Discovering the great outdoors
Discover the Forêt blanche estate, in the heart of nature and larch trees
Discover a true winter paradise in the heart of the Southern Alps with La Forêt Blanche, an enchanting ski area that combines thrilling descents with breathtaking scenery. With an elevation gain of 1,100 m and 185 km of pistes, the Vars ski area is a real playground for all fans of fun skiing, with special features such as speed skiing and freestyle areas open to all.
The most connected skiers will have access to free wifi on the ski lifts, gourmets will be able to organise BBQs, and those with a thirst for nature will find the "silence zones" and forest trails in the heart of the larches.
The most connected skiers will have access to free wifi on the ski lifts, gourmets will be able to organise BBQs, and those with a thirst for nature will find the "silence zones" and forest trails in the heart of the larches.
The radiance of the white forest, a shared heritage
Born in 1990 from the alliance between two emblematic resorts, Vars and Risoul, the Forêt Blanche ski area is now a popular playground for families and mountain enthusiasts looking for breathtaking scenery in the Southern Alps, as well as for thrill-seekers. With a pleasant climate and 300 days of sunshine a year, Vars offers a complete experience for an unforgettable winter holiday. With its traditional houses, family facilities and unrivalled friendliness, this resort invites you to make the most of every moment.
Vars and its hamlets, mountain villages with character
La Forêt Blanche is not just a ski area, it's also a place where you can immerse yourself in the history of the men and women who have shaped this region. The resort is made up of four villages: Saint-Marcellin, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Catherine and Les Claux. Each has its own historic and architectural heritage. The municipality also boasts one of the first municipal nature reserves, created in 1964, and returned to its wild state during the winter months. The Val d'Escreins is an unspoilt land, a 25km2 haven of nature and history. The perfect opportunity to discover and explore the surrounding area thanks to its many trails, whether you're skiing, walking, mountain biking, tobogganing or snowshoeing.
Gliding, freestyle and speed in the heart of the Southern Alps
In the heart of the Forêt Blanche, Vars is a complete winter destination, offering not only 185 kilometres of carefully marked runs , but also a wide range of activities to suit all levels: skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, snowshoeing, sledging, rail sledging, ice grotto, freestyle, speed skiing...
The hundreds of slopes in the resort offer a variety of descents, winding through breathtaking scenery for downhill skiers, who will find something to suit all levels, while novices can take advantage of the areas dedicated tolearning, supervised by experienced instructors.
Vars is also famous for its impressive snowparks, areas dedicated to freestyle skiing that will delight fans of acrobatic tricks, whatever their level of ability. With a variety of modules, these snowparks designed by the Varspark shapers provide the perfect backdrop for giving free rein to the creativity of intrepid skiers and snowboarders. With no fewer than 4 freestyle areas, Vars invites you to defy weightlessness and slide down a multitude of modules specially designed for an incomparable freestyle experience. Come and enjoy an exceptional freestyle experience in Vars, where audacity and creativity merge to create a unique adventure in the world of skiing and snowboarding.
Vars is also famous for its impressive snowparks, areas dedicated to freestyle skiing that will delight fans of acrobatic tricks, whatever their level of ability. With a variety of modules, these snowparks designed by the Varspark shapers provide the perfect backdrop for giving free rein to the creativity of intrepid skiers and snowboarders. With no fewer than 4 freestyle areas, Vars invites you to defy weightlessness and slide down a multitude of modules specially designed for an incomparable freestyle experience. Come and enjoy an exceptional freestyle experience in Vars, where audacity and creativity merge to create a unique adventure in the world of skiing and snowboarding.
At Vars, speed skiing is a daring adventure for which the resort is renowned. Vars is proud to be home to the Chabrières speed ski run, reputed to be the fastest in the world with a vertiginous 98% gradient. This legendary run offers an unforgettable experience, combining breakneck speed and pure adrenalin in the heart of the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps. Intrepid skiers of all abilities can attempt to break records and enjoy an extraordinary experience on this legendary run!
Vars and the White Forest also welcome you in summer!
In Vars, when the fir trees shed their dazzling white mantle, summer unveils a transformed Forêt Blanche, offering a summer paradise for nature lovers. Discover a range of outdoor activities, from the thrill of tobogganing to the exhilaration of paragliding, where every day promises unforgettable moments of joy and adventure with family and friends.
With 61 kilometres of footpaths stretching across this mountainous landscape, the region is an ideal playground for hikers eager to discover and adventure. Whether you're an experienced walker or a lover of exceptional views, there are numerous routes winding between mountain villages, sparkling lakes and invigorating streams, catering for all levels and aspirations.
Two-wheeled enthusiasts will find Vars an ideal place to express themselves, whether on a mountain bike, a road bike, or on board another speeding machine. The ski lifts, traditionally used by skiers in winter, are transformed in summer into an easy ascent to the summits, offering downhill enthusiasts the chance to fully savour the thrills and unique sensations of the mountains. Explore a network of winding paths and high-altitude passes that captivate holidaymakers in search of thrills and spills.
With 61 kilometres of footpaths stretching across this mountainous landscape, the region is an ideal playground for hikers eager to discover and adventure. Whether you're an experienced walker or a lover of exceptional views, there are numerous routes winding between mountain villages, sparkling lakes and invigorating streams, catering for all levels and aspirations.
Two-wheeled enthusiasts will find Vars an ideal place to express themselves, whether on a mountain bike, a road bike, or on board another speeding machine. The ski lifts, traditionally used by skiers in winter, are transformed in summer into an easy ascent to the summits, offering downhill enthusiasts the chance to fully savour the thrills and unique sensations of the mountains. Explore a network of winding paths and high-altitude passes that captivate holidaymakers in search of thrills and spills.
Key figures for the Forêt Blanche ski area
1850 m
This is the altitude at which the heart of Vars lies. The ski area stretches from an altitude of 1650 to 2780 metres, ensuring good snow cover in winter and plenty of sunshine all year round.
2 villages
Separated by a magnificent larch forest. These two resorts joined forces in 1990 to create the Domaine de la Forêt Blanche, with Vars and its 4 friendly village hamlets on one side, and Risoul and its breathtaking views on the other.
3 Major summits
Surrounding the Domaine de la Forêt Blanche. The perfect opportunity to take a break and admire the natural spectacle offered by the Ecrins, Ubaye and Queyras Massifs.
12th largest ski area
In terms of the number of runs, with a total of 119 runs covering more than 185 km. The Forêt Blanche ski area also ranks 13th in terms of the number of kilometres of pistes.