🎿 Malmedy Ski Slopes: Belgium’s Winter Wonderland in the Heart of the Ardennes
When winter descends on the Belgian Ardennes, few places capture the magic quite like Malmedy. Nestled in the province of Liège, this picturesque town transforms into a snowy paradise — where rolling hills, evergreen forests, and peaceful valleys become a playground for skiers, snowboarders, and nature lovers.
The Malmedy Ski Slopes, located near the High Fens plateau, offer a perfect escape for anyone craving fresh alpine air without crossing the border into France or Switzerland. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or simply looking to enjoy Belgium’s winter charm, Malmedy promises an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, beauty, and warmth.
❄️ A Winter Escape in the Belgian Ardennes
Malmedy sits at the foot of the Hautes Fagnes–Eifel Nature Park, Belgium’s highest and snowiest region. The combination of elevation, cold air currents, and rolling topography makes it one of the few places in Belgium where snow regularly blankets the landscape from December to March.
During these months, Malmedy and its surroundings — Ovifat, Xhoffraix, and Mont Rigi — come alive with winter activity. Families arrive bundled in scarves and mittens, skiers glide across powdery slopes, and cafés fill with the aroma of hot chocolate and mulled wine. It’s a scene straight from a storybook.
🏔️ The Malmedy Ski Slopes: Small, Scenic, and Full of Character
While Belgium isn’t famous for high-altitude skiing, the Malmedy Ski Slopes deliver something equally special — intimate charm and natural beauty. The area is known for family-friendly runs, cross-country trails, and snowshoe hikes, all surrounded by peaceful forests and panoramic views of the Ardennes.
1. Ovifat Ski Station (Station de Ski d’Ovifat)
Just a short 10-minute drive from Malmedy, Ovifat is the crown jewel of skiing in eastern Belgium. It’s the highest-altitude ski station in the country, located near the Signal de Botrange (694 m), Belgium’s highest point.
Highlights include:
- Three main ski slopes: beginner, intermediate, and advanced (with a maximum descent of 200 meters).
- Ski lifts and drag lifts, ideal for families and school groups.
- Sledding areas for children and non-skiers.
- Cross-country ski trails that weave through the forest and open moorlands.
Ovifat is small compared to Alpine resorts, but it’s perfectly equipped — ski rental shops, instructors, and warm mountain cafés ensure you can spend the whole day outdoors in comfort.
2. Mont Rigi and Signal de Botrange Trails
For cross-country skiers, the trails near Mont Rigi and Signal de Botrange offer endless horizons. Here, the Hautes Fagnes plateau stretches into a dreamlike white expanse, dotted with pine trees and frozen bogs.
There are several marked circuits ranging from 3 km to 20 km, suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. The silence of the plateau — broken only by the sound of your skis gliding on snow — is one of the most peaceful experiences Belgium has to offer.
3. Xhoffraix and Bellevaux Slopes
Just outside Malmedy, smaller ski zones like Xhoffraix and Bellevaux are perfect for families or anyone who prefers a quiet day on the slopes. These areas often have sledding hills, snowshoeing paths, and scenic walks that overlook the Warche Valley and the forests of Spa.
⛷️ What Makes Malmedy Special for Winter Sports?
Unlike the commercial resorts of the Alps, Malmedy offers something refreshingly authentic. It’s about simplicity, community, and atmosphere — skiing for the joy of it, not the prestige.
Here’s why people fall in love with Malmedy’s winter charm:
All-in-One Destination:
In Malmedy, skiing is just one part of the experience. Visitors can explore castles, frozen waterfalls, forest hikes, and thermal baths — all within a short drive.
Accessibility:
You can reach Malmedy easily from major Belgian cities — just 1.5 hours from Liège and 2.5 hours from Brussels. No long drives or expensive mountain passes.
Affordability:
Lift passes, ski rentals, and accommodations are much cheaper than in Alpine resorts, making it ideal for beginners and families.
Cozy Après-Ski:
After a day on the slopes, locals and tourists gather in mountain lodges for hot drinks, Belgian waffles, and hearty meals. Popular spots include chalets in Ovifat and restaurants near Robertville Lake.