Risoul & Vars Ski Resort

Risoul and Vars are part of La Foret Blanche, the largest ski area in the Southern French Alps which boasts a good snow record and a marvellous sunshine record. Risoul is a compact resort, with many traditional chalet-style buildings. Vars is larger with a good range of amenities. Both resorts are purpose built yet are still attractive and have lovely woodland settings and have a genuine French atmosphere.

Beginners

Risoul and Vars are ideal for first-time skiers with wide sunny nursery slopes and gentle tree-lined runs. In Risoul the beginners area is easily reached by "bucket-lift" and there is a specailly fenced off area and children's ski area. In Vars there is also a children's nursery slope with a "magic-carpet" lift and and easy slope for adults.

Intermediates

This sensational ski area offers a huge variety of runs to test the skills of every skier. From the pretty, tree-lined runs back to the villages, to the scenic snow bowls above Risoul, the well-linked lift system provides a wealth of cruising runs. wVars offers an even wider variety of challenging pistes and the Crystal Ski Escort based in Risoul will help you to get the most from the ski area.

Advanced

There are a number of black runs to challenge the most seasoned skier, as well as many great mogul fields on the plunging runs down to Vars. The toughest pistes can be found on the Vars side of the Crête des Chabrières, while Risoul provides plenty of great off-piste opportunities amongst the lower wooded areas and the higher snow bowls.

Snowboarding

Risoul and Vars with 180kms of great terrain, are fully behind snowboarding. Under the De Cezier chair is 'Surfland' which has a boardercross run, rails, quarters and an array of different sized kickers. Furthermore there are also two natural half pipes and an Olympic sized half pipe. Enough said....

Apres Ski

Lively and informal with a number of popular bars to choose from • The Yeti with varieties of Dutch beers, La Place, La Licorne, Le Cherine and The Morgan nightclub.

Activities

• Outdoor ice-skating rink in Risoul and Vars

• 35Kms of Snowshoe and walking trails

• Skidoo rides

• Cinema

Eating Out

Very reasonably priced and lots of choice • Pizzas from €7.6 • 3-course meal from €15 • Cheese or meat fondue from €20 including wine and dessert • L’Assiette Gourmande for excellent French cuisine and Le Cherine. Or why not try La Tradideria, La Dalle en Pente and La Marmitte

Other Amenities

• Shops

• Games hall

• Bank

• 45 mins by car or bus to the nearby historic town of Briancon with its medieval fortress and modern sports centres with top class ice hockey matches. 

Piste Map