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Vars Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • 66 beginners’ runs
  • Great snow parks
  • Speed skiing slope

Great for

  • Families
  • Young groups
  • Snow parks
  • Freestyling

Ski Holidays in Vars

Vars for an ice cream resort with all the sprinkles, a treat for family and group ski holidays alike. You’ll be spoilt for choice of ski things to do, with so many beginners’ runs, so many snow parks and so much fun! Experts, head to the Pic de Chabrieres piste for the resort’s speed skiing stadium, guaranteed to blow your mind!

  • Flight Time
  • 1h 45m
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Geneva, Grenoble
  • Chambery, Lyon
  • Time zone
  • GMT + 1 hour
  • Language
  • French
  • Currency
  • Euros
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Vars Stats

Top Altitude
2750m
Bottom Altitude
1650m
Resort Altitude
1850m
Total Piste
185 km
Longest Run
3.4km
Slope Orientation
N S E W
Vertical Drop
1100m
Skiable Vertical
1100m
Night Skiing
Yes
Glacier Skiing
No

Quiet reigns over this idyllic resort which is cradled in the Hautes-Alpes – the ideal destination for a relaxed holiday of high quality skiing in a through-and-through French resort.

Vars is made up of four clusters of traditional Alpine villages: the oldest village is Saint-Marcellin, Sainte-Catherine is sunny and authentic, Sainte-Marie is known as the administrative centre and finally the main town, purpose-built Les Claux has all the usual resort attractions including most of the restaurants and nightlife.

Running between traditional wood and modern buildings, the resort’s muffled and traffic-free streets offer a range of boutiques and petite supermarchés as well as cosy pubs and restaurants serving up local dishes - the perfect accompaniment to an already perfect evening.

Alongside neighbouring resort Risoul, Vars is part of La Forêt Blanche - a ski area to be enjoyed all season long with sky high altitudes above 2,000m. The area lift pass gives skiers and ‘boarders access to the 52 lifts serving multitude of downhill runs for all levels spanning 180km.

The tourist office continue to come up with new ideas to keep this resort entertaining for eager skiers and boarders and recent additions include a big air bag for a safe landing to all your tricks and turns. The cherry on top of the cake is quite possibly the speed skiing stadium found at the top of the Pic de Chabrières, smooth and ready for advanced skiers to test out their speed.

If you fancy a day off the slopes, or you’re looking for some eve time entertainment, Vars has a selection of indoor entertainment in its cinema, spas and library and multimedia centre.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Vars Transfer Times

Turin Airport170 km, 2 hours 20 min

The nearest airport to Vars is Marseille at 250 km or about 2 hours 30 minutes by car

What's the ski area like in Vars?

Vars combined with Risoul has a ski area of 185km of pistes.

Which other ski resorts are near to Vars?

The nearest ski resorts to Vars include Risoul, Les Orres, Molines en Queyras.

Ski Area Facts

LocationFrance, Alps.
Established1936
Downhill185 km
Lift Pass180€ adult 6 days

Beginner Slopes

66runs57%

Intermediate Skiing

40runs34%

Advance & Expert Terrain

10runs9%

Snowboarding Trails

185 km100%

What is Vars like for Beginner skiers?

Beginners have their pick of the mountains with sixty-six green and blue runs. The ESF base can be found at Vars les Claux, with La Mayt above giving an all-blue descent back to the village. Get to grips with the basics on runs such as the blue Heureux, which really will have debutants feeling heureux (happy) with the progress they’re making on long, gentle runs. Beginners take the TS Cesier chairlift in the Risoul domain for gliding green runs that’ll have you going back time and time again.

What is Vars like for Intermediate skiers?

At the top of the Sibières lift, more advanced skiers will find the red classified slalom Ubac to get schussing up to speed. Take the long Sibière run- ideal for intermediates- cutting West for further red runs at the Peynier. Over in the domaine of Risoul, combat the ominous Homme de Pierre (man of stone) for bends and natural lake views.

What is Vars like for Advanced skiers?

Experts can scurry down the lengthy écureuils (squirrel) black run. The most enticing point on the map for advanced skiers is without a doubt the stadium of speed skiing, where a maximum slope angle of 98 degrees creates an inhuman rush.

What is Vars like for snowboarding?

