Feel like sliding in the heart of the Vosges? Renting a cross-country ski at Ballon d'Alsace is the ideal way to enjoy an authentic mountain range, between fir forests, open plateaus and ridges offering superb views of the Doller valley, the emerging Moselle and, on a clear day, as far as the Jura. At an altitude of 1,247 m, the classic and skating trails offer loops for everyone, from the curious beginner to the sporty cross-country skier.

When is the best time? In the morning, when the snow is cold and quiet, especially after a fresh fall. If it's windy on the heights, opt for sheltered, regular routes in the undergrowth. The season generally runs from December to March, depending on snow conditions: always check the weather report and when the slopes are open, as mountain weather can change rapidly (fog, gusts of wind, patches of ice on the ridges).