Vars

Vars

A natural haven at altitude, in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes

Nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, Vars is a destination renowned for its quality snow, its strong sunshine, and its vast open spaces. Composed of four authentic hamlets, the resort has managed to preserve its mountain character while developing modern infrastructure. Connected to Risoul, it forms the ski area of the Forêt Blanche, one of the largest in the Southern Alps, where families, beginners, and enthusiasts of skiing can find a playground suited to their every desire.

A benchmark ski resort for skiing

Renowned worldwide for its Kilomètre Lancé de Chabrières, where several speed records in skiing are set, Vars is also a benchmark for freeride, snowboarding and new skating disciplines. Between panoramic slopes, forests of larch trees and peaks reaching over 2,700 meters in altitude, the resort offers an exceptional setting for experiencing the mountains in winter. Its friendly atmosphere, its wealth of activities and its preserved environment make it an essential destination for sharing holidays with family or friends.

Ski resort Vars
185 km of tracks
3 Kindergarten
Max altitude 2750m
Panoramas Exceptional
1 Snowpark multi-level
36 cableways
Playground Beginners
185 km of tracks
3 Kindergarten
Max altitude 2750m
Panoramas Exceptional
1 Snowpark multi-level
36 cableways
Playground Beginners
185 km of tracks
3 Kindergarten
Max altitude 2750m
Panoramas Exceptional
1 Snowpark multi-level
36 cableways
Playground Beginners
Ski resort Vars

The ski area of the Forêt Blanche, an exceptional playground

Connecting Vars to Risoul, the ski area of the Forêt Blanche offers nearly 185 km of slopes in a privileged environment of the Southern Alps. Thanks to the diversity of its sectors, beginners discover the pleasures of skiing on prepared slopes, while experienced skiers enjoy long descents, technical sectors and vast alpine areas. Its quality snow, its high altitude and its strong sunshine guarantee excellent ski conditions throughout the season. Families appreciate the learning areas and the playful spaces. Meanwhile, enthusiasts of new sensations can find a domain renowned for freestyle, snowboarding and freeriding. Each day offers the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, including forests of larch trees, snowy valleys and exceptional panoramas of the Hautes-Alpes peaks.

An emblematic area of the Southern Alps

Dominated by the Pic de Chabrières, famous for its Kilomètre Lancé (KL), where several world speed skiing records have been set, the domain of the Forêt Blanche has a unique identity. Snowparks, playful areas, hiking routes on snowshoes and numerous sectors adapted to all levels complete the station's offer. Between vast spaces, generous sunshine and a diversity of activities, Vars is a must-visit destination to fully experience the pleasures of the mountains.

Yes, Vars is a resort perfectly suited to beginners. The Forêt Blanche area offers secure learning areas, many green and blue slopes, and specially designed areas for learning to ski with confidence. Children and adults alike can progress with ease, while enjoying a varied and sunny ski area.

After skiing, Vars offers many activities to prolong the day. Relax in the spa, go hiking with a guide, discover the activities of the resort or enjoy the restaurants and shops of the different hamlets. Mountain lovers can also attend events around the Kilomètre Lancé (KL) or simply admire the landscapes of the Southern Alps in a friendly atmosphere.

Yes, Vars is an ideal destination for families. The resort offers beginner areas, fun zones, activities for children, and a ski area suitable for all levels. Its friendly atmosphere, its four mountain hamlets, and the variety of leisure activities make it possible for both young and old to fully enjoy their holidays in the Southern Alps.

Our ESi school in Vars

At ESI Vars, children, teenagers and adults discover the pleasures of skiing in a friendly, small-scale atmosphere. Thanks to qualified instructors and groups with a reduced number of participants, everyone receives personalized support to progress at their own pace on the slopes of the Forêt Blanche. The school offers group ski and snowboard lessons, private lessons, as well as activities such as freestyle, off-piste skiing, handiski, monoski, or hiking on snowshoes. Young enthusiasts can also join the Blue Team to continue developing their technique. Regardless of your level, ESI Vars supports you with a pedagogy based on fun, safety, and progress.

Vars

The White Forest, a vast field of exploration

In Vars, every day of skiing can be different. Connected to Risoul, the Forêt Blanche ski area has 185 km of slopes. With a mix of wide boulevards, forest passages, altitude sectors and more challenging routes, this diversity allows families to ski in complete serenity. Meanwhile, the most experienced skiers will find plenty of new challenges to tackle throughout their stay.

A station geared towards new slides

Vars has established itself as one of the French benchmarks in freestyle and speed skiing, thanks in particular to the famous Kilomètre Lancé de Chabrières, the venue of several world records. Snowpark, beginner areas, fun zones and hiking trails complete an offer designed for all types of skiers. With its generous sunshine, high altitude and vast spaces, the resort offers a privileged setting for experiencing the mountains in all their forms.

Download the piste map

Vars,

A summer of peaks and vast expanses

Vars, a summer of peaks and vast expanses

As winter draws to a close, Vars reveals a wild landscape where the mountains take on new colors. Among the four hamlets of the resort, the alpine pastures, streams, and mountain passes invite you to escape. Marked trails allow you to explore the Hautes-Alpes at your own pace. The routes offer remarkable views of the surrounding peaks and preserved nature.

An unmissable destination for sports enthusiasts

In the summer, Vars becomes a playground sought after by mountain enthusiasts. Indeed, in the summer, the Bike Park attracts mountain bikers of all levels. While cyclists come to climb the famous Vars Pass. A pass regularly used by the Tour de France. Hiking, trail running, paragliding, and climbing complete a varied offering that appeals to both sports enthusiasts and families seeking adventure.

A way of life typical of the Southern Alps

Beyond the activities, Vars is captivating for its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. The four villages of the commune have retained their mountain character. A perfect balance between traditional chalets, local heritage, and specialties from the Southern Alps. Here, the days naturally alternate between discovery, sports, and relaxation. So take advantage of an environment where the sun and vast open spaces are an integral part of the experience.

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About our ESi in Vars

At ESI Vars, every stay is a new opportunity to discover the mountain in a different way. As a small ski school, we prioritize proximity, listening, and the joy of learning. Our school supports children, teenagers, and adults in their progress. Our qualified instructors tailor each session to the level and goals of each individual. This is to offer a customized teaching experience in a friendly atmosphere.