Winter hikes between the Vosges and Alsace
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationGrand Est / Vosges
-
AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
-
CO₂-Emissions73.48 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
German
English
In a few words
Perched at an altitude of 950 meters, the Auberge de l'Étang du Devin welcomes you to an exceptional natural setting, in the heart of a preserved forest and facing the panoramic views of the Alsace plain and the Black Forest. This winter stay invites you to discover the Vosges Mountains under their most beautiful white blanket, accompanied by passionate guides.
Each day, on snowshoes or on foot depending on the conditions, you'll explore the most beautiful sites in the mountain range: the ridges of the Hautes Chaumes, the summits of Brézouard and Tanet, high-altitude forests, lakes, and spectacular panoramas. The hikes alternate between wide-open spaces, Nordic landscapes, and places steeped in history, such as the Tête des Faux.
After your exertions, you can enjoy the warm comfort of the inn: generous regional cuisine, relaxation areas, a friendly atmosphere, and a sauna (by reservation). Thierry and Clarisse ensure your stay is an authentic and rejuvenating experience.
A complete stay combining nature, gentle sport, magnificent landscapes and moments of sharing in the heart of the Vosges winter.
The highlights
-
Exploring the region on snowshoes
-
Experienced guides
-
A high-quality welcome
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
- Our hikes are of medium difficulty (2 shoes) with an elevation gain of 300 to 500m and a distance of approximately 10 to 15 km.
- If there is snow, the snowshoe hike is easy to moderate with an elevation gain of 300 to 600m and a distance of approximately 12 to 15km.
- You hike with your packed lunch (provided) and any necessary personal belongings. In case of adverse weather, we offer shelter or a refuge where you can eat indoors.
- The terrain is very varied, with wide paths and narrow trails. Time for rest and walking alternates, following the changing landscapes.
- The outing is adapted to the weather and the physical condition of the group.
- The pleasure of being together, of discovering, takes precedence over the sporting aspect.
- However, your physical condition must be adequate.
- This trip is aimed at adults or families aged 12 and over.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 464 m
- Average daily descent: 464 m
Management
French
German
English
With over 20 years of experience guiding in the mountains, Laurent is truly passionate about his native region. He knows its history, landscapes, flora and fauna perfectly, and will enthusiastically and authentically share all the riches of this area with you.
At the helm of a guides' office, he ensures that his expertise, high standards, and professionalism are passed on to his team. Paul, Vincent, Olivier, and Nathalie can then take over to accompany you on your hikes and help you create unforgettable memories amidst these exceptional landscapes.
Program
-
Welcome and presentation of the stay
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We welcome you to the hostel from 4:30pm for your check-in.
In case of snow, we will meet you at the church parking lot in the village of Le Bonhomme at 4:00 PM and we will drive up to the inn in our vehicles.
Around 7pm, a friendly presentation about the trip will allow you to get to know your group. Dinner will then be served.
Day 1 -
The Brézouard
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 12km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 410 m
- Negative elevation 410 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a short transfer to the Col des Bagenelles, we set off to explore the peaks of Petit and Grand Brézouard. The route crosses beautiful high-altitude forests and open clearings, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere.
At the summit, magnificent panoramas unfold over the Vosges valleys and the surrounding mountains. A picnic is planned in a cabin in the heart of nature, before a gentle descent back to the pass.
Return to the hostel in the late afternoon, with the possibility of extending this moment of well-being with a well-deserved sauna session after the hike.
Day 2 -
The Ridges
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 12km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure towards the Col du Calvaire, with or without snowshoes depending on snow conditions. From this starting point, we reach the Hautes Chaumes, vast high-altitude areas offering a spectacular panorama of the Vosges mountains.
From the ridges, the sweeping views over Lac Blanc and then Lac Noir offer a breathtaking panorama, between snow-covered peaks and vast landscapes. The route continues through the high pastures before beginning the return journey in an equally magnificent setting.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the great outdoors, then return to the hostel in the late afternoon, where you can take advantage of the comfort and facilities for a well-deserved moment of relaxation after this beautiful winter day.
