An Introduction to Vars
Nestled in the heart of the Southern French Alps, Vars is a large, interconnected ski area that combines the distinct characters of its two main resorts, Vars and Risoul. Known as ‘The White Forest’ for its beautiful larch tree-lined slopes, the domain is celebrated for its excellent sunshine record and extensive, varied terrain. With a high-altitude base and slopes reaching up to 2750 metres, it offers a compelling mix of reliable snow conditions and a welcoming atmosphere.
Skiing & Terrain
The Vars ski area provides a vast playground for skiers and snowboarders, with 185 kilometres of pistes to explore. The terrain is serviced by a network of 34 lifts that efficiently connect the two sides of the domain. The resort boasts an impressive vertical drop of 1100 metres, with skiing from a top elevation of 2750 metres right down to the resort bases at 1650 metres.
The piste breakdown is as follows:
- Easy (Blue Runs): 75 km
- Intermediate (Red Runs): 90 km
- Advanced (Black Runs): 20 km
The landscape is characterised by wide, open bowls at higher altitudes and charming, sheltered runs that wind through the extensive larch forests lower down. This variety ensures enjoyable skiing in all weather conditions, from bluebird days to snowy afternoons.
Who It Suits
Vars is a versatile resort that caters exceptionally well to a wide range of abilities, making it a fantastic all-round destination.
Beginners
With 75 km of gentle blue runs, the area is ideal for those new to the sport. Both Vars and Risoul have dedicated, sheltered nursery slopes at their bases, allowing novices to build confidence in a safe environment before progressing to the longer, scenic green and blue runs higher up.
Intermediates
This is where the resort truly excels. With 90 km of red runs making up nearly half of the ski area, intermediates have a seemingly endless choice of terrain. The well-linked lift system allows for long, satisfying circuits across the entire domain, from the sunny slopes of Risoul to the challenging reds of Vars. It is a perfect resort for skiers looking to improve their skills and cover serious mileage.
Advanced & Expert Skiers
While the 20 km of black runs may seem modest, Vars is home to the legendary ‘KL’ (Kilomètre Lancé) speed skiing track, one of the fastest in the world, offering a unique challenge for thrill-seekers. The high altitude also provides access to significant off-piste opportunities and freeride zones when snow conditions are favourable.
Season & Snow Reliability
Thanks to its high base elevation of 1650 metres and north-facing slopes in many key sectors, Vars maintains a good snow record throughout a season that typically runs from December to April. Its position in the Southern Alps often blesses it with more sunshine than its northern counterparts, but it still receives substantial snowfall. A comprehensive snowmaking system supplements the natural cover on lower and key connecting runs, ensuring reliable skiing for the duration of the winter.
Practical Tips for Visitors
The ski area is comprised of two main resorts. Vars is a collection of traditional villages, with Vars Les Claux being the main hub offering ski-in, ski-out convenience. Risoul 1850 is a more compact, purpose-built resort that is particularly popular with families for its convenient layout. A day pass for the entire Vars area costs around €58, with multi-day and family passes offering better value. The nearest major travel hubs include Marseille and Turin airports, with the closest train station being Montdauphin-Guillestre, from where bus services connect to the resorts.