For boarders, this resort is more about the chairlifts and gondolas and less about drag lifts - music to snowboarding ears. A variety of snow parks offer a playing field for freestylers: Totem Park, Girly Park, Alfa Park with tricks arranged in the shape of letters: V-A-R-S has thought of it all! Head on down to the Zako Park for budding riders and rail slides and webcams wait to capture memories made. With moonlit freestyling offered too, Vars shows us that snow fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down.

What is Vars like for off-piste skiing?

Seek some of the finest powder in all the lands from the Pic de Chabrieres and Eyssina.

What is Vars like for cross country skiing?

The cross country in Vars has about 10km of prepared tracks, 8 in total at altitude. There are a further 20km down at resort level.

Vars Restaurants

What’s better than being sat around a fire of melted cheese with family and friends? Enjoy a communal raclette at Le Rocky Mountain, exchanging melting pans over a table spread with endless supplies of fluffy potatoes, meats and the freshest salads. Le Refuge Napoléon’s chimney side table is set and ready for couples to enjoy Savoyard dishes sheltered from the cold outside.

Where to eat in Vars and on the mountain

Le restaurant pizzeria l'Arlequin If you’re travelling in a group or with your family, your best bet for keeping everyone happy is likely to be going to a pizza restaurant. L’Arlequin is located at the base of the resort, only 200m from the gondola, so it’s a great place for people to meet midday or after a day of skiing. Open since 1989, this pizzeria serves a range of pizzas as well as pasta dishes, salads, meats and local specialities. Thanks to its late service, this is also a great place to come if you’re looking to spend an evening out enjoying Vars’ après ski. Reservations are recommended.

Vars Après Ski

Appreciate the finer things in life within station’s laidback surroundings. For a spot of music, the Escondus hotel’s piano bar plays at just the right setting for a sweet-sounding accompaniment to an evening of the venue’s infamous beer. If you’re looking for somewhere even more up tempo, Le Lem can be found in the village of Vars les Claux. Set in a chalet style club, Le Lem plays all your European dance tunes.

Bars Late Night Clubs and Cafes in Vars

L’Apres Ski This old wooden chalet is a great location if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy après ski food and drink in Vars and is one of the best places for those who like a lively après ski scene. Not only a venue for drinking, L’Apres Ski is also a creperie where you can enjoy delicious crepes throughout the day for snacks or meals.

Vars Activites for Non-skiers

Vars: an escape with family and friends from the hubbub of everyday life.Take up the challenge of a snowmobile race the next day, speeding through forest trails as you burst out onto the open pistes, mounting the snowy curbs. Soar above the mountains with Aventure Parapente’s paragliding experiences to appreciate the natural beauty of the pines and lakes of this toy village. Huddle together for a walk through the parade of shops of Vars’ central areas, as you head for a night on Vars les Claux’s ice rink. Check out their dance party nights for all the twirling and European music you can think of! For a taste of luxury away from the snow, book a helicopter ride over the valleys and indulge in the sights of the smooth morning slopes, yet to be touched. At Les Bains de Vars, leave your wellbeing in the magical hands of their staff for exfoliation, massages and body wraps that’ll have you feeling reenergised ready to attack the slopes the next day.

Mush and Co Meet at the St Marie chairlift and begin an unforgettable winter adventure with Mush and Co! A husky ride is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful Vars area with friends, family or as an individual! You will meet the huskys, learn about husky riding and anyone from the age of 12 can learn to ride the sled themselves. Mush and Co offer a range of trips for half days and full days including a sleigh ride from Vars to Risoul and back. Day trips include a lunch break so bring a picnic or enjoy a restaurant meal (not included in price). Family trips are from 45€.

Les Bains de Vars If you’ve got an aching body after a day of hard work on the slopes, fancy a more peaceful après ski activity or just want to treat yourself on your ski holiday, book some treatments at Le Bains de Vars. Le Bains de Vars is situated at the foot of the Eyssina peaks and offers a range of treatments from qualified beauticians and masseurs including hand and foot treatments, facials, massage, sports massage, hammam treatments and scrubs. All treatments at Le Bains de Vars use natural beauty products. You will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, very pampered and smelling delicious!

