Lac Blanc: 6 days in the Vosges mountains with guided snowshoe hikes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationGrand Est / Vosges
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions87.77 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
German
English
In a few words
In the heart of the Vosges winter, embark on a snowshoe hike around Lac Blanc , between panoramic ridges and high, snow-covered pastures . Each day, you'll explore the wild landscapes of the High Vosges mountain passes , between silent forests, frozen clearings, and high-altitude lakes . This gentle, circular route, without changing accommodations, allows you to fully appreciate the diverse terrain offered by the Col du Calvaire area.
You'll be staying in the Kaysersberg Valley , in a welcoming 3-star hotel located in Orbey or Le Bonhomme . After your exertions, it's time to relax: a spa, sauna, heated pool , and wellness area await you each evening. The atmosphere is warm and authentic , complemented by local cuisine with influences from Alsace and the Vosges Mountains.
This stay is an active and rejuvenating break, combining unspoiled nature , the pleasure of sharing , and the discovery of regional heritage . A wonderful winter immersion to experience at your own pace, snowshoes on your feet.
The highlights
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The traditional cuisine of the Vosges and Alsace
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A 3-star hotel with spa and sauna in the Kaysersberg valley
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2 lunches at a mountain farm inn
Photos
maryline - verified review - february 2025
maryline - verified review - february 2025
maryline - verified review - february 2025
maryline - verified review - february 2025
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The hikes do not present any particular technical difficulty and are not intended as a sporting achievement. They are suitable for hikers in normal physical condition who are capable of hiking 10 to 15km in a day.
No snowshoeing experience is necessary.
Snow conditions are constantly changing: hard or soft, deep or stable, fast or sticky, they vary in ease of skiing. This unpredictable factor is an integral part of your stay and can affect your comfort level.
Since the amount of snowfall varies from year to year, especially at the beginning and end of the season, we recommend bringing your regular hiking boots if your snowshoeing equipment isn't suitable for both hiking and snowshoeing. 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.
Walking times are given as a guide and vary according to the average level of the group.
It goes without saying that when snowshoeing, the estimated walking time is only a guideline. Experienced hikers on hard snow will find the times overestimated, while less experienced hikers on fresh snow will find them significantly underestimated.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 460 m
- Average daily descent: 460 m
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 2 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 290 m
- Average daily descent: 290 m
Management
German
English
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.
You will be guided by a qualified mountain guide, an expert in the High Vosges. They will ensure the group progresses smoothly and share their knowledge of the mountain range. Your guide is experienced in group activities and is well-versed in snowshoeing techniques.
Program
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Welcome to the Vosges
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
If you are coming by train, the meeting point is at 5pm in Colmar, at the SNCF train station, with our guide for a transfer (in a private minibus, upon reservation at registration) to your accommodation.
If you are coming by car, the meeting point is at 6pm directly at the accommodation.
Accommodation for 5 nights in your lodging includes:
Heated swimming pool, sauna and spa to relax at the end of the day.
Introduction to the stay, relaxation in the wellness area… You are now ready to spend a wonderful stay in the Vosges!
Day 1 -
Johé's Seed Inn
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 5km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer (5km) to the Bonhomme pass (949m).
A warm-up hike begins with this beautiful loop starting at the Col du Bonhomme and leading to the Col des Bagenelles at 900m altitude. Near the pass, the Graine Johé farm-inn, nestled on the southeast-facing slope overlooking the Val d'Argent, awaits you for your first meal at a mountain inn. The hike then climbs via the Col du Pré de Raves (1005m) to the Route des Crêtes (Crest Road). Return via the GR531 variant.
Stage: 12.5km - 5.5 to 6 hours of walking. Elevation gain/loss: 550m
Day 2 -
The Great Brézouard
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 5km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 430 m
- Negative elevation 430 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer (4.5km) to the Col des Bagenelles (903m).
A wild hike to the highest point in central Alsace! From the Col des Bagenelles (903m) via Le Haïcot (1070m), the summit of Grand Brézouard (1229m) will be the goal of this beautiful loop with 360° views. Your picnic lunch, enjoyed in the shelter of Petit Brézouard, will be prepared by your hotelier, a master restaurateur!
Stage 9km - 4 hours of walking. Elevation gain/loss: 430m
Day 3 -
Above the White and Black lakes, the Faing Grass
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 5km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer (4.5km) to the Col du Calvaire station (1,144 m).
Starting from the Col du Calvaire (1,144 m), a panoramic route to the Gazon du Faing (1,302 m) via the Hautes Chaumes and the Lacs Blanc and Noir.