Day 3 -
The Head of the Fakes
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 445 m
- Negative elevation 445 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off on a hike towards the Tête des Faux, an iconic site in the Vosges Mountains where nature intertwines with the vestiges of the First World War. This route, rich in traces of the past, allows you to discover a place steeped in history in the heart of the high-altitude forests.
The outing takes place on foot or snowshoes depending on winter conditions, in a constantly changing atmosphere as the snow-covered landscapes unfold. At midday, a meal in a mountain refuge may be offered in case of inclement weather, providing a warm and convivial break.
Return to the hostel around 5 pm, where a crackling fireplace awaits you for a well-deserved moment of comfort. You can also enjoy the sauna or the relaxation areas: games room and library, to pleasantly extend this winter day.
Day 4 -
Around the Tanet
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 25km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 430 m
- Negative elevation 430 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This winter hike takes you to the heights of the Tanet ridge, an exceptional site offering sweeping panoramas of the Hohneck and the Munster valley. Between snow, high-altitude forests, and open spaces, the landscapes reveal their full intensity in winter.
In the heart of the Marcaires region, you'll find yourself in a magnificent landscape of glacial cirques, lakes, and terrain with both Alpine and Nordic influences. This diversity of environments is what makes this part of the Vosges so rich and unique.
In case of adverse weather, the lunch break can be arranged at the hostel for more comfort and conviviality.
A spectacular winter hike, between wide open spaces, panoramas and unspoiled nature.
Day 5 -
Col du Bonhomme and Bagenelles
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 533 m
- Negative elevation 533 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, a short transfer of about ten minutes takes us to the Col du Bonhomme. From this starting point, we walk along the ridge connecting the two passes, through a mysterious and preserved forest, marked by the history of the old border between France and Germany.
The route offers an authentic winter experience, amidst the silence of the forests, snow-covered landscapes, and an atmosphere steeped in history. In case of adverse weather conditions, a hot meal can be provided for added comfort.
Return to the hostel is planned for around 4:30 pm, after a beautiful day of discovery in the heart of the winter Vosges.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast. If you wish to extend your exploration of the region, we would be delighted to advise you on places to visit: towns, charming villages, museums, or local culinary specialties. It is also possible to adjust your arrival or departure dates upon request when booking.
Day 7
Note
For organizational reasons, weather conditions or to adapt to the group level, the program may be adjusted to ensure your safety and the smooth running of the stay.
Accommodation
Nestled at an altitude of 950 meters, in the heart of a protected forest environment and far from the hustle and bustle, the Auberge de l'Étang du Devin welcomes you to an exceptional natural setting. Overlooking the Alsace plain and offering, on a clear day, a remarkable view of the Black Forest, our establishment is an invitation to relaxation, rejuvenation, and serenity.
Accommodation to suit all needs:
To meet everyone's needs, we offer several accommodation options:
- spacious rooms with private bathrooms;
- rooms with shared bathrooms;
Access
Start of stay Day 1 from 4:30pm.
End of stay at the hostel on Day 7, after breakfast.
Rooms must be vacated by 10am at the latest.
People who are leaving by train will leave the premises with us around 9:10 am.
Bus at 9:35, arrival at 10:40 at Colmar train station.
Go to the starting point
A shuttle service is available from Colmar train station. The meeting point is at 5:15 PM behind the station, on Rue du Tir. There is no need to contact us before your arrival; your pick-up is already arranged.
Back :
On the day of departure, we will arrange your transfer to the village of Le Bonhomme to catch the 9:35 bus, with a scheduled arrival at Colmar train station at 10:40.
A €5 cash contribution is required for this service, payable on the bus.
Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any delays to public transport (bus or train +33 (0)6 08 30 23 32
COLMAR is 35km away.
SAINT DIE DES VOSGES 35km away.
STRASBOURG is 90km away.
We welcome you from 4:30pm at the Auberge de l'Étang du Devin.
In order to ensure the smooth running of the establishment and to offer you a quality welcome, no arrivals can be accommodated before 4:30 pm.
