Exploring the Vosges on snowshoes

The Vosges

Eco score: 4/5

3 days | 2 nights

Join us on this 3-day snowy getaway, combining the icy beauty of the Vosges countryside with the excitement of snowshoe trekking, all guided by a certified mountain leader.

Each day, you'll have the chance to explore the hidden wonders of the region, snowshoes on, under the expert guidance of our passionate guide. In the evening, a modern, comfortable refuge will welcome you in the heart of nature, creating a warm atmosphere for sharing the day's highlights by a cosy fire.

On this expedition you can:

Discover the secrets of the Vosges region through the many stories told by your guide François.
Find out more about winter hiking: how to walk with snowshoes, how to use hiking poles to best effect, etc.
Explore the Vosges Natural Park via the majestic Hohneck summit
Meet and share local dishes with the other members of your group
Enjoy the comfort of sleeping each night in a warm, family-run refuge

This is an ideal opportunity for those looking to discover the joys of snowshoe trekking in a friendly and safe environment. You don't need any previous experience, just a desire to explore and experience unforgettable moments in the company of outdoor enthusiasts like yourself.

Itinerary

Day 1 | 😴 to the refuge | 🥾 10km | 🔝 400m D+

We'll meet at 1pm at the Col de la Schulcht for a welcome drink and introduction to the group and the weekend.

After this introduction to the expedition, we'll set off, snowshoes on, to walk off the beaten track through the snow-covered high-altitude forest to reach the first ridge and its magnificent views of Alsace and the Black Forest.

Afterwards, we'll head back down to the refuge to settle in and enjoy a good meal together.

Day 2 | 😴 to the refuge | 🥾 14km | 🔝 300m D+

After a hearty breakfast, we'll head for the magical scenery of the snow-covered Vosges mountains.

Weather permitting, we'll head for the Hohneck, renowned as the department's highest peak, but also for its breathtaking 360° views.

We'll then take a break for a picnic (which can be eaten in the warmth if required). In the afternoon, we set off again along the ridge paths overlooking the glacial cirques and cornices before returning to the refuge to warm up over a good dinner of local specialities.

Day 3 | 🥾 8km | 🔝 350m D+ (4.5 miles)

On this final day, we'll be taking in the Vosges mountains through forest, thatch and viewpoints, immersing ourselves in nature as we return to our original starting point at the Col de la Schlucht.

The trip ends around 4.30pm.

1 2 3

Location and access

Where and when we meet

Col de la Schlucht

13h

Where and when we say goodbye

Col de la Schlucht

16h30

How to get there

You can take a train to Saint-dié-Des-Vosges station and then a 45-minute shuttle service.

Alternatively, you can take a train to Remiremont station and finish with a 1-hour shuttle service.

➡️ Plan your journey (carpooling, train, etc.) the most economical and ecological with Tictactrip

The Col de la Schulcht can also be reached by car.

If you don't have a car, you should know that we're encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure: an opportunity to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!

What level should you expect

Level 1

This expedition is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy snowshoeing during a short 3-day stay:

Would you like to unwind in a natural and relaxing winter setting?
Would you like to go snowshoeing for a short 3-day break?
Are you looking for a winter adventure with the comfort of sleeping in a family-run gîte at night?
You can walk 10km a day for 3 days
No previous experience of snowshoe trekking is required
As we'll be sleeping in the same hut every night, you won't need to carry a rucksack on our snowshoe outings.

Meet your guides

What's included in the price

Included

Not included

How to register

Step 1

Choose your date

Step 2

Book online by paying a advance or directly the full amount.
Reservations can also be made by telephone on +32 474 52 20 36 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

> If the minimum number of participants is reached, the departure is confirmed!
> If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we'll give you a full refund

Departure is confirmed 15 days before shipments of more than 4 days.
Departure is confirmed 7 days before departures of less than 4 days.

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Our answers to your questions

Can I privatise this adventure for my own group ?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed on the dates of your choice. To make a privatisation request, go to the Expedition Privatisation page. Private departure

What impact does the weather have on my expedition?

