Vosges: Pretty Woodland Runs; Extensive Cross-Country Trails -
Situated in northeast France, Vosges is a region of untouched natural beauty. The area is characterised by lush forests, pretty hillside villages, and crystal-clear lakes which make up the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park - one of the largest nature parks in France.
Summer in Vosges offers hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing while the winter months open up a world of snow sports with 100 kilometres of downhill runs and 300 kilometres of cross-country trails. The area is home to seven winter sports resorts: La Bresse, Gerardmer, Xonrupt-Longemer, Ventron, Bussang, Saint-Maurice-Sur-Moselle, and La Valtin.
The small town of La Bresse (600 to 1370 metres) is renowned for its year-round outdoor activities and is the oldest winter resort in Vosges. La Bresse has three downhill pistes and a vast cross-country skiing area. It also boasts a snowpark complete with big air, banked turns, a pro quarter, table, jump, and halfpipe. Non-skiers can enjoy the snowshoe walking and a real ice skating rink measuring 600 square metres.
The neighbouring villages of Gerardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer offer plenty of tree-lined runs with views of wooded valleys and Lake Longemer. Gerardmer (750 to 1150 metres) boasts the longest slope in the Vosges region - four kilometres - and has a modern centre with a good range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The resort features 40 kilometres of slopes (seven green, five blue, six red, and two black) as well as 100 kilometres of cross-country trails.
Xonrupt-Longemer (730 to 1300 metres) is particularly popular with beginners and offers 30 kilometres of cross-country trails. Above the village is the family ski resort of Le Poli, which offers four runs (two blue and two red) connected by two ski lifts. Non-skiers will enjoy the area devoted to sledging.
Ventron (870 to 1110 metres) is a small ski resort set in a peaceful wooded valley. It offers 10 pistes (three green, three blue, three red, and one black) connected by eight lifts, which can transport up to 8000 passengers per hour. Although skiing is at a relatively low altitude, there are more than 50 snow cannons in place. Beginners and intermediate skiers will find plenty to occupy them. Snowboarding is not allowed at weekends or holidays.
The resort of Bussang (620 to 1220 metres) offers direct access to eight individual runs (four green, three blue, and one red) connected by six lifts and dotted with six snow cannons. The resort is popular among beginners and intermediates, but advanced skiers may find its ski area somewhat limiting.
The small ski resort of Saint-Maurice-Sur-Moselle (900 to 1250 metres) is home to 15 kilometres of downhill pistes served by eight lifts. It boasts a respectable 45 kilometres of cross-country trails and a 350-metre vertical descent. The last resort is the little village of La Valtin (704 to 1304 metres), known for its pretty tree-lined runs.
Vosges is easily accessed by air, rail, and road. The nearest international airport is Basle, 140 kilometres away. Vosges is also well connected by rail, just two hours and 15 minutes by train from Paris.
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