Belgium may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of winter sports, but it actually offers a variety of options for those who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. While the country doesn’t have the towering peaks of the Alps, it does have several ski resorts located in the Ardennes region, which is known for its rolling hills and forests.
Honestly you shouldn’t travel to Belgium purely for it’s winter sports, since you’re way better off in France, Italy or Swiss where snow is guaranteed. That being said, when there IS enough snow in Belgium and the ski resorts open up, you should definitely consider the option.
Quick Answers
Alpine Skiing in Belgium
For those seeking the thrill of downhill skiing, Belgium’s alpine slopes, though limited in number, provide an ideal setting for beginners and families. These gentle slopes, typically opening with a modest snowpack of 10cm, offer a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Gear rental is readily available, and ski passes can be purchased separately, granting access to trails and lifts.
| Name | Location | Altitude | Snowboarding? | Trails | Lenght | Lifts |
| Baraque de Fraiture | Vielsalm | 651m | Yes | 3 | 350m, 700m, 1000m | 3 |
| Club de Ski Alpin | Ovifat | 615m | No | 2 | 400m, 600m | 4 |
| Le Monty | Lierneux | 510m | No | 2 | 600m, 800m | 2 |
| Thier des Rexhons | Spa | 550m | Yes | 1 | 600m | 1 |
| Mont Des Brumes | Francorchamps | 530m | No | 2 | 150m, 850m | 4 |
| Val de Wanne | Trois-Ponts | 480m | no | 2 | 500m, 1000m | 2 |
Snowboarding in Belgium
Snowboarding enthusiasts will find their niche at Baraque de Fraiture in Vielsalm and Thier des Rexhons in Spa, where snowboarding is allowed.
Cross-country skiing in Belgium
Cross-country skiing is a form of skiing in which skiers traverse snow-covered terrain without the use of ski lifts. Unlike alpine skiing, which is primarily done downhill, cross-country skiing can be done on flat or hilly terrain. This form of Skiing is quite popular in the Belgian Ardennes and High Fens region. When the conditions are right, several cross-country trails will open up.
| Name | Location | Trails | Lenght |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal de Botrange | Weismes | 5 | 5km, 6km, 7km, 15km, 20km |
| Ski Baraque Michel | Jalhay | 5 | 5km, 6km, 7km, 15km, 20km |
| Herzebösch | Elzenborn | 4 | 2km, 5km, 9km, 14km |
| Val de Wanne | Trois-Ponts | 2 | 3km, 8km |
| Mont Spinette | Malmedy | 2 | 4km, 11km |
| Ski Centre Worriken | Bütgenbach | 4 | 2km, 4km, 6km, 8km |
| Ski Club Weywertz | Bütgenbach | 5 | 2km, 4km, 6km, 8km, 13km |
| Ski Haus Ternell | Eupen | 3 | 3km, 5km, 11km |
| Ski Hutte Mertens | Rocherath | 3 | 3km, 6km, 13km |
| Ski Roth Tomberg | Sankt-Vith | 4 | 2km, 5km, 9km, 12km |
| Hotel Shroëder | Losheimergraben | 3 | 5km, 8km, 12km |
| Ski Manderfeld – Auf dem Biert | Manderfeld | 3 | 2km, 4km, 6km |
Belgium Ski resorts map
Belgium Ski Resorts Overview
Belgium has six alpine ski areas, all located in the Ardennes region. They are not like the large ski resorts you would find in the Alps. The slopes are short and relatively easy, so they are best suited for beginners or families with young children.
Many Belgian Ski-Resorts don’t have English translations on their websites. Some are even only promoted in French or German. During my research I stumbled on several inactive or outdated websites. The list below consists out of confirmed ski-resorts that will open up during the winter off 2023-2024 when there’s enough snow.
Always check the website or facebook of the ski-resort first to know IF and WHEN it’s open.
Baraque de Fraiture
Baraque de Fraiture is the highest alpine ski resort in Belgium, located at the Plateau des Tailles in Vielsalm, about 654m above sea level. The resort has 3 ski slopes and 4 cross-country trails, snowboarding is also allowed here. All trails are suitable for beginners and families. Due to it’s location next to the E25 highway, Baraque de Fraiture is easily accessible by car.
Gear can be rented at Ski-Action closely nearby. Due to the popularity of this ski resort, the queues at the gear rental can get quite long in my experience, so make sure to arrive early. Also, don’t forget to test your gear first at the location, before heading to the ski-slopes.
Signal de Botrange
Signal de Botrange is located in the center of the beautiful High Fens region and is the highest point in Belgium (695m). Unlike you’d suspect it’s a plateau and not a mountaintop, ruling out alpine skiing. However, for cross-country skiing it’s a fantastic location.
There are 3 different cross-country trails of respectively 5km, 6km and 7km. It’s possible to combine this trails, giving you the option to create a connection of 15km and 20km.
Tip: If you want to go Alpine Skiing nearby, check out Ski Club Alpine Ovifat.
Val de Wanne
Nestled in the picturesque Belgian town of Trois-Ponts, Val de Wanne is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Thrill-seekers can conquer the longest alpine ski slope in Belgium, stretching an impressive 1 kilometer, while those seeking a more leisurely pace can enjoy the shorter 500-meter slope. Cross-country skiers also have their pick of two trails, measuring 3 kilometers and 8 kilometers, respectively. And for families with young children, there’s the added bonus of free sledding! So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a laid-back adventurer, Val de Wanne has something for everyone.
Herzebösch
Herzebösch is located in the german-speaking part of Belgium in the town of Elzenborn. This ski resort is completely focussed on cross-country skiing, offering 4 cross-country trails of respectively 2km, 5km, 9km and 14km. There is even a dedicated training trail, which makes it a great choice for first-timers.
The Herzebösch Ski Centre is known for its perfectly groomed slopes. Not only are the cross-country trails always perfectly groomed, but the snow is also prepared on all slopes for skate ski’s. A snow groomer was specifically purchased from Austria for this purpose, which is unique in Belgium.
Ski Alpin Ovifat
Nestled in the picturesque High Fens, Ski Alpin Ovifat offers three Alpine ski slopes catering to a range of abilities. The green slope, ideal for beginners, provides a gentle introduction to skiing. The blue slope, stretching 600 meters, offers a more challenging experience for intermediate skiers. And for those seeking a true adrenaline rush, Ski Alpin Ovifat boasts Belgium’s only red slope, a thrilling 400-meter run with an inclination ranging from 15 to 80%.
Useful links:
- Website Ost-Belgien: https://www.ostbelgien.eu/en/what-to-do/wintersport/ski-centres
- Brochure Wintersports Ost-Belgien: https://app.ostbelgien.eu/files/9973.pdf