Discoverent offers outdoor trips focused on reconnecting with nature and personal development. Our commitment to this unique experience means that our departures are maintained regardless of weather conditions, whether rain, snow, wind or storm. We are flexible and ready to adjust the itinerary, activities or accommodation to suit the circumstances.

The safety of our participants is our absolute priority. In exceptional and unavoidable cases where safety cannot be guaranteed, the DiscoveRent team reserves the right to cancel a departure. However, this decision will only be taken as the holiday approaches, i.e. less than a week before the planned departure. In such cases, we undertake to offer you the possibility of postponing your participation free of charge to another departure or to refund you in full the sums already paid. Our aim is to offer you the best possible experience while maintaining the safety of all our participants.

What is included in the price of a DiscoveRent shipment?

At DiscoveRent, we attach particular importance to price transparency for our shipments. Our approach is based on a clear breakdown of costs, aimed at providing a better understanding of the elements included in the total amount. Here's how we allocate percentages:

30% for our guides : We believe that our experienced guides play a crucial role in the success of each activity. That's why we make sure that we allocate a significant proportion to remunerating their expertise and supervision.
35% for accommodation and food : We consider comfortable accommodation and quality food to be essential elements of a rewarding experience. This percentage is dedicated to providing you with a pleasant stay and satisfying meals during your expedition.
10% for equipment and transport : The safety and comfort of our participants is paramount. Thanks to this part of the total amount, we can guarantee that the equipment required is in excellent condition and adequate for each activity. Transport costs also come into play when they are essential during an expedition.
25% for participation and operating costs of the expedition : These costs cover the logistical, administrative and organisational aspects of the expedition, as well as the overall management of the experience from start to finish.

Our aim is to provide you with a trustworthy and quality experience, while being transparent about the final cost of your shipment. If you have any further questions about our prices, please do not hesitate to contact us. here.

Is it possible to have a private room for 2 people?

Yes, we can. Send us an e-mail with your request and we'll do our best to reply as soon as possible.

Are there any other dates planned for this expedition?

If you can put together a group of at least 6 people, we can organise this expedition for you and your group at a later date. All you have to do is send an email with the date of your choice and the size of your group.

Are dogs allowed on this expedition?

Unfortunately, despite being great dog lovers in the DiscoveRent team, we cannot accept dogs on this expedition.

How do I know if I have the level required to take part?

Do you feel up to walking around 10km a day for 3 days? Then you've got what it takes for this expedition!

How comfortable is the refuge?

The refuge is modern and comfortable: you will sleep in beds with blankets and heating. You'll also have access to sanitary facilities and hot showers to warm up after your hikes.

What happens if there's no snow?

We are first and foremost hikers, and when the snow runs out we still ensure the departure of our trips. The atmosphere and the winter light are just right, and even if you have to wear snowshoes for a while or do without them sometimes, the scenery is still splendid. So make sure you have good walking shoes.

What is the average age of participants?

Each of our expeditions is open to all ages and the groups we have are often multi-generational, which is often what makes the sharing between participants so rich.

Generally speaking, our participants are aged between 30 and 65 and are both men and women.

Do you offer itinerant snowshoeing holidays?

Yes, if you prefer itinerant snowshoeing (from hut to hut) rather than "star" snowshoeing (staying at the same hut for the whole stay and leaving from there each morning), we can offer you 2 other itinerant snowshoeing holidays:

Photo gallery

Three hikers in the Vosges in winter under the snow

hiking in the vosges in winter with a guide

refuge du sotre bedrooms vosges bathroom

group of girls in front of a refuge in winter

Do you have any questions?

Review

David - October 18, 2023
Hi, I'd like to take part in a snowshoeing trip in the Vosges massif. Before signing up, I'd like to know if the fact that I've never done snowshoeing would be a barrier to this type of hike? Thank you for your reply.
- Maxime - October 19, 2023
  Hi David, you're perfectly welcome to take part without any previous snowshoeing experience. In fact, François Xavier your guide will take the time to explain to you how to hike with snowshoes. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions 🤗