Renting a toboggan at Ballon d'Alsace is the promise of a joyful interlude between fir forests and sweeping panoramas. At an altitude of 1247 m, this Vosges summit offers a variety of slopes, ideal for descents with family or friends, or for rediscovering the simple sensations of winter.

Choose your moment carefully. Mornings after a snowfall offer gentle, silent gliding; late afternoons, the golden light sublimates the scenery. The season generally runs from December to March, depending on snow conditions. The weather changes quickly in the mountains, with temperatures often below freezing, wind on the ridges, and snow that can harden as the day progresses. Keep an eye on the weather report and slope openings before you set off.