Vars
Linked with Risoul into the Forêt Blanche and home to the world speed skiing record.
What to expect at Vars
Vars is Risoul's older, quieter sibling on the north side of the Forêt Blanche ridge. Where Risoul is compact and modern, Vars is really four hamlets strung down a wooded valley, Vars-les-Claux the highest and busiest, Sainte-Marie the traditional stone village at the bottom. The linked area with Risoul totals 185 km and the two resorts share a pass. Vars holds the somewhat surreal distinction of hosting the annual FIS World Speed Skiing championships on a purpose-built track above Chabrières; skiers regularly break 250 km/h on the record days. For a normal family skier the appeal is more the north-facing snow reliability and the quieter feel.
Vars in winter
Vars piste map
The official Vars piste map showing every run, lift and sector. Zoom in for detail or open it full screen.
Scroll or pinch to zoom, drag to pan.
View and download Vars ski map ↗Getting to Vars
- Turin (TRN)102 km by road2 h 19 min
- Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE)111 km by road2 h 32 min
- Chambéry (CMF)133 km by road3 h 2 min
Drive times are estimates based on typical winter road conditions. Book transfers in advance during peak Saturday changeovers.
Resort figures are checked against official resort sources each season. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Lähialueen hiihtokeskukset
Risoul
Sunny Forêt Blanche resort linked to Vars, popular with families and freestylers.
Pra Loup
A sun-drenched Southern Alps resort where Mediterranean sunshine meets reliable snow - with high-altitude beginners' slopes, a generous ungroomed-powder policy, and a relaxed Provençal pace.
Puy Saint Vincent
Compact south facing family resort on the edge of the Écrins national park.