A legendary summit and crossroads of three departments, the Ballon d’Alsace is a mountain resort with a 100% nature spirit. A designated site, it offers an authentic skiing experience, spread over several sectors with varied atmospheres. With a family-friendly alpine area, a vast Nordic space labelled “Nordic France” and exceptional panoramas, the Ballon d’Alsace is a family destination par excellence. Visitors come here for its preserved setting, friendliness and diversity of activities, making it a favoured getaway spot in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park.
Le Ballon d’Alsace
Overview
Le Ballon d’Alsace
Overview of Le Ballon d’Alsace
An iconic summit of the southern Vosges massif, the Ballon d’Alsace is much more than a ski resort: it is a classified Grand Site de France, a unique geographical crossroads where Alsace, Lorraine and Franche-Comte meet. Rising to 1,247 metres, it offers exceptional panoramas that on a clear day extend as far as the Alps. This privileged position makes it a four-season mountain destination, whose identity is deeply rooted in nature and outdoor activities. The Ballon d’Alsace is multi-faceted in its organisation. There is no single village at the summit, but life is organised between the high-altitude activity hub and the supporting villages in the three valleys below: Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle (Vosges), Masevaux (Alsace) and Giromagny (Territoire de Belfort). It is in these villages that the majority of accommodation and services are found, offering an authentic experience. In winter, the summit transforms into a vast snow leisure area. Alpine skiing is spread across several sectors such as the Langenberg and the Gentiane, while the Nordic ski area — one of the most well-regarded in the massif — departs from the Col des Demineurs. In summer, the site becomes paradise for walkers (GR5), cyclists tackling its mythical col, and families enjoying its adventure park.
Our review — Le Ballon d’Alsace
Ski area — key figures — Le Ballon d’Alsace
- 🌟 High-altitude resort (Haut-Rhin)
- 📏 1100 m Village altitude (1130 m Top altitude)
- 🎿 11 runs
🚠 11 ski lifts
Average lift age: 43 years
When to visit
Le Ballon d’Alsace in summer
In summer, the Ballon d’Alsace is paradise for outdoor activities. It is a leading hiking destination (GR5, GR7), with marked trails offering views as far as the Alps on a clear day. The site is also very popular with cyclists for its mythical col. An adventure park (tree-top, zip-line) and numerous mountain biking circuits complete a very rich summer offering for the whole family.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Road cycling • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking
Le Ballon d’Alsace in winter
In winter, the Ballon d’Alsace offers a complete palette of snow activities. Alpine skiing is ideal for families and intermediate skiers. The Nordic ski area, labelled Nordic France, is one of the finest in the massif. The resort also offers secured toboggan pistes, marked snowshoe routes, a snowpark and even dog sledding.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Snowshoeing • ✅ Winter walks
Skiing
Below are the 2 ski areas accessible from Le Ballon d’Alsace: Le Ballon d’Alsace (alpin), Ballon d’Alsace (nordique).
Ski area — Le Ballon d’Alsace
⛰️ Altitudes: 810 m – 1130 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 7 km
💰 Day pass: 23 €
The Ballon d’Alsace alpine domain is family terrain spread across several sectors. With 16 runs (5 green, 3 blue, 4 red, 4 black), a snowpark and children’s snow garden, it offers varied skiing in a magnificent natural setting, ideal for a day or weekend family outing.
Cross-country ski area — Ballon d’Alsace
⛰️ Altitudes: 860 m – 1170 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 40 km
💰 Day pass: 6 €
At the massif’s summit, the Ballon d’Alsace Nordic domain is a renowned site, labelled 3-Sapins by Nordic France, offering 40 kilometres of groomed cross-country runs. Groomed for skating and classic style, routes allow total nature immersion and offer connection with the neighbouring Planche des Belles Filles domain. The domain has 6 runs (green to black) suited to all skiers. A fun initiation area is specially laid out at the Col du Ballon d’Alsace (Deminer’s Pass), ideal for beginners. Experienced cross-country skiers can tackle technical routes, including the black Powder run (12 km), or take the connecting trail. The main departure, ticket office and equipment rental are at the Col du Ballon d’Alsace. A heated hut open daily allows skier breaks. ESF ski lessons are also offered.
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Ski pass prices — Le Ballon d’Alsace
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from Le Ballon d’Alsace.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Ballon d’Alsace (alpin skiing) | 23 € | 122 € | 260 € | 2025-2026 |
| Ballon d’Alsace (nordique skiing) | 6 € | 30 € | 50 € | 2025-2026 |
Where to stay
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