Hot lunch at the Auberge du Gazon du Faing located below the Crête at an altitude of 1225m.
During periods of high winds, an alternative program may be offered.
10km stage - 5 hours of walking. M = D: 400m
Day 4 -
The head of the Fakes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 5km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 460 m
- Negative elevation 460 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer (4.5km) to the Col du Calvaire station (1,144 m).
Packed lunch and a hot soup prepared by your host, you're off to the starting point at La Chaume Jean Claude, ready for the chairlift that takes you to the top of the resort. From there, the trail climbs to the Tête des Faux (1219 m). You'll pass the Etang du Devin peat bog (926 m) and then walk back down to your accommodation! A stop at the Auberge de Blancrupt is also recommended, where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
Stage of 11km - 4h30 to 5h30 walking time. Elevation gain/loss: 460m
Day 5 -
Kaysersberg
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 14km
- 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
Transfer to the village of Kaysersberg (14km), on the way back.
A morning spent in the stunning medieval village of Kaysersberg, located on the Alsace Wine Route. We climbed the imperial castle, perched atop a hill at 290 meters altitude, via the 100-step staircase leading to the top of the keep. Enjoy the splendid view over the surrounding vineyards and the town below. We explored the town, with its many half-timbered houses and beautiful historic center; Kaysersberg possesses an irresistible charm.
Meal at the traditional inn, a winstub, in the village of Kaysersberg, "the most beautiful village in France".
End of stay in Kaysersberg around 2:30pm, and transfer to COLMAR with arrival at COLMAR SNCF train station around 3:30pm (by private minibus, upon reservation at registration)
Stage of 2 hours of walking. Distance (M) = Distance (D): 290m
Day 6
Note
Snow conditions: Snowshoeing requires, among other things, a sufficiently deep snowpack to ensure a pleasant experience. Your guide will take you to the areas with the best snow cover, but depending on the snow conditions, some routes may be on foot, 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.
Additional information: 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.
Note regarding transfers: Depending on snow conditions and the location of your accommodation, transfers may be slightly modified, but will not exceed approximately 12km. (see the internal transfer section)
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 and full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
- 2 takeaway meal baskets with individual thermoses of hot soup
- 2 lunches at a mountain inn
- 1 lunch at a restaurant in Kaysersberg
- Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
- Internal transfers for access to hiking trails (limited to 8 seats per minibus)
- Access to the hotel's spa, sauna and heated swimming pool
- Snowshoes and poles are available for loan (upon request).
- Transfer from Colmar SNCF train station (included only with reservation)
- The transfer of the J6 to the SNCF train station in Colmar
The price does not include
- All personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Options
- Single room : CHF210.40 / person
- 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 the stay).
Equipment to bring
- warm, waterproof shoes that fit well on the feet (leather or leather and Goretex "trekking" type - avoid boots or après-ski, which are not very practical for walking).
- 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) type "Carline" or "Capilène" (dry very quickly).
- a warm shirt or warm Carline-type sweatshirt.
- a fleece jacket (lightweight, it dries quickly and retains a high level of warmth).
- an anorak or a mountain jacket or a windproof jacket with a hood.
- warm and flexible mountain or ski trousers (knickers or leggings).
- nylon or Goretex overtrousers.
- a headband or a good hat that covers the ears well.
- two pairs of gloves or mittens covering the wrists.
- a pair of sunglasses.
- a pair of ski goggles (mask).
- protective cream for skin and lips.
- a scarf (to protect the neck).
- swimsuit and plastic sandals.
- toilet paper.
- a lightweight flashlight (preferably a headlamp).
- plastic bags for sorting and storing your belongings.
- Money: personal expenses (drinks during hikes, visits...).
- For picnics: a plastic bowl (airtight bowl like Tupperware) or plate.
- cutlery.
- two cups (one for soup, the other for coffee...).
- a folding knife (Opinel type).
- a water bottle and/or a thermos (one litre minimum).
- Earplugs.
Optional :
- photographic equipment
- a pair of binoculars
- a survival blanket (reinforced model)
Clothing to bring
Personal equipment: for the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage all situations :
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece fur jacket.
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket of the gore-tex type.
They traveled with us
Carine
- 51 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
february 2026
In a group
Édith
- 62 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
february 2025
In a group
maryline
- 58 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
february 2025
In a group
Hello Maryline,
Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay, although we understand your disappointment regarding the lack of snow. As weather conditions are unpredictable, this can sometimes impact certain activities.
We hope that you were able to fully enjoy your experience and would be happy to see you again for a future adventure.
The Decathlon Travel team
