Best mountain passes around Ban-De-Laveline, nestled in the Piedmont region of the Vosges peaks, serve as a gateway to notable mountain passes. The area offers a protected natural environment for various outdoor activities. This region provides opportunities for exploring nature, history, and diverse landscapes.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
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The Col du Calvaire (1144 m) is a mountain pass in the Vosges that connects Le Valtin to Orbey in Alsace. Situated on the Route des Crêtes, between the Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Schlucht, this pass offers magnificent views of Lac Blanc and the surrounding peaks. The name refers to an old Calvary that once stood above the lake. During the First World War, the German front line ran along this pass, which also gives the place a historical charge. In winter, the pass is part of the Lac Blanc ski area and is partly closed to traffic.
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the descent on the silver valley is magical to do at full speed, good tour
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There are no cars here early in the morning. Perfect peace and quiet and a long but moderate climb in both directions with a correspondingly fun descent
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Nice car-free ride to the col. Shortly after, the route goes in waves to the col Ribeauville. This is where the actual descent begins. Let it run
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3rd category pass from Sainte Marie aux Mines: 7.3 km at 5.4% average.
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Pass without much charm, with overhanging high voltage lines.
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The region around Ban-De-Laveline offers several passes with stunning views. The Bagenelles Pass provides views over various valleys. Haut de Ribeauvillé Pass, located in the eastern Vosges, also offers great views over its valley. For panoramic vistas of the Rothaine and Chergoutte valleys, the Col de la Perheux is an excellent choice.
Yes, several passes have rich histories. The Col de la Schlucht historically served as a border crossing between the Lorraine and Alsace regions. The Col du Pré de Raves was a site of intense fighting during the First World War and was used for agro-pastoral purposes in the 19th century. The Col de la Perheux has a somber past, having been a place of execution during the Ancien Régime, and later where J.-F. Oberlin set up the Altar of the Homeland.
The Col de la Schlucht transforms into a popular winter sports hub, offering ski lifts for cross-country and alpine skiing, as well as snowshoeing opportunities. The Col du Pré de Raves is also closed to traffic in winter, making way for alpine and cross-country ski trails maintained by the Bagenelles resort.
The Col de la Schlucht is a gateway to significant hiking trails, including the challenging Sentier des Roches, and is part of the GR 531, GR 5, and GRP Tour de la Vologne. You can also find routes to attractions like Lac Vert, Lac Forlet, and Hohneck from here. The Col du Pré de Raves offers hiking itineraries largely following well-maintained forest roads. For an easy and accessible walk, the Col de la Perheux features numerous paths perfect for nature lovers, with routes around the pass taking about an hour.
The Col de la Schlucht offers a summer toboggan run, providing family-friendly entertainment during warmer months. The Col de la Perheux is known for its easy and accessible walking paths, making it suitable for families. Additionally, the region is a great base for exploring the protected natural environment.
The Col du Pré de Raves is popular among cyclists, with a Category 2 climb from Fraize featuring an average gradient of 4.5% over 12.6 kilometers. The Fréland Pass is also known for its scenic landscape and low traffic, offering a quiet ride. For more cycling options, you can explore the Cycling around Ban-De-Laveline guide, which includes routes like the 'Bagenelles Pass – Col de la Schlucht loop'.
At the Col de la Schlucht, you'll find a restaurant/brasserie. Near the Col de la Perheux, there is a 'ferme-auberge' (farm inn) at 680m offering a set menu. The Col du Bonhomme also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a snack.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For summer activities like hiking and the toboggan run, the warmer months are ideal. For winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing, the winter season is perfect, especially at passes like Col de la Schlucht and Col du Pré de Raves. The region offers a protected natural environment year-round for various outdoor pursuits.
Yes, the Col de la Schlucht is a starting point for the famous Sentier des Roches, a rocky footpath along a ridge considered one of the most impressive and challenging Alsatian mountain paths. For more challenging routes, you can check the Mountain Hikes around Ban-De-Laveline guide, which features difficult routes like the 'Taubenklangfelsen Viewpoint – Lac du Forlet loop'.
The Col de la Schlucht is well-equipped with ample parking and is a popular stop on the Route des Crêtes. The Col du Pré de Raves is accessible via scenic routes including the D148 and the Jean-François Pelet road. Generally, mountain passes in the region are designed to be accessible by car, though some may close to traffic in winter for sports.
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes, from scenic views over valleys to protected natural environments. The combination of outdoor activities, historical significance, and accessibility makes the passes appealing. The komoot community has contributed 73 photos and 260 upvotes, highlighting the beauty and variety of experiences available.
Absolutely! The area offers great opportunities for gravel biking. You can find routes such as the 'Haut de Ribeauvillé Pass – Haut de Ribeauvillé Pass loop' or the 'Riquewihr Vineyards – Bagenelles Pass loop'. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Gravel biking around Ban-De-Laveline guide.


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