Holiday homes for winter sports in Belgium

Holiday homes for winter sports are best located in or near the High Fens, around Spa, Malmedy or Stavelot. Some houses sit less than five minutes' drive from a ski slope. After a day outside, a crackling fire and a warm bath are more than welcome.

The winters are unpredictable. Some years barely any snow falls; others see the High Fens under a thick white blanket. Booking flexibly or taking out cancellation insurance is far from a needless luxury.

The High Fens are the highest region in Belgium and the only one with significant snowfall that lies for longer. The Signal de Botrange, at 694 metres, is the highest point in the country, while Baraque de Fraiture near Vielsalm is the main downhill ski centre. There are downhill and cross-country pistes and hire points for winter gear.

Beyond skiing, the Ardennes in winter are also lovely for snowshoeing and winter walks. The forests are striking under snow, and when there is enough snowfall there are waymarked snowshoe routes.

Belgium does not have the Alps. That said, the High Fens and the area around Baraque de Fraiture and Ovifat do offer genuine winter sports when there is enough snowfall. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a limited number of downhill runs are realistic options. The altitude around the Signal de Botrange (694 metres, the highest point in the country) gives Belgium its best chance of snow, but uncertainty remains. Plan your stay with that honesty in mind.

Recent winters have been variable. Some years the snow stayed on the High Fens for weeks; other years January was too mild for any cover at all. Book flexibly or take out cancellation insurance. A holiday home in the Cantons of the East is lovely even without snow, but do not assume the slopes will be open during your visit.

The High Fens and the Ardennes between Spa, Malmedy, Vielsalm and Eupen make up Belgium's best winter sports area. Around Baraque de Fraiture near Vielsalm there are downhill pistes for beginners and more experienced skiers, as well as ski hire. Ovifat near Robertville has a smaller slope with a ski lift. The Signal de Botrange, Belgium's highest point at 694 metres, is the starting point for cross-country ski trails and snowshoe routes when there is sufficient snow.

The Cantons of the East around Eupen, Sankt Vith and Bütgenbach combine a higher elevation with good tourist facilities. When there is enough snowfall there are cross-country routes, and the area is attractive without snow too: paths through conifer forests, nature reserves and a peaceful winter landscape. A holiday home in Eupen or around Lake Bütgenbach makes a good base for both.

Snow-free winters are not unusual in Belgium. Have an alternative ready: winter walks in the High Fens are wonderful at any time of year, but particularly so in winter with bare trees and morning mist. The GR 573 along the Vennbahn trail and the routes across the high plateau are well waymarked and entirely walkable without snow. Bring warm layers and waterproof footwear.

Wellness is a natural complement to a winter stay in the Ardennes, with or without snow. Many holiday homes around Spa and Malmedy have a sauna or hot tub. The Thermes de Spa is one of the most celebrated wellness centres in Europe and is less than an hour's drive from most holiday homes in the Cantons of the East. The Christmas markets in Liege, Stavelot or Eupen are an added draw in December.

Look at snow reports specific to the High Fens, not general weather forecasts for Belgium. The current piste status at Baraque de Fraiture and the cross-country conditions in the area are kept up to date online by the local winter sports centres. Do not leave planning to the last moment: check the forecast two or three days in advance.

Hire ski equipment on the spot if you do not go every year. For occasional use that is cheaper than bringing and storing your own skis. Hire services are available at Ovifat and near Baraque de Fraiture. Bring snow chains if you are travelling in January or February: the sloping roads around Stavelot and in the High Fens can be slippery after snow or frost. Book your holiday home with free cancellation if possible, or choose a host with a flexible policy.