-star hotel, classified as a "Logis" and "Maître Restaurateur," located in a Vosges village, offering double (1 double bed) or twin (2 single beds) rooms, equipped with shower and toilet. Individual bookings are grouped into twin rooms, unless you choose the supplement for a single room.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in a double or twin room
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4
- Gourmet meal (6 to 7 courses, wine included) accompanied by music for New Year's Eve
- A packed lunch with an individual thermos of hot soup
- Lunch at a mountain inn
- Lunch at a restaurant in Kaysersberg
- Supervision by a qualified Mountain Guide
- Internal transfers (by private minibus) for access to the hiking trails
- Access to the hotel's spa, sauna and heated swimming pool
- Organization costs.
- Equipment rental: Snowshoes and poles (on request)
- Return transfers to and from Colmar SNCF train station (included only upon reservation)
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- travel insurance
- Generally speaking, anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF233.27 / unit
- Transfer (1 person) : CHF0.00 / person
- Snowshoes and poles - 1 pair of snowshoes and poles : CHF0.00 / unit
- Extra night before or after your stay - Double or twin room : CHF86.91 / unit
- Additional night before or after your stay in a single room with B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF105.20 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes (on request before your stay)
- Sticks
Equipment to bring
Warm, waterproof shoes that fit well (mountain boots or "trekking" type walking shoes in leather or leather and Goretex - avoid boots or après-ski boots, which are not practical for walking)
A backpack with a flexible frame and a hip belt: 30 to 40L minimum (day's essentials: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windproof jacket, fleece or sweater, down jacket or a very good anorak...). Make sure you can attach your snowshoes to the top or sides (if needed), so consider purchasing snowshoe straps.
A large plastic bag to protect the contents of the backpack
Two pairs of gloves or mittens covering the wrists
Clothing to bring
- A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
- A warm fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
- Leg warmers or "stop everything" socks; cotton and/or wool socks. Terry-type socks will often prevent premature overheating of the feet;
- A comfortable change of clothes and a pair of lightweight shoes for the stage;
- Warm underwear (tights + undershirt) such as "Carline" or "Capilène" (dry very quickly);
- A fleece fur jacket (lightweight, it dries quickly and retains a high level of warmth);
- Warm and flexible mountain or ski trousers (knickers or leggings); nylon or Gore-Tex overtrousers;
- A headband or a good hat that covers the ears well;
- A pair of sunglasses; a pair of ski goggles (mask);
- Swimsuit and plastic sandals
