STOP3 THE BIG BALLOON

This is the summit of Le Grand Ballon, the highest mountain in the Vosges with an elevation of 1343 m.

The Grand Ballon can be climbed from 4 different sides:

From De Markstein, you first ascend this pass and then climb about 250 meters further to the top of the Grand Ballon. Although De Markstein itself is certainly worth climbing, the ascent of the Grand Ballon from this side is definitely not the most beautiful or enjoyable due to the false kilometers between De Markstein and the start of the final climb.

From the southern side from Willer-sur-Thur: by far the most popular climb.

From the southeastern side: a bit irregular but still worth it. Also the longest climb at 21 km.

From the eastern side: the steepest climb along the quietest road.

All three of the last climbs converge at Col Aspic for the final 7 kilometers, the steepest part of the ascent.

For more details about the different climbs, the locations at the foot of the respective climbs are also included as points of interest with more information about the climb itself.

JosD