Adelante Rafting Adelante Rafting organise fun adventures for summer holidays around Vars. If you love the water and are travelling in a group or with family, a rafting trip can be a fun, team building and memorable experience. The rivers are well known for being beautiful, invigorating places to raft. You can also go canoeing with Adelante, on a two seat inflatable canoe which is easy to manoeuvre in the rushing water. Instructors will accompany you throughout to ensure your safety and give advice. For lots of water, fun and laughs, get in touch with Jean Michel now.

Montagne Mélézin Come and join Montagne Mélézin for a whole host of snow shoeing activities. Day walks, trips and overnight stays in an igloo, they have it all ! Unforgettable sights and a chance to experience the Alpine creatures in their most intimate of habitats. Come cycle in the mountains with Montagne Mélézin in the summertime for challenging trails through luscious meadows.

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

Vars has four commercial centres (two in la Claux) available which together offer nearly a hundred shops retailing souvenirs, clothing, photographic services, decorations, hair styling, and local 'Varsinc' products and specialties...

JoJo Sports JoJo Sports is a ski and snowboard rental shop that can be found in Sainte-Marie Village near Vars, making it the perfect place to rent your equipment if you are staying in Sainte-Marie, Saint-Marcellin or Sainte-Catherine. The store has been serving skiers and boarders in the Vars area since 1963, with a friendly, professional and expert service. You can also find a great range of ski accessories here as well as snowshoeing equipment. Book your equipment online for money saving deals.

Au Petit Marché Savoyard If you’re self catering in Vars, this food store will be great for your ski holiday meals. You can borrow fondues and raclettes from the store as well as buy the necessary cheeses, hams, sausages and other meets to enjoy with it! The range of food on offer is varied and delicious – great if you’re cooking supper in your apartment or making packed lunches for the mountains! Fondue and raclette equipment must be reserved in advance – call Patrick on 33 (0) 6 80 01 81 19.

Sherpa Discover the station’s two Sherpa supermarkets. They offer you a full range of necessities during your stay. You will also find everything you need to have a good time with the products from our mountain regions. From breakfast to mid-day snacks to dinner, you will have opportunities to discover mountain honey, milk jam, French style sweet breads and buns, tender cold meats, flavoured sausages, creamy or fruity cheeses, mountain specialities like raclette or fondue to share with family or friends, yoghurts on a bed of fruit, the smoothness of chestnuts, absinthe and the sweetness of milk chocolate. Vars Centre: $vars.centre@sherpa.net$, + 33 4 92 46 65 70, Residence Ski Soleil – 05560 VARS Vars Fournet: $vars.fournet@sherpa.net$, + 33 4 92 46 62 97, Le Fournet – 05560 VARS

Vars Package Ski Holidays

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Best Time to Visit Vars

Hit the snow kissed slopes of Vars right through the ski season. In the months of winter, South facing Peynier mountain is kept a little warmer, whilst retaining its coat of snow as its peak stands at 2273m. The les Claux mountains catch the sun later on during the Springtime season with its Northern orientation. And with top peaks of 2750m and snow canons labouring to keep the snow at Vars until mid-April, this resort is snow sure throughout the ski season calendar. Find heart-warming Alpine activities here at winter, and ample rider and speed competitions come Easter time, guaranteeing a fun-filled trip for your Vars visit.

What's Vars like at Christmas?

Spend a festive evening wrapped in tinsel skiing in the moonlight at Christmas in Vars. Wander through the shining streets of the villages as you sip on a steaming cup of chocolat chaud, destination Father Christmas and his sleigh!
Christmas Ski Holidays

What's Vars like in the New Year?

Watch the fireworks from the shelter of an igloo this New Year in Vars. With dinner dances and festive meals, there’s no place you’d rather be celebrating!
New Year Ski Holidays

What's Vars like in Half-Term?

There’s something for everyone this February half-term in Vars. Children young and old alike have a whale of a time with instructors and in the resort’s snow parks.
Half Term Ski Holidays

What's Vars like at Easter?

Feel like a winner this Easter in Vars at 2000 snowy metres high! Compete for prizes to be named the best rider and take part in speed skiing challenges.

