Ski Holidays in Vars, France

Vars in a very well kept secret. At 1850 metres it has a good snow record and boasts 300 days of sun per year making it an excellent ski holiday destination. Vars is also part of one of the largest ski areas in the Southern French Alpes, Foret Blanche Ski circuit, which offers 180km of varied pistes.

The ski area of Vars is linked with Risoul sharing a common lift pass to allow you access to the whole of the Foret Blanche Ski circuit.

Vars is a good, cheap destination. A smallish resort but with a good range of pistes and enough to keep the one... read full Sue	I and my wife, we visited Vars in January 2011, with Crystal sky. Stayed in one of the many apartments, do not... read full Sam Smith
Avg User Review Score: from 3 Vars reviews

For beginners the skiing could not be better, the whole area is accessible via green and blue runs and you can ski between Risoul and Vars entirely on blue pistes. Intermediates will enjoy a huge choice of runs above and below the tree line. Advanced skiers have a choice of 11 black pistes and plenty of off-piste, best explored with a local guide. Alternatively, try the famous speed ski run!

Risoul and Vars are fully behind snowboarding. Under the De Cezier chair is ‘Surfland’ which has a boardercross run, rail, quarters and an array of different sized kickers. Furthermore there are also two natural half-pipes and an Olympic size half-pipe.

It is a very French resort with few English visitors, and partly for that reason it is more affordable than some of the larger more glamourous French resorts.

Review 20/01/2009

Vars is a good, cheap destination. A smallish resort but with a good range of pistes and enough to keep the one beginner, two intermediates and two lunatics in our party happy! The hotel was full of schoolchildren but the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and good food more than made up for this.

Sue

A sunny place 22/11/2011

I and my wife, we visited Vars in January 2011, with Crystal sky. Stayed in one of the many apartments, do not actually remember which one. But what we both remember very well is the unbelievably sunny weather every single day that week. There was plenty of snow, quite warm, not much below freezing. It felt like spring time, if only days were a bit longer. Uncrowned slopes, no lift queues, not at all expensive restaurants, reasonable accommodation with shower and bath, and great variety of slopes. Not too many British skiers and very friendly locals. Rather quiet night-life. These are all on the positive side, at least for us (age 50). We were very tempted to go there again this winter. The only two factors which have made us not to are 1) too many outdated slow lifts and 2) our desire to explore new places.

Skiing/Snowboarding: 4/5 Apres Ski: 4/5

Sam Smith

The White Forest 26/11/2012

if your looking for a resort which is under the ski radar of most, head off to Vars. The resort is linked to Risoul & provides plenty of skiing for intermediate skiers & beginners. There are few black runs but top ski challenges are limited. The resort itself is a pleasant change from the purpose built resorts. The lift pass does not cost a fortune but covers plenty of ski terrain at 185km. The trek across to Risoul & back make a great days skiing. The piste map covers a base of 1650 up to a respectable height of 2750m at Pic De Chabrieres. Try Aigles & Choucas run off L Homme De Pierre for a speed trip. Off the Peyrefolle lift there are some Blacks for those who wish to get tested in your party. As it is a lot quieter than a lot of French resorts perfect for a family holiday. Being further South then most of the French resorts(more sunny days skiing) not many UK operators sell it but if you get the chance it is well worth the visit.

Skiing/Snowboarding: 3/5 Apres Ski: 2/5

Nigel Oconnell