Vars

Welcome to Vars: Your Gateway to La Forêt Blanche

Nestled in the sun-drenched Southern French Alps, Vars stands as a jewel within the expansive La Forêt Blanche ski area. This popular resort, steeped in authentic mountain charm, offers a unique blend of traditional alpine heritage and modern amenities, making it a compelling choice for discerning ski enthusiasts. The magnificent backdrop of abundant larch forests and the majestic surrounding summits create a picturesque setting that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. Vars is renowned for its exceptional sunshine, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate that ensures clear skies and enjoyable days on the slopes, alongside a high-altitude ski domain that guarantees reliable snow conditions throughout the season.

The resort itself is a charming mosaic of four distinct hamlets, each offering its own character and allure. Saint Marcellin, the oldest district, retains the deep-rooted essence of an original mountain village, inviting exploration into its rich history. Sainte Marie serves as a welcoming gateway to the ski region, historically being the first to introduce tourist facilities such as lifts and hotels, blending its foundational role with accessible amenities. The authentic village of Sainte Catherine is particularly celebrated for its high levels of sunshine, providing a bright and inviting atmosphere. At an altitude of 1850 meters, Les Claux emerges as Vars’ newest and most vibrant district, acting as the main station. Here, contemporary comforts harmoniously intertwine with traditional architecture, all embraced by the beauty of the larch forest. Les Claux also provides convenient direct access to many of the ski slopes, along with Sainte Marie, ensuring that the heart of the skiing action is never far away.

Beyond the pistes, Vars cultivates a friendly and typically French atmosphere, often described as a well-kept secret that avoids the bustling crowds of more widely known resorts. This offers a more relaxed and authentic experience, often at a better value. The blend of stunning natural beauty, high-quality infrastructure, and a welcoming ambiance makes Vars a truly special destination for those seeking an unforgettable ski holiday. Whether you're drawn by the allure of historic villages, the convenience of modern facilities, or the promise of abundant sunshine and snow, Vars and the Forêt Blanche ski area deliver an exceptional alpine escape. The resort's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern comforts ensures that every visitor finds their perfect balance of adventure and relaxation amidst the breathtaking High Alps landscape. This unique combination makes Vars not just a destination, but an experience, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the warmth of Southern French hospitality and the thrill of world-class skiing.

The Expansive Slopes of La Forêt Blanche

The Forêt Blanche ski area, uniting the resorts of Vars and Risoul, presents an impressive and diverse playground for skiers and snowboarders of all proficiencies. Stretching across 185 kilometers of marked pistes, it proudly stands as one of the largest ski domains in the Southern Alps. The ski area boasts a significant vertical drop, with elevations ranging from a base of 1,650 meters to a summit of 2,750 meters, offering prolonged descents and varied terrain. This vast network is efficiently serviced by 34 modern ski lifts, ensuring smooth transitions across the interconnected slopes and minimizing wait times, allowing more time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Ecrins Massif National Park, the Ubaye Valley, and the Queyras Nature Park.

The piste distribution within La Forêt Blanche caters comprehensively to a wide array of abilities. For beginners, approximately 75 kilometers of slopes are categorized as easy, providing gentle gradients and wide-open spaces perfect for learning and building confidence. These accessible runs allow novices to explore the domain and even ski between Vars and Risoul entirely on blue pistes. Intermediate skiers will revel in the extensive 90 kilometers of red and blue runs, offering a huge choice of long, carving-friendly slopes both above and below the tree line. These include scenic descents that wind through the characteristic larch forests, providing beautiful tree skiing opportunities. For those seeking a greater challenge, the area offers around 20 kilometers of difficult slopes, including black runs and natural moguls, particularly found on descents towards Vars. Advanced skiers can test their limits on steeps, including the renowned "Cuni" run in the Chabrières sector, which is considered one of the resort's most challenging.

