Vars

Location

Hautes-Alpes
France
44° 34' 24.6" N, 6° 40' 54.48" E
FR
General info: 

At 1850 metres altitude in the heart of the Hautes Alpes, the Vars ski resort has become one of the most desirable resorts in the Southern Alps. The resort is right on the edge of some of the biggest mountain chains in the French Alps and is nestled amidst splendid larch forests which are tremendously well preserved. The surrounding mountains (Massif des Ecrins, the Queyras and Ubaye) are stunning and the ski runs top out at close to 3000 m in altitude. Made up of 4 small hamlets which span the length of the Route des Grandes Alpes, Vars has successfully combined authenticity and charm of a traditional village mountain village with the comfort of a large winter sports resort. Its natural history and good climate make Vars a very desirable place to spend your holiday. Vars - La Forêt Blanche (The White Forest) is the union between the Vars and the Risoul ski areas. The ski area is vast offering 185 km of marked ski runs. There is a huge diversity to the skiing; the ski area is a huge recreation area enabling skiers and snowboarders to learn what great skiing really is. With its network of artificial snow covering all the main ski slopes, La Forêt Blanche (The White Forest), ensures quality snow from mid-December to late April. There are also 2 very famous snow parks in Vars: - The freestyle area, at 2400 metres in altitude, spans 8 acres right at the heart of the ski area. - The Jib Zone welcomes all amateur lovers of the new urban style skiing, right at the bottom of the slopes. Finally, it's worth a note that Vars was the destination for many of the world's most famous speed skiing records (the legendary Chabrières slope is the home of numerous speed records and other KL World Cups). For freeriders, the Eyssina and Chabrières mountain chains overlook the ski area and have a veritable choice of skiable couloirs. There are nearly a hundred available, 20 of them directly accessible from the lifts. The private://Yprivate://, the private://Entonnoir (Funnel)private://, the “Virgule (comma)private://, private://Petit Colprivate://, or private://Le Caché” and “La Bananeprivate:// boast descents between 30 and 50% accessible in less than an hour walk from the lifts. Here you will find dreamy powder and some amazing skiing. For those looking for a little bit of culture, you won't be disappointed. The local history in Vars is very interesting; discover the local cultural and sporting traditions. Vars offers a range of activities that will satisfy the most demanding of non-skiers: snowshoeing, winter walks, health centre (Nordic bath, Zen workshop, massages, spa, steam room, sauna, shiatsu, gym, etc.), Ice climbing, helicopter rides, ice skating and a cinema...

BASE: 5413ft
SUMMIT: 9022ft
VERTICAL DROP: 3608ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 56
Gondolas: 2
Chairs: 20
Surface: 34

Costs: 

DAY PASS ADULTS weekday: €36.00
6 DAYS ADULTS: €180.00

We recommend to confirm the latest prices from the resorts website as the prices might have changed after last update.

Interesting places nearby

The ski area Breitenberg-Hochalpe is the largest and most snow reliable ski area in the Ostallgäu. A modern skyride takes you to the ski circuit Hochalp on an altitude of 1200 m to 1600 m.

Brides-les-bains, experience the 3 Valleys in a new way: fresh air, cosy and friendly atmosphere, far from the purpose-built and crowded areas.

Located high above Lake Brienz, the Axalp ski area is snow-sure with varied terrain and alternatives including a sledge run and natural ice rink.

BASE: 4593ft
SUMMIT: 6561ft
VERTICAL DROP: 1968ft

The Swiss villages Waltensburg, Andiast and Brigels/Breil are located on a sunny terrace above the Rheintal.

Quiet mountainside village across the valley from verbier, plans for major lift expansion from here towards a fifth valley.

BASE: 3618ft
SUMMIT: 7322ft
VERTICAL DROP: 3704ft

Well known for nordic skiing and biathlon, Brusson is a first-level centre for international competitions. The slopes for the cross-country ski develop themselves along the Evançon river up to Extrepieraz, going through the Vollon flat.