Travel book · Alpes du Sud

Forêt Blanche: 185km of slopes between Vars and Risoul

Updated on 5 October 2026 3 min read

In 1990, two resorts in the Hautes-Alpes decided to link their domains: Vars, situated at 1850 metres on the north-east-facing slope, and Risoul, also at 1850 metres but on the opposite aspect. The result was named Forêt Blanche. Today it is one of the largest ski domains in the Southern Alps: 185 kilometres of slopes, 36 lift systems, access between 1650 and 2750 metres altitude.

The domain’s distinctive feature: 83% of slopes lie above 2000 metres. This ensures reliable snow cover, even when valley bottoms suffer from poor conditions. It also provides vast terrain, open across scattered larch forests.

Two resorts, two characters

Vars comprises four hamlets: Vars Sainte-Marie (the historic centre, 1650m), Vars les Claux (the resort village, 1850m), Vars Sainte-Catherine (east-facing) and Vars Saint-Marcellin. Slopes depart from the threshold of the buildings. The highest sector, beneath the Chabrières peak (2750m), offers demanding descents and 360° views. Risoul, younger (built in the 1970s), offers a broader domain but less extreme, with slopes more accessible to families.

The Forêt Blanche pass grants access to all 185km. Lift passes limited to a single resort are also available; enquire with the resorts.

The Chabrières sector

Beneath the Chabrières peak (2750m), the sector’s lifts ascend to the domain’s ridges. The sector is home to the Chabrières speed ski slope, where World Cups are held. Several world records in speed skiing (the former kilometre lancé) have been set here; the Chabrières slope reaches 98% gradient at its steepest point.

Snowparks and off-piste

Risoul has its own snowpark. On the Vars side, the Vars Park comprises several snowparks, including the park des Escondus, oriented towards jib. Guided off-piste skiing (with UIAGM guides) opens numerous descents throughout the domain.

Access and logistics

From Marseille: approximately 3 hours via the A51 to La Saulce, then Embrun and Guillestre. From Lyon: 4 hours. From Turin (Italy): approximately 2.5 hours via the Montgenèvre pass. Nearest station: Montdauphin-Guillestre, 15km away, served by the overnight train from Paris and connected to the resort by shuttle.

When to visit

Late December to mid-April. The first fortnight of January and March combine fresh snow with moderate pricing. February school holidays see peak occupancy. The domain typically closes around 15 April, earlier in the event of a mild spring.