Risoul

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Nestled at 1,850 metres altitude, between the Écrins and Queyras massifs, Risoul is one of the highest ski resorts in the Hautes-Alpes. Linked to Vars via the Forêt Blanche area, the resort offers a vast playground for skiing enthusiasts in winter. Its harmonious architecture blends wood and stone, and its pedestrian snow front fosters a relaxed, family atmosphere. Whether for skiing, hiking, mountain biking or simply enjoying the fresh air and generous sunshine of the Hautes-Alpes, Risoul remains an accessible, dynamic and endearing destination. Shops, entertainment, facilities for children and an XXL panorama complete the experience of a simple, genuine, restorative stay, summer and winter alike.

📌 Southern French Alps – Hautes-Alpes

Risoul

📏 Altitude: 1870 m

🎿 Alpine skiing: 180 km

🌟 Resort style: High-altitude resort

💰 From 58 €/day (2026-2027)

15 green

50 blue

35 red

9 black

📅 Open 5 December 2026 to 11 April 2027

Overview of Risoul

At 1,850 metres altitude, Risoul is a Hautes-Alpes resort set on a vast natural balcony facing the summits of the Ecrins National Park. Its architecture stands out for a homogeneous mountain style: chalets and residences clad in timber and stone create a warm and coherent atmosphere. The pedestrian ski area base reinforces the convivial and accessible character of the resort. Risoul consists mainly of tourist residences, rental apartments and a few chalets, with an offering designed for families and groups. Local shops, restaurants, bars and well-distributed services are available throughout the resort. Well integrated into its environment, Risoul combines the comfort of a functional resort with the charm of a modern mountain village — all in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.

Our review — Risoul

★★★☆☆ 3.3/5

Ski area — key figures — Risoul

🌟 High-altitude resort (Hautes-Alpes)
📏 1870 m Village altitude (2740 m Top altitude)
🎿 109 runs

13.8%

45.9%

32.1%

8.3%

🚠 21 ski lifts

Power moment^*: 5572 km.sk/h (Medium resort)

Average lift age: 35 years

Get directions to Risoul

When to visit

Risoul in summer

In summer, Risoul transforms into a nature base camp for mountain lovers. High-pasture walks, mountain biking on dedicated tracks, via ferrata, a bike park and forest walks: the resort focuses on outdoor activities and recharging. With its generous sunshine, pure air and open views of the Ecrins and the Queyras, it offers an ideal setting for families, sport enthusiasts and nature lovers.

🎯 Things to do in summer:

✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking

Risoul in winter

In winter, Risoul becomes a playground for all skiers thanks to its integration into the Foret Blanche ski area (185 km of runs linked to Vars). The resort impresses with its convivial atmosphere, pedestrian ski area base and ski-in ski-out residences. Well suited to families, it also offers fun zones, a well-regarded snowpark and numerous events. Snowmaking is reinforced by an efficient artificial snow network.

🎯 Things to do in winter:

✅ Alpine skiing

Skiing

Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Risoul: La Forêt Blanche (alpin).

Ski area — La Forêt Blanche

⛰️ Altitudes: 1650 m – 2740 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 180 km
💰 Day pass: 58 €

Linking the resorts of Vars and Risoul, the Foret Blanche forms a territory of 185 km of runs — one of the largest ski areas in the Southern Alps. Its evocative name comes from its exceptional setting in the heart of a magnificent and vast larch forest covering a large part of its slopes. Straddling the Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the ski area benefits from a unique combination: the generous sunshine typical of the south, combined with a dry and cold climate that preserves excellent snow quality throughout the season. Extending from 1,650 to 2,750 metres altitude, the Foret Blanche offers very varied terrain served by 34 modern ski lifts. The 109 runs are well distributed for all skier profiles: 17% green and 46% blue runs — ideal for beginners and families, with well-equipped dedicated zones. The long Grande Bleue run, for example, allows a 5 km descent. 29% red and 8% black runs — offering fine challenges for more experienced skiers. Beyond traditional alpine skiing, the ski area is renowned for its complete snowpark, offering several ability levels and a boardercross. Original activities such as Pisteur d’un jour and snowmaking factory visits at Vars allow discovery of behind-the-scenes resort operations.

Our full guide to La Forêt Blanche

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