Beyond traditional alpine skiing, La Forêt Blanche is a mecca for various snow sports. Freestyle enthusiasts are well-catered for at Vars Park, a benchmark in the Southern Alps, offering multiple areas, boardercross tracks, and features suitable for all levels, from curious beginners to seasoned riders. Adrenaline junkies can even experience the thrill of speed skiing on a dedicated track, famously known for hosting record-breaking attempts and open to the public to try their hand at this exhilarating sport. The resort also offers ample opportunities for off-piste adventures, particularly through the densely wooded areas descending into Risoul, best explored with a local guide for safety and optimal enjoyment. Furthermore, a vast network of over 50 kilometers of walking and snowshoeing trails invites non-skiers and those seeking a quieter communion with nature to explore the stunning winter landscapes at their own pace.

Who Will Love Vars and La Forêt Blanche?

Vars and the entire La Forêt Blanche ski area are exceptionally well-suited for a diverse range of visitors, offering something unique for everyone. Families, in particular, will find this resort an ideal choice. The extensive network of green and blue runs provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children and beginners to learn and progress, with dedicated children's areas and ski schools readily available. The welcoming atmosphere and focus on practical amenities make it stress-free for parents, while activities beyond skiing, such as outdoor ice rinks, rail luges, and mountain karts, ensure entertainment for all ages.

Intermediate skiers will truly thrive here, with the majority of the 185 kilometers of pistes being perfectly tailored for cruising and improving technique. The abundance of long blue and red runs, often winding through picturesque larch forests, allows for endless exploration and exhilarating descents without feeling overwhelmed. The option to ski between Vars and Risoul entirely on intermediate slopes adds to the appeal, offering variety and a sense of journey within the domain.

While often considered more suited for beginners and intermediates, Vars also holds significant appeal for advanced and expert skiers. The challenging black runs, mogul fields, and numerous off-piste opportunities, especially in areas like the Chabrières sector, provide plenty of thrills. For those with a need for speed, the renowned speed skiing track offers a unique, high-octane experience unlike any other. Freestylers will appreciate the well-maintained Vars Park, a hub for progression and fun, catering to all levels from novice to pro. The resort's reputation as a slightly quieter and more authentically French destination, with fewer international crowds compared to some of its larger counterparts, adds to its charm for those seeking a more relaxed yet fully equipped ski holiday experience. Its sunny Southern Alps character, combined with high-altitude snow reliability, makes it a top contender for those valuing both snow quality and pleasant weather.

Practical Travel Notes for Your Vars Holiday

Planning your journey to Vars and the Forêt Blanche ski area is straightforward, with several convenient travel options available to ensure a smooth start to your ski holiday. For international visitors, the most practical airports include Turin (approximately 2 hours drive), Grenoble Alpes-Isère (around 2 hours 30 minutes), Marseille Provence, and Lyon-Saint Exupéry (both approximately 3 hours away). Each of these airports offers various onward transfer options, including rental cars, private transfers, and shared shuttle services, connecting you directly to the resort. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding region, though it is advisable to ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions with snow tires or chains.

For those preferring rail travel, the nearest useful train station is Mont-Dauphin - Guillestre. From here, local bus services and pre-booked transfers are available to transport you the final leg of your journey to Vars. This option offers a scenic route through the French Alps and can be a more relaxed alternative to flying and driving.

The winter season in La Forêt Blanche typically spans from mid-December to mid-April. For the 2026/27 season, the projected opening date is December 5, 2026, with the season concluding on April 11, 2027. Lift operating hours generally run from around 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, with variations depending on the time of year and specific lift. It is always recommended to check the official resort website for the most up-to-date information on lift times, snow conditions, and any special events or promotions as your travel date approaches. Vars also offers amenities such as electric vehicle charging points in Les Claux and Sainte-Marie, catering to environmentally conscious travelers. With its accessible location and comprehensive services, Vars ensures a practical and enjoyable experience for all its guests.