Schnepfenried

Schnepfenried is a ski resort in the commune of Sondernach, in the Munster Valley, at the heart of the Vosges mountains (Haut-Rhin, Alsace). Its slopes sit between roughly 1,030 and 1,260 meters above sea level, making it one of the higher-altitude resorts in the region and giving it comparatively reliable snow conditions by Vosges standards.

What's on the slopes?

The resort runs 7 mechanical lifts serving around 16 to 18 downhill runs of varying difficulty, from gentle family slopes to more demanding trails. One run is floodlit for night skiing, a rare feature among Vosges resorts. Snowboarders and freestyle fans have their own snowpark and boardercross course. On-site equipment rental and a ski school make Schnepfenried a practical choice for a first day on skis.

Cross-country skiing and views

The resort's real strength, though, is cross-country skiing: roughly 7 kilometers of Nordic trails form what's considered the largest and most varied cross-country network in the Vosges, with a branch reaching all the way to Breitfirst. The trails open onto views of the Hautes-Vosges ridge, and on clear days the distant silhouette of the Alps is sometimes visible — an unusual sight this far from the mountains.

Beyond skiing

Schnepfenried leans into its family-resort identity. Alongside downhill and cross-country skiing, it offers two toboggan runs and dog-sledding rides — an activity that sets it apart from most other Vosges resorts. For food and warmth, there's an on-slope restaurant plus a ferme-auberge, the region's classic farm-inn format serving hearty, local Alsatian dishes.

How do you get there?

Schnepfenried sits in a side valley branching off the Munster Valley, a short drive of about fifteen minutes from Munster and roughly half an hour from Colmar. That makes it an easy day-trip destination both for locals and for visitors based elsewhere in Alsace. Access is via a local mountain road; in winter, it's worth checking road conditions in advance and carrying winter tires or snow chains.

When should you visit?

The ski season typically runs from December to March, depending on snowfall — as everywhere in the Vosges, conditions can vary from year to year, so it's worth checking current snow reports before setting out. The floodlit evening slope is a good option for skiers looking to avoid weekend crowds. Outside the winter season, the surrounding trails through the Munster Valley and toward the Petit Ballon summit make for good hiking territory.

Frequently asked questions

How many lifts and runs does Schnepfenried have? The resort has 7 mechanical lifts and around 16 to 18 downhill runs, spread across an altitude range of roughly 1,030 to 1,260 meters.

Is there cross-country skiing here? Yes, and on a large scale — about 7 km of Nordic trails, considered one of the largest and most varied cross-country networks in the Vosges, with views toward the Hautes-Vosges and, on clear days, the Alps.

Is Schnepfenried suitable for families with children? Yes, it's known as a family-oriented resort, with a ski school, equipment rental, two toboggan runs, and dog-sledding rides.

How far is Schnepfenried from Colmar? About a thirty-minute drive — the resort sits in a side valley off the Munster Valley, well connected to both Colmar and Munster.