Markstein Route

(S/E) Cross the road between the Speck Sports shop and the Petit Chamois. The^GR® 5 climbs gently to the right (Red Rectangle) and overlooks the resort. Looking back, you can catch a glimpse of the Grand Ballon (the highest point in the Vosges Mountains at 1,424 m) and its radar dome. Further away lie the Jura and the Black Forest beyond the Alsace Plain. On very clear days, you can make out the Swiss Alps, and in winter the view stretches as far as Mont Blanc.

Continue along the path, crossing the slalom course which hosted World Cup events in 1983 and 1987. On the other side of the valley, the view takes in the Steinlebach farm, the destination of the walk. In late June and July, the meadows you pass through are carpeted with countless yellow arnica flowers, which are picked for use in medicines and cosmetics. You may also spot paragliders in the sky. Staying on the^GR® 5, head towards the Route des Crêtes.

(1) Once you’ve crossed, take the small tarmac road that leads down towards the Steinlebach farm and inn.

(2) From the farm, head right towards the Markstein, following the wide path marked with a Red Triangle. After crossing the pastures and then the forest, you’ll reach the ski runs.

Head back into the forest, continuing along the same path. After the two chalets, a large building stands out on the right. This is the former Hôtel des Crêtes, built in 1931. Continue along the path; just before you leave the forest, a path (marked with a Red Triangle) climbs towards the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Chapel. Follow this, then return to the starting point via the small road on the left. (S/E)

The Markstein is the leading site in north-eastern France for paragliding and hang-gliding.

The first ski lift at Markstein was built in 1948. Today, the resort comprises nine ski lifts and a snow-making system. It mainly attracts skiers from the region, as well as hosting numerous competitions in both alpine and cross-country skiing, at regional, national and international levels.

Hôtel du Markstein: unfortunately, it closed its doors in 1934 and was converted into a holiday centre for works councils; this activity continued until 1994, and it could accommodate 300 people. The Hôtel Wolf dates from the same period.

Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Chapel: Built in 1948, it was fully restored by a team of volunteers from 2001 onwards. A service is held there every Sunday in the late afternoon, and it also hosts numerous weddings and christenings.