Vars

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Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes, Vars is a dynamic ski resort offering varied experiences in every season. In winter, it charms with its vast 185km ski area, while in summer, it becomes the ideal playground for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Made up of four villages — Saint-Marcellin, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Catherine and Les Claux — Vars combines traditional charm with modern facilities.

📌 Southern French Alps – Hautes-Alpes

📏 Altitude: 1650 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 Vars

Vars is organised around four villages and high-altitude sites: Saint-Marcellin — the oldest, rich in heritage with its historic church; Sainte-Marie — the main access point to the resort, with modern ski lifts; Sainte-Catherine — a haven of tranquillity offering immersion in nature; and Les Claux — the lively heart of the resort at 1,850 metres, concentrating shops, accommodation and activities. The architecture of Vars blends traditional timber chalets with contemporary infrastructure, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere.

Our review — Vars

★★★☆☆ 3.5/5

Ski area — key figures — Vars

🌟 High-altitude resort (Hautes-Alpes)
📏 1650 m Village altitude (2740 m Top altitude)
🎿 109 runs

13.8%

45.9%

32.1%

8.3%

🚠 20 ski lifts

Power moment^*: 9439 km.sk/h (Large resort)

Average lift age: 21 years

Get directions to Vars

When to visit

Vars in summer

When snow gives way to verdant high pastures, Vars becomes a paradise for outdoor activities. Walking trails reveal breath-taking panoramas over the surrounding massifs, while mountain biking tracks, adapted to all levels, attract thrill-seekers. Families appreciate tree-top adventure courses and horse riding, offering moments of relaxation in the open air.

🎯 Things to do in summer:

✅ Road cycling • ✅ Downhill MTB • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking • ✅ Rafting • ✅ Tree climbing

Vars in winter

Vars has a first-class ski area in the Hautes-Alpes, integrated into the Foret Blanche. With 185 km of varied runs, the resort satisfies both beginners and seasoned skiers. Freestyle enthusiasts enjoy the six snowparks, while the legendary Chabreries speed course challenges the boldest. Non-skiers are also well served, with dedicated snowshoe trails and toboggan areas.

🎯 Things to do in winter:

✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Dog sledding • ✅ Snowshoeing

Skiing

Below is an overview of the ski area accessible from Vars: 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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