Ski touring in Vars
Experience adventure & explore the mountains responsibly
Would you like to soar to the summits in the heart of a majestic larch forest? Or simply want to experience authentic skiing in harmony with the mountains?
Discover the exhilarating art of ski touring, also known as "nature skiing". This ancient discipline has blossomed over time, enhanced by technological advances that have made equipment lighter. More and more adventurers are turning to this sport, wishing to explore the mountains in a responsible and sustainable way.
Vars, an exceptional resort, unfurls its charms with over 15 kilometres of carefully marked itineraries. The runs are perfectly groomed and safe, offering a reassuring experience even for novices. Every year, the resort attracts more and more ski enthusiasts, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the sublime landscapes of the Domaine de la Forêt Blanche and the surrounding peaks. Experience adventure in style and discover the mountains in a way that will stay with you forever.
Vars, an exceptional resort, unfurls its charms with over 15 kilometres of carefully marked itineraries. The runs are perfectly groomed and safe, offering a reassuring experience even for novices. Every year, the resort attracts more and more ski enthusiasts, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the sublime landscapes of the Domaine de la Forêt Blanche and the surrounding peaks. Experience adventure in style and discover the mountains in a way that will stay with you forever.
Practical info
Equipment
For your own safety, it's vital that you set off well equipped ! Remember to bring :
- A DVA (This is essential equipment for searching for one or more buried people or for being found under an avalanche).
- A shovel
- A probe
- A helmet
We also recommend that you bring good skis with bindings suitable for ski touring, and good boots, ideally with a " walking " position and a " downhill" position . Don't forget to bring sealskins and adjustable poles tohelp you up and down the mountain.
Itineraries
The Domaine de la Forêt Blanche has 5 listed itineraries for discovering the different landscapes of this resort in the Southern Alps.
1 - The Forest Path
LEVEL | Difficult
DISTANCE | 2.3 km
DISTANCE | 340 m (start 1860m - finish 2200m)
DURATION | 2 hours
Near the Mayt chairlift, look out for the sign on your left indicating the start of the ski touring route. Begin the ascent in the heart of the forest, where the vast open spaces open up to you just before the end of the itinerary, offering an unobstructed view of the Eyssina summit. At the top of the Télémix, enjoy the descent on the blue and red runs.
2 - The ascent to the Col des Saluces
LEVEL | Medium
DISTANCE | 1.8 km
DISTANCE | 320 m (start 1860m - finish 2200m)
DURATION | 1 hour 30 minutes
Once at the top of the Télémix, follow the blue trail to the starting point at the foot of the DVA park. Look out for the sign indicating the start of the ski touring route and follow the path between the Jas du Bœuf piste and the Heureux piste. Right in the heart of the snowy expanse, admire the finely chiselled panorama of the peaks, including the Col des Saluces and the Col du Vallon. Once you're on the Piste des Heureux, you've arrived. It's time to enjoy a breath of fresh air as you glide along the blue piste.
3 - La Trace de Peynier
LEVEL | Difficult
DISTANCE | 4 km
DENIVE | 351 m (start 1899m - finish 2250m)
DURATION | 3 hours
Your journey begins behind the Lauzet residence, heading for the Fontbonne chairlift. Follow the climb up to the Napoléon refuge before beginning the ascent to Peynier, set in authentic surroundings. Once you've contemplated the view from the summit, enjoy the descent on the blue pistes of Les mélèzes and Serre Meyrand, available during the ski area's opening hours, from 9am to 4.30pm.
4 - La Trace de Sibières
LEVEL | Difficult
DISTANCE | 2.2 km
DENIVELE | 325 m ascent
DURATION | 2 hours
This ski touring route is perfectly suited to mountain enthusiasts looking for an exciting challenge.
The first phase of the route is both steep and technical, requiring a solid command of ski-touring conversions, particularly at the start to reach the Faisandière piste. At this point, there is a possible escape route. The second part of the route is a long, less demanding uphill traverse, offering views over Zakopane as you make your way through a picturesque forest. In this way, you can enjoy breathtaking views while enjoying a more moderate climb. Finally, the last stage of the route takes you away from the conventional pistes to the finish of the Sibières chairlift, revealing a sequence of valleys outside the forest, adding an adventurous dimension to your itinerary.
The first phase of the route is both steep and technical, requiring a solid command of ski-touring conversions, particularly at the start to reach the Faisandière piste. At this point, there is a possible escape route. The second part of the route is a long, less demanding uphill traverse, offering views over Zakopane as you make your way through a picturesque forest. In this way, you can enjoy breathtaking views while enjoying a more moderate climb. Finally, the last stage of the route takes you away from the conventional pistes to the finish of the Sibières chairlift, revealing a sequence of valleys outside the forest, adding an adventurous dimension to your itinerary.
5 - The Bois Noir ramp
LEVEL | Medium
DISTANCE | 5.1 km
DENIVELE | 400 m ascent
DURATION | 3 hours 30
Take a route off-centre of the ski area, immersed in a wild environment, and rewarded with a 360° panoramic view at the finish.
The first section of this tour is a wide, flat traverse, perfect for a gentle warm-up. Once over the Pont de la Salce, you'll follow a wide groomed track through the heart of the forest. This is followed by a slightly steeper zigzag ramp, but no conversion is necessary at this stage. Your route will take you as far as Lac de Peynier, before reaching the summit of Bois Noir.
The first section of this tour is a wide, flat traverse, perfect for a gentle warm-up. Once over the Pont de la Salce, you'll follow a wide groomed track through the heart of the forest. This is followed by a slightly steeper zigzag ramp, but no conversion is necessary at this stage. Your route will take you as far as Lac de Peynier, before reaching the summit of Bois Noir.