VARS - Introduction
Risoul and Vars Ski Resort is part of Domaine de La Foret Blanche covering 180 kms of piste, and is one of the largest ski areas of the Southern French Alps. Situated about 3 hours from Turin airport, the resort boasts an excellent snow record and a marvellous sunshine record. Risoul has a beautiful setting and the ski area is linked to the older village of Vars, where the more challenging skiing is to be found. Risoul accommodation is made up of many traditional chalet-style buildings and offers a genuine French, Alpine experience.
Skiing
Risoul Skiing has a wide diversity of terrain for all standards. The green runs around the base area provide some of the best novice terrain in France, while more confident skiers will find that that they can go far afield without ever being forced to stray from blue runs. Vars is also has its own ski area on Peynier on the far side of the town, but this is reached on skis from Vars-Les-Claux. The black Ecureil, which follows the fall-line down the wooded slopes from the top, is one of the most enjoyable in the region.
Snowboarding
Risoul and Vars Snowboarding can be quite challenging. Vars has one snowpark and neighbouring Risoul has a boarder cross track, some big airs and a boarder park with jumps for the more those on the edge! Furthermore there are also two natural half pipes and an Olympic sized half pipe.
Ski Schools
The Ecole de Ski Francais ski schools and the rival Ecole de Ski International both have a good reputations and offer a great range of both group lessons and private courses to suit all abilities.
Eating Out
There are nearly twenty places to eat in Risoul, with French cuisine the predominant dining choice, and so it should be. L'Assiette Gourmande is one of the best places to choose for French specialities, whilst Le Cherine is also good and offers the best value in Risoul. Whatever you do when you're in Risoul make sure you try one of the rosy apples; they are the areas main export.
Bars and clubs
The scene gets busier every year and has been boosted by the boom in snowboarder visits. Current favourites include The Yetti, with a variety of Dutch beers on offer, and La Dalle en Pente, both of which offer live music at peak times. La Licorne and La Cherine are also popular.
Off the slopes
Apart from wining and dining Risoul offers a cinema, skating rink and evening snow shoe walks, parapenting and Microlite flights are available. Vars offers Skidoo rides, cinema, parapenting, and helicopter flights.