Hohneck (Vosges)
- Freeride, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Mixed, Swell
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Hohneck is a high-altitude snowkiting spot in the Vosges mountains above La Bresse, centered on exposed summit ridges and the plateau near the top. The terrain is technical and mountaineering-like: reaching the best launch areas usually involves a hike-in from nearby passes/trailheads and managing steep eastern faces and rock features. Wind conditions are reported as frontal, with a typical winter wind range of about 15–35 knots. The wind is described as moderately reliable, with heavy gusting—especially near the summit. Practical launch planning should account for wind shadow and turbulence, including disturbed airflow behind the summit auberge and on the lee side of ridges, which can quickly change kite control and safety margins. Safety risks are significant and specific to this location. Hazards include dangerous cornices and vertical cliffs on the eastern slopes, icy patches and hidden rocks, and sudden thick fog/whiteout conditions. Local guidance emphasizes checking summit wind before launching (it can be far stronger than at parking areas) and avoiding close approaches to steep eastern cornices. Access is typically via Col de la Schlucht (or Gaschney), followed by a crest trail walk/skin to the summit area. Rescue availability is limited and mountain rescue (PGHM) covers the region; emergency services are located in La Bresse or Munster, with the general emergency number 112. Overall, it’s best seen as a winter, advanced-only snowkiting objective rather than a casual or beginner-friendly launch.
- Exposed summit ridges and plateau terrain for snowkiting
- Winter riding typically centered on December through March
- Key safety emphasis on eastern cornices, gusts, and whiteout fog
- Exposed ridges/plateau terrain suitable for snowkiting with significant panoramic mountain setting
- Wind directionality and typical winter months are documented (December to March)
- Recognized within the regional snowkiting community for high-altitude riding
- Strictly for advanced riders due to powerful winds and deadly cornices on the eastern face
- Wind near the summit can be much stronger than expected; frequent gusts and rapid conditions changes (fog/whiteout)
- Technical backcountry approach; limited rescue availability
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WSW, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind type reported as frontal (regional context also describes frontal/gradient winds).
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Gusts reported as heavy near the summit.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence behind the summit auberge and on the lee side of the ridges.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Mixed, Swell
- Launch
- Medium — Rigid mountain ridges and the plateau near the summit; often requires hike-in from Col de la Schlucht or Gaschney.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Launch/reach is difficult due to the summit terrain and hike-in approach.
- Obstacles
- Rocks, summit auberge building, and steep drops on the eastern face.
Through the year
Can be busy with hikers and snowshoers on weekends during winter; snowkiters are relatively few.
Frequent winter storms and high-wind events.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed Vosges summit ridges and technical mountain terrain. Requires advanced ability, strong physical condition for the approach, and careful management of extreme wind and terrain hazards.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hohneck (Vosges) in the full forecast view.
Hohneck (Vosges) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–21 ktsGusts 47 kts
- Direction
- WSW254°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2521 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 0–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hohneck (Vosges) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 47 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Dangerous cornices and vertical cliffs on the eastern slopes
- Extremely strong and gusty winds near the summit
- Sudden thick fog and whiteout conditions
- Icy patches and hidden rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited; mountain rescue provided by PGHM and local ski patrols.
- Emergency Info
- Mountain Rescue (PGHM) handles the area; nearest emergency services are in La Bresse or Munster. Emergency number 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues reported.
Rules of the spot
Respect restricted areas near the ski slopes of La Bresse and avoid kiting too close to the steep eastern cornices. Avoid snowkiting in the Frankenthal–Hohneck nature reserve areas.
- Snowkiting is prohibited on active downhill ski slopes
- Avoid kiting in the Frankenthal–Hohneck nature reserve areas
- Always check the wind speed at the summit before launching, as it is often much stronger than at the parking areas
- Park at Col de la Schlucht and hike/skin along the ridge to reach the spot
- Be extra cautious on/near eastern cornices and manage the strong gusts near the summit
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Colmar
- Nearest Town
- La Bresse
- Nearest Airport
- EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP) approximately 85 km away
- Parking
- Parking available at ski resort base and trailheads (notably Col de la Schlucht and Gaschney).
- Public Transport
- Regional trains (TER) to Remiremont or Colmar, followed by local shuttle buses to the high ridges.
- Access
- Accessible via the D417 to Col de la Schlucht, then a hike along the crest trail (Sentier des Crêtes) to the summit. Alternatively, access from the Gaschney area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Gîtes and hotels in La Bresse and Col de la Schlucht.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drinks during the season; Hôtel du Hohneck is located at the summit, and there are also restaurants/ski lodges on-site during season.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental widely available for ski/snowboard gear; specialized snowkite rental is primarily through local schools.
- Gear Storage
- Limited to specialized schools and select accommodation providers.
- Gear Repair
- Kite-specific repair is limited; general gear repair is available in the broader area via ski shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A mountain winter destination with exposed ridges and plateau terrain, primarily functioning as a ski resort area where snowkiting depends on suitable snow and wind conditions.
A scenic road offering panoramic views of the Vosges mountains and the Black Forest.
High-altitude dining with views stretching toward the Alps on clear days.
Summit dining with food and drinks during the season.
Largest ski area in northeast France, forming the main winter infrastructure around Hohneck.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hohneck (Vosges)?
The best overall months at Hohneck (Vosges) are January, February. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Hohneck (Vosges)?
Hohneck (Vosges) works with W, WSW, NE winds.
What skill level is Hohneck (Vosges) suitable for?
Hohneck (Vosges) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Advanced.