2 very complementary stations

On the one hand, Vars is a young and dynamic resort. It has a very big snowpark for freestyle fans. You can ski in town, between the buildings. Even if you don't necessarily spend the whole day there, it's always very nice to vary the landscapes.

The resort also has large, wide runs, ideal for speed and carving, for example.

Vars is also known internationally for hosting one of the 2 Kilometer Run (KL) approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to exceed 200 km/h. This run has been the scene of many world speed records!

On the other side of the Pointe de Razis, Risoul is a more "natural" resort, with many trails in the forest. Its architecture is perhaps a little more discreet and better integrated into the landscape. And its clientele is very family oriented.

80% of the tracks above 2000 meters

One of the particularities of the Forêt Blanche ski area in the Southern Alps is that it has a large majority of high altitude runs.

This allows the 2 resorts to offer good quality snow all season long. At this altitude, even with a lack of precipitation, snow can be cultivated thanks to the cannons.

It is also, because of its altitude and its central location in the Alps, an area that offers unmissable panoramas. At 2750 meters, at the Pic de Chabrières, you will be able to observe the Mont Ventoux, a large part of the Ecrins massif, the Mont Blanc, and many other major summits, on 360 degrees.

The Risoul ski area: nature and sunshine

Risoul's trails are relatively natural. Located in an area that was originally little deforested by agriculture, the resort has preserved its many original forests. The trails follow, for the most part, the movements of the vegetation. You can discover many small natural combes that are fun to ski in, for all levels.

The trails in the forest also allow for better visibility in case of bad weather. Indeed, the clouds are maintained by the trees on foggy days.

The semicircular structure of the area also offers excellent orientation. You can ski in the sun all day long. So you can be at high altitude with good snow cover while enjoying the southern sun.

A domain adapted to all levels!

With more than 40% of blue runs, the area is easy to access. It is very easy to get from one end to the other by using only easy runs. Do not hesitate to consult the map of the slopes for more information!

As an instructor, this is the ideal playground. We can discover the whole field, even with the most beginner groups. In my job, the terrain is 50% of the learning process. With many easy runs, the conditions are perfect to start with confidence.

Besides that, experienced skiers are not left out. Risoul has many slopes with high vertical drops. For example, the Piste Olympique starts at 2500 meters and ends at 1650 meters.

Risoul is a resort where people like to take their time. There are many high altitude restaurants to enjoy the sun and rest.

The best ways to get started

To begin with, the "beginner" zone is ideal for the first few hours. It is accessible by gondola for free. Parents and grandparents can go there and watch their apprentice skiers without paying a ski pass. The first slopes for beginners are accessible to all and completely free. Once you have mastered the first turns, you usually go up to the Chardons piste. From there, you can join the first slope at the bottom. The Vallon vert is also a good option to start, because it is very wide and not very steep. It allows to be in good conditions, and to navigate only with easy blue runs between Vars and Risoul. Particular emphasis is put on the main links and on the beginners' areas. To allow the greatest number of people to access the entire domain.

Snowparks for thrill seekers

The Wahouland on the Risoul side, with progressive infrastructures, promises good freestyle sessions. At the foot of the Risoul slopes, there is the Zing: Zone d'initiation aux Nouvelles Glisses. It allows you to start launching your first jumps without putting yourself in danger. The domain also has boardercrosses which are set up according to the snow conditions. In Vars, the Vars Park, with its slopestyle track, hosts many international competitions. This huge park, world famous, is very varied. It also combines several atmospheres: a small park for children, a "girl park" with a friendly and feminine atmosphere, a totem park, etc.

Many quality off-piste activities

The choice in off-piste is large in Risoul as in Vars. One of my favorites is the one that starts from the Pic de Chabrière. It starts with a 300 meters walk up to the Pic sans Nom, which culminates at 2954 meters. The rise is done quietly in 1 hour. We go down then on 800 meters of unevenness with very few tracks, side Crévoux. There are many small and very playful spots and beautiful couloirs. There are also some great routes, some of which, in Vars, have hosted international competitions.