We thank you in advance for your understanding and for respecting this schedule.
Please note: access to the hostel is only possible via the village of Le Bonhomme.
At the upper exit of the village, take the Chemin de la Petite Montagne, then continue for about 3 km through the forest to the inn.
In case of snowy roads, bring special equipment (snow chains) or meet at the town hall of the village of LE BONHOMME where we will pick you up to make the ascent with our vehicles.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay includes full board, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
- Transfers during the stay
- The loan of the sticks
- Loan of snowshoes or crampons
- The escort's service
The price does not include
- The tourist tax
- Cancellation insurance
- The sauna
- Massages
- Transfer from Colmar train station to the inn or the village
- The return bus ticket (bring €5 cash)
- On-site consumption (drinks, extras)
- Special diets are only accommodated under certain conditions. Except for strict allergies supported by a medical certificate, they will incur an additional charge per meal. Please contact us for more information.
- IMPORTANT: If you are booking alone and would like a shared room, please pay the single supplement and indicate your preference by message. If we find another person of the same gender who would like to share a room, we will let you know. The single supplement will be refunded at the end of your stay.
Options
- Transfer from Colmar train station to the hostel : CHF18.30 / person
- Private room with bathroom, occupancy 2 people : CHF108.86 / person
- Single room supplement, shared bathroom : CHF208.57 / person
- Single room supplement with private bathroom : CHF418.98 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
ONLINE BOOKING:
- Check availability and prices via the "Dates of stay / Sessions" tab on our website. You can book directly online.
- Additional options can be added during the booking process (transfers, insurance, etc.).
- A 30% deposit is required via credit card. You can also choose to pay by check or bank transfer.
- A confirmation email will be sent to you to confirm your reservation.
- Payment of the balance: this is due approximately 21 days before the start of your stay. You will receive an automated email; there's no need to worry before then.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE :
- The sale of our holidays is governed by our general terms and conditions of sale. These will be automatically applied in the event of any cancellation, regardless of the reason.
- To protect yourself against these cancellation fees which can amount to up to 100% of the price of the stay, we strongly advise you to take out the Cancellation/Interruption of Stay Insurance that we offer.
- Some bank cards (Gold, Premier, etc.) include this option. Check with your bank.
CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION:
- Registration for any stay implies acceptance of the rates, the technical sheet and the terms of sale, which come into effect upon receipt of your deposit and sending of our confirmation.
- Your registration for the trip means that you have read the program, that you are in good health and that you have no medical restrictions preventing you from practicing sports in the mountains.
- The supervision of the hikes is provided by qualified professionals holding the State Diploma for Mountain Guides and therefore having Professional Civil Liability Insurance; however, this cannot replace the insurance that each person holds to cover their own actions.
ALTERNATIVE BOOKING METHOD: Contact us.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Picnic boxes, cups and cutlery.
Snowshoes or crampons.
Walking sticks if you don't have your own.
We do not lend out any items such as shoes, ponchos, rain capes, etc.
Some items such as neck warmers, water bottles, rain capes, thermoses, are for sale at the hostel.
Equipment to bring
- A backpack of at least 30 liters that can hold your picnic and personal belongings,
- Bottle, thermos (75cl minimum)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen,
- Personal pharmacy,
- Camera, binoculars...
- Identity card or passport, Health insurance card, Mutual insurance certificate, Civil liability certificate (keep this with you in case of need)
- Keep your medical information sheet with you for guidance in case of need.
Clothing to bring
- Shoes suitable for walking,
- 1 pair of trousers of the same type as the jacket,
- Technical T-shirts (first layer),
- Fleece or warm sweater (2nd layer),
- Mountain jacket with a "gore tex" type membrane or equivalent (waterproof and windproof, 3rd layer),
- 1 pair of gaiters,
- at least 5 pairs of warm socks,
- 1 pair of gloves,
- 1 pair of mittens,
- 1 hat,
- Neck warmer (the Swiss Army knife of hiking)
- Comfortable outfit for the evening,
- Swimsuit for the sauna
- Evening shoes.
