Belgium is more flat than mountainous, and unlike its neighboring countries such as France and Germany, it does not share the imposing mountain range of the Alps.
This historically rich country is one of the twenty-seven sovereign states that form the European Union. It is located in northwest Europe. The country covers an area of 30,528 square kilometers and has a population of 11,550,039 inhabitants according to the 2021 estimate. Its capital and most populous conurbation is Brussels, while its most populous city is Antwerp.
The territory of Belgium is geographically divided into three regions: the coastal plain to the northwest, the central plateau, and the Ardennes uplands to the southeast. Following the example of the Netherlands, the coastal plain has gained some space from the North Sea through dikes and canals. The central plateau, in the interior, is a smooth and low-altitude area that has many fertile valleys and is irrigated by numerous navigable waterways. Here there are also structures with a rougher relief, such as caves and small gorges.
The Ardennes region is more rugged than the other two. It is a densely wooded plateau, very rocky, and not very suitable for cultivation, which extends to the north of France. This is where the majority of Belgium’s wild fauna is concentrated. In this region is located the highest point in Belgium, Signal de Botrange, with only 694 meters of altitude.
Many people do not even consider that winter sports are practiced in Belgium, especially alpine skiing, but this is not the case. The Ardennes region is the area where the only natural snow skiing areas are concentrated, although there are also indoor ski resorts in other regions of the country. In total, Belgium has three indoor and seven natural skiing areas.
The main and most crowded ski area is La Station de la Haute Ardenne, located in La Baraque de Fraiture, commune of Vielsalm in the province of Luxembourg (Belgium). It is one of the highest points in the country (651m at the top of the plateau des Tailles). Its ski resort, consisting of three alpine ski runs (350, 700 and 1,000 meters long), three ski lifts and several cross-country ski trails, is open an average of 20 days per year. The slopes are also illuminated for night skiing.
In the following video, you can observe a typical winter season day in one of the highest areas in Belgium, Baraque de Fraiture:
Apart from Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium has also this ski areas:
Val de Wanne: It features the longest ski slopes in Belgium, with 2 alpine ski runs, 1 km long and a 100 m drop. There are also 2 cross-country skiing slopes: one 3 km long around the chalet and another 8 km long.
Ovifat: offers 3 downhill ski runs and 3 lifts. Whatever your ability, you will find the slope that suits you. The sledging slope and the cross-country skiing slopes are also available to diversify the winter activities.
Mont Des Brumes: There are 2 slopes to choose from, the red one is 850 meters long, and the blue one is 150 meters long. A sledge slope is also available.
Le Monty: It has two alpine ski runs, 600 and 800 meters long, which culminate at 510 meters altitude, three cross-country skiing circuits of 3.4 km, 6 km, or 8.5 km, two snowshoeing trails of 3.6 km or 6 km, and a secure 50-meter sledging slope for kids.
Thier des Rexhons: The alpine ski slope is 600 meters long and has a ski lift. Also, there are three cross-country ski slopes for beginners and experienced skiers to enjoy, ranging from 3 to 10 kilometers in length. These trails will take you on a scenic tour between the forests and the Spa plains. A slope is reserved for sledges and carriages.
Zosterbach: The ski and sledge slopes at 630 meters in altitude are located between the Elsenborn military camp and Nidrum in the Eastern Cantons. They are perfect for beginners and families. The alpine ski slope, which is 300 meters in length, has a ski lift.
There are also three indoor ski slopes in Belgium:
Aspen: This slope is 240 meters long, 50 meters wide, and 14 meters high. It features 75 kilometers of state-of-the-art cooling pipes that guarantee perfect snow and minimal energy consumption. It is easily accessible and located between Antwerp and Brussels.
Snow Valley: The big slope is 350 meters long, 30 meters wide, and has a height difference of 64 meters. It also has two magic carpets. The practice slope is 100 meters long, 25 meters wide, and has a height difference of 12 meters. It also features three magic carpets. Snow Valley is 100km north east from Brussels.
Ice Mountain: Located 120km west from the capital, it has a surface of 9,000 square meters. The large slope (210 meters) is equipped with two ski lifts, while the small slope (80 meters) has one ski lift and a conveyor belt reserved for the ski school.
