Ski area Vars

Some years ago, the two ski resorts of Risoul and Vars located in the Southern French Alps, joined together to form a single ski area, La Foret Blanche, which is now actually the largest ski area in the Southern French Alps. This relatively new ski area offers its visitor about 180 kms of un-crowded, well-signposted runs. Skiing in La Foret Blanche is particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, although more experienced skiers will find some challenging black mogul runs and some great off-piste options to keep the adrenalin flowing!

The two ski resorts in La Foret Blanche ski area, Vars and Risoul, are very different. Vars is a good example of a successful tourist development, from a technical as well as urban and social point of view. This ski resort is very functional but not particularly attractive. Vars has become particularly famous for its speed skiing competitions since the world speed skiing record was broken here on April the 14th, 1995. On this occasion American Jeff Hamilton literally flew down the mountain at a speed of 241km per hour! The ski resort of Risoul, in La Foret Blanche ski area, is much more attractive and has a more authentic feel about it. Both ski resorts, Risoul and Vars, are at an altitude of 1850m with ski slopes in La Foret Blanche extending up to 2750m. This means you are almost guaranteed excellent snow conditions and long sunny days on the slopes surrounding by Larch forests. La Foret Blanche can claim to have the longest days on the slopes in the French Alps!