Skiing in Vars
Vars lies in the southern French Alps, in the Hautes-Alpes, and together with Risoul forms the La Forêt Blanche ski area: 260 kilometres of pistes and 101 lifts, between 1480 and 2653 metres. The resort consists of several centres, from old hamlets to the main resort of Vars les Claux on the slopes. Vars is internationally known as a cradle of speed: world records have been broken on the Chabrières speed ski track for decades. The southern climate brings plenty of sunshine; measured snow depths in recent winters stayed low at a maximum of 10 centimetres, and the pistes partly rely on snowmaking. We list 3 accommodations in Vars, with prices from 409 euros per person.
Last checked: 2026-10-26 · Sources: Open-Meteo (snow data), OpenStreetMap (lifts and pistes), partner offers refreshed daily.
Accommodations in Vars
Vars7.7La Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence Pra Sainte Marie
Vars8.2La Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence L'Albane
Vars6.7La Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence Odalys Référence Pra Sainte Marie
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence L'Ecrin de Vars
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence Arya Living Stone - voordeeltarief
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence Odalys Collection L'Ecrin de Vars - Voordeeltarief
Vars7.3La Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence L'Albane
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence Arya Living Stone
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence Eden Living Stone
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Résidence Odalys Collection L'Ecrin de Vars
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
SOWELL Family Vars - voordeeltarief
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Hôtel Ecureuil
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
Village Club du Soleil de Vars
VarsLa Forêt Blanche, Frankrijk
SOWELL Family Vars
Snow report & 7-day forecast
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The ski area from Vars
From Vars you ski La Forêt Blanche, which together with Risoul offers 260 kilometres of pistes and 101 lifts between 1480 and 2653 metres. The runs go from forested slopes by the village centres to open terrain around the ridge, where you cross over to Risoul.
The offer is broad: calm zones for beginners, plenty of intermediate descents and punchier options higher up. Unique is the Chabrières speed ski track, where the world speed skiing record was set; at certain times recreational skiers can try speed runs under supervision.
Snow reliability in Vars
Vars lies in the sunny southern Alps, and that calls for honesty: the maximum measured snow depth in recent winters was a strikingly low 10 centimetres, and no fresh snow fell in the past week. Natural snow here is more erratic than in the northern Alps.
The area compensates with altitude, up to 2653 metres, and snowmaking on the main pistes. In January and February conditions are usually fine; December and March are the most changeable months. The abundant sunshine does make ski days all the more pleasant.
The village itself
Vars consists of four centres: the authentic hamlets of Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Marcellin, and higher-lying Vars les Claux, the actual ski resort with most of the accommodation, shops and restaurants.
The atmosphere is French and relaxed: families and sporty skiers set the tone, with a modest après-ski offer in Les Claux. The older hamlets preserve the region's character, with stone houses and narrow lanes. Vars has no grand airs, and that keeps prices friendly.
Who is Vars for
Vars suits families and mixed groups seeking sunny pistes and a big area without top-end prices. Beginners and intermediates have more than enough with the local slopes and the Risoul link; speed enthusiasts find a unique attraction in the speed skiing tradition.
If you are after deep powder or buzzing nightlife, you will be less at home here. With prices from 409 euros per person, Vars is an affordable gateway to 260 kilometres of pistes, especially outside French holiday weeks.
Practical information
You reach Vars via Grenoble and Gap or via the Rhône valley, with a final climb from the Durance; the Col de Vars links the resort to the Queyras in summer. The journey is long, so an overnight stop is worth considering.
We list 3 accommodations in Vars, with prices from 409 euros per person. The French February holidays are the peak; January and early March combine quiet with generally good piste conditions. Book accommodation in Les Claux early if you want to be right on the slopes.
Vars on the map
FAQ about Vars
How much piste can you ski from Vars?
From Vars you reach the La Forêt Blanche ski area with around 260 km of marked pistes and 101 lifts.
What does a ski holiday in Vars cost?
Accommodations in Vars start from around €339 per person; Nivosola compares 14, refreshed daily.
Is there enough snow around Vars?
Yes. Recent winters in La Forêt Blanche reached a maximum snow depth of around 10 cm. December to March is the most reliable period.
How high is Vars?
The La Forêt Blanche ski area runs from 1480 to 2653 metres; the main resort of Vars les Claux sits high against the pistes. The older hamlets lie slightly lower in the valley.
What is Vars known for?
Vars is famous for the Chabrières speed ski track, where world speed skiing records are set. It is also known as a sunny, affordable family area in the southern Alps.
Is Vars suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are calm practice zones by the village centres and plenty of wide blue runs. The ski schools cater to families and the sunshine makes learning pleasant.
Which other village in this area is a good alternative?
Risoul, on the other side of the ridge, shares the same ski area and has a similar family character. It is a compact purpose-built resort with ski-in ski-out accommodation.