Where to ski in Belgium? The best places to go sliding!
Updated on November 17, 2022 by Pierre
The best places to ski in Belgium?
If you thought Belgium was a flat country, think again! Whether it's for a ski trip with friends or to introduce the kids to the joys of snow , the Belgian countryside might be just what you're looking for. No need to travel far to France or Germany. If the names " Baraque Michel ," " Botrange ," " Ovifat, " or " Elsenborn " don't mean much to you, this article will interest you.
What are the best ski resorts in Belgium ? Is it possible to do winter sports near Brussels? Can you go downhill skiing in Belgium ? Or only cross-country skiing? Can you rent snowshoes or skis and poles in Belgium? … All these answers can be found in our article below.
Before going any further, you might also be interested in this:
- Activities with children
- What to do on Sunday in Belgium?
- The best things to do in a group Brussels
- COVID special file and what to do during the covid outside
Where are the ski resorts in Belgium?
This will even surprise some Belgians, but in Belgium, it is indeed possible to do Alpine Skiing.
Where are the resorts for skiing in Belgium? The stations are located east of Wallonia, not far from the Hautes-Fagnes, and in the province of Luxembourg. From Brussels, it takes between 2h00 and 2h30 by car. Ideal therefore, because without having to drive all day in the car, you can enjoy the snow and the sun. This is perfect for ski shorts with friends, or simply with the family and to help children discover the pleasure of skiing.
When can you ski in Belgium?
Val Thorens and the Swiss Alps are generally a favorite destination for Belgians looking to ski and enjoy the powder. However, some Belgian ski resorts offer an excellent alternative , especially for beginners or those who simply don't want to travel too far. One small drawback: our mountain is only 650 meters high (Baraque de Fraiture)... so the weather has to cooperate. You can't book a ski trip in advance in France like you can in Belgium. In Belgium, it doesn't snow very often or for very long, so it's impossible to give you a precise window. A word of advice: be prepared! Generally, you can ski in Belgium a little after Christmas. But not every year... Nothing is certain... the easiest thing to do is check the official Belgian snow report website .
What type of skiing can you do in Belgium? Cross-country skiing or alpine skiing?
Don't count on it every year, though… It depends on the snowfall. So you'll need to keep an eye on the weather forecast and seize the opportunity if there's enough snow this year. Belgium has a total of 6 ski resorts . Of these, 4 offer both cross-country and downhill skiing. In total, there are almost 9 kilometers of slopes and 20 ski lifts. Given Belgium's topography, you might imagine that the downhill ski runs aren't very long. However, they're a good option for beginners. Ideal for a day out with friends or family, including children. Some resorts even offer sledding and snowshoe rentals.
What are the villages for downhill skiing in Belgium?
1. Where to ski in Belgium in the Hautes Fagnes area? Ovifat, the Alpine ski area.
If you're looking to go downhill skiing without traveling hundreds of kilometers, head to Ovifat in the High Fens to discover some of Belgium's most renowned alpine ski slopes . Whatever your skill level, you'll find the perfect run. Three slopes, ranging from 10% to 80% gradient, are served by four ski lifts. The ski area includes green, blue , and even a red run. Ovifat is accessible by car, with organized bus departures from Verviers and Eupen. If you don't have your own ski equipment—skis, poles, etc.—you can rent it on-site at a reasonable price. For a weekend ski trip, the region also boasts excellent hotel infrastructure.
- Lift prices: 1 lift token: €.1,50
- Opening: From 9:30 a.m. to 16:30 p.m.
- Price: 1,50-2€
- Contact: +32(0)478/04 65 03
- altitude 615m
- 3 tracks of 400, 600 and 620m
- Bobsled track
- As a bonus: a toboggan run, several CROSS-COUNTRY SKI trails
- Snowboarding prohibited
2. The highest ski slope in Belgium: barak by Fraiture in Vielsam
Every Belgian knows it… because it's the highest ski resort in Belgium: 650m. It welcomes you to a magnificent region bordering the nature reserves of the Plateau des Tailles. Nature lovers and those who appreciate wide open spaces will discover a wild, varied, and captivating environment. The weather conditions are ideal for winter sports. The resort offers three illuminated downhill ski runs, as well as four cross-country ski trails and a toboggan run. It's the perfect place for family sports. The slopes are lit, and their lengths vary between 350 and 1.000 meters. Here, intermediate skiers can try more challenging runs without having to travel to the Vosges Mountains. ( Information : 080 41 88 78)
3. Tracks located in an exceptional natural environment Monty in Lierneux
If you haven't yet discovered "Le Monty" in the High Ardennes, it's well worth a visit! On offer: slopes nestled in an exceptional natural setting . In short, an ideal location for a friendly family holiday while enjoying the pleasures of skiing. The resort boasts two downhill ski runs: 600 and 800 meters. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, there are three loop trails of 3,4 km, 6 km, or 8,5 km. If skiing isn't your thing, there are two snowshoeing trails of 3,6 km or 6 km. Perfect for children, there's a safe 50-meter toboggan run . The resort is open from 9 am to 17 pm. You can rent all equipment there, except snowboards. Helmets are free for children. A large free parking lot is available at the bottom of the slopes. For more information ...
- Address: rue Hautmont 80 to 4990 – LIERNEUX
- Tel: 080/21 73 70 (Slopes) | 080/42 96 34 (Tourist Office)
4. Val de Wanne in Trois ponts
Val de Wanne is located in the south of the Province of Liège. The ski resort is located at Aisomont 70, near Wanne or Malmedy. In the Belgian Ardennes, the cross-country ski trails are rather long: 3 and 8 km. On the downhill side, the track is 12000 meters long… The longest in Belgium! It is located 480 meters above sea level. To get to the top of the slopes, two ski lifts are available. There is also a toboggan run on the estate. On site, you can rent the necessary equipment.
Information: 080 44 63 54
5. A domain for surfers and mini-skis: Thier des Rexhons Ski Club in Spa
Most people associate “Spa” with water or thermal baths… However, many people forget that the region also offers various activities such as Belgian alpine skiing. In this resort, located 5km from Spa, Thier des Rexhons offers you the opportunity to practice downhill skiing on a 600 meter track. Also, three cross-country ski trails ranging from 3 to 10 kilometers are at your disposal. Children will be delighted, because here you can go miniskiing! You can rent equipment on site. Open every day in case of sufficient snow cover from 9:30 a.m. to 18 p.m.
6. Mount of Mists
Mont des Brumes is a ski resort located in the Belgian Ardennes, between Francorchamps and La Gleize. This resort has one of the longest downhill ski slopes in Belgium, including an 850-metre long red run with nearly 200 meters of vertical drop. The site also has a 150-metre beginners' slope. It offers a total throughput of 1000 skiers per hour.
Barely a foot in the Belgian capital, Pierre launched “InsideBrussels.be” more than 10 years ago, the idea is simple: “What to do? Where to go to eat or have a drink? “. Entrepreneur at heart, this is not his first project! Far from there. EatLocal.io; KingCard.be, Bricabrac.be … Like wine, with time the project improves!
Pierre does not hesitate to share his favorites and his best addresses of Brussels restaurants that he could recommend to you with his eyes closed.
