La Bresse - Lispach

La Bresse - Lispach is a family-friendly ski resort in the High Vosges, just outside the town of La Bresse, built around the scenic Lake Lispach. It combines downhill slopes with one of the region's largest cross-country trail networks, making it a draw for families as well as serious Nordic skiers.

How do you get there?

The resort sits at 42 Route de Lispach in La Bresse, a short drive from the town center. Arriving by car is the most practical option — free parking is available both at the foot of the slopes and facing the lake, so there's no need to hunt for paid spaces. The area connects easily with other High Vosges resorts, making it simple to combine a visit here with a stay in nearby Gérardmer or Xonrupt-Longemer.

What will you see there?

Lake Lispach is the heart of the resort, with a walking path circling its shore — you can stroll at your own pace, sit at a picnic table, or watch ski jumpers on the jump that overlooks the station. The alpine area has five ski lifts and eight downhill runs for various levels: three green, three blue, one red, and one black. That's enough variety for beginners and for skiers looking for a bit more of a challenge.

Lispach's real strength, though, is cross-country skiing. It's the leading Nordic ski area in the whole Vosges Massif, with around 50 km of groomed trails winding through forests, peat bogs, plateaus, and around the lakes. The trails connect directly to the Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer domains, allowing for multi-hour outings without doubling back to the start.

For anyone who prefers walking over skiing, around ten marked snowshoe trails are free to use, plus a longer 3 to 6 km loop with rental equipment available on site.

The resort sits at roughly 900 to 1130 meters in elevation, and its slopes face north — an orientation that helps natural snow cover last longer here than on many other slopes in the region.

When should you visit?

The ski season typically runs from late December to mid-March, depending on snow conditions — roughly late December through early March in a given year. Because of the north-facing slopes, snow tends to hold up relatively well here, making Lispach a solid choice even later in the winter. Families with young children will find weekdays outside school holidays the quietest time, with shorter lift lines and less crowded trails.

Who is this resort for?

The compact scale of the station and the generally gentle profile of its runs make Lispach best suited to a relaxed family ski trip, without the crowds and queues typical of larger resorts. At the same time, its extensive cross-country network appeals to skiers who take Nordic skiing seriously, and the walk around the lake is worthwhile even for visitors who don't ski at all.

Frequently asked questions

How many downhill runs does Lispach have? Eight runs served by five lifts: three green, three blue, one red, and one black.

Can you go cross-country skiing at Lispach? Yes — it's the resort's main strength, with about 50 km of groomed trails connected to the neighboring Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer areas.

Is parking available? Yes, free parking is provided both at the foot of the slopes and facing Lake Lispach.

Can you visit without skiing, just for a walk? Yes, the path around Lake Lispach and the marked snowshoe trails are open to everyone, whether or not you ski.