Vars Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Vars snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Vars snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Vars snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Light snow showers Today
  • Light snow Sunday
  • Light snow showers Monday
  • Moderate snow Tuesday
  • Moderate snow Wednesday
  • Patchy moderate snow Thursday
  • Current snow depth at top
    144 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    45 cm

Ski Accommodation in Vars

We have 130 ski holidays in Vars. Search all Vars ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:

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Vars’ ski resort has been designed with children and parents in mind. Family deals on lift passes can usually be found throughout the season, so a family ski trip doesn’t have to be as expensive as you first thought. Our apartments keep in this budget margin, housing more people for less, with kitchenettes allowing for giant dinners without the giant prices.

If your kids love nothing better than a buffet breakfast of a morning, how about staying in a hotel for grandiose breakfast, lunch and dinner feasts where you can really relax without a workload? Ask us about hotels with childcare services if this is part of your criteria.

Holidays with flights and transfers are great for kids who a little young for long distance journeys, while self drive means you have the scenic route option and the chance to stop off overnight on the way. If you’re travelling with other families from different parts of the country, our accommodation only holidays may be more convenient. Ask us today for the best prices!

Shoot down the slopes together after the lifts have been closed for the day as you have a great time pushing each other along on sledges. A varied terrain of runs means the whole family can hit the slopes this winter, no matter what their level may be. The ESF and Ecole de Ski Vars show little ones the ropes on the slopes for the moments when older children and parents fancy seeing what the resort’s choice of snow parks and off piste have to offer. Regroup at lunchtime in the Ludi Park for climbing fun on the 9m inflatable mountain, built for all the gang!

Vars is great for groups of varied abilities who are all about the skiing and snow activities rather than the night life.

Apartments are great for groups on a budget or groups who want to host their own party to celebrate a special occasion. Not forgetting the all-important issue of food, with apartment kitchenettes providing the ideal solution to cooking economically for many hungry mouths. If you have too many mouths to feed, stay in a hotel with either B & B, half board or full board and let helpful hotel staff take the load off your shoulders. Friends can fly or drive together with Sno- and if you’re all coming from different parts of the country, maybe an accommodation-only holiday is worth looking into? Ask us for all the best options for your ideal ski vacation today!

Beginner areas and 66 blue and green slopes can be found in the ski area covering Vars and Risoul, providing first time skiers and boarders with the confidence to progress in a safe environment.

Intermediate skiers are like fireflies to the night with 40 red runs and collection of snow park tricks running the lengths of the Forêt Blanche. Any advanced members of your group are sure to be found in the speed skiing stadium: catch them if you can! Get the group together for a friendly snowmobile race: who will be named the fastest of you all?

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I snowboarded in Vars (linked with Risoul) during the first week of the Easter holidays in 2009. The resort height (marketed as snow-sure) and decent price provided the initial lure, but we were so pleasantly surprised by the quietness on the slopes, the lovely little off-piste finds and the quality of the slop... + more
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Vars

Maximum and minimum adult Vars lift pass prices ranged from €200 to €200 for 6 days access to the Vars ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Vars holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price €32 - €32 €40 - €40 €38 - €38
6 Day Price €160 - €160 €200 - €200 €190 - €190
Age Range 5 - 11 12 - 64 65+
Vars Packages + Extras

Getting to Vars

Most of our ski holidays to Vars packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Vars from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Vars from the UK?

Flights from London take about 1h 45m to Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery, Lyon. This table shows approximate transfer times to Vars from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Marseille 250 km 2 hours 30 minutes
Grenoble 160 km 2 hours 30 minutes
Salzburg 90 km ?
Packages with Plane Train or Car

How long does it take to drive to Vars from the UK?

Browse our self-drive ski holidays which include your car channel crossing, or go choose accom-only and book your car ferry or tunnel later.

Self-Drive Ski Holidays
↑ INCL CAR ↑↓ WITHOUT ↓
Accommodation-Only

How long is the transfer from nearest France train station to Vars?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Vars transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
Montdauphin - Guillestre 15 km 15 minutes
Ski Train Holidays

Vars Maps

Vars piste map
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Regional map
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Street Map Les Claux
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Going to Vars under your own steam

For independant travel to France, compare accommodation only with Vars self-drive packages which include Eurotunnel or ferry.

Accomm-Only & Self-Drive

See driving directions to and from Vars in France.

Enter your start location and click "Get Directions" to view the route:

More Vars Information

Vars Tourism Office The Vars Tourism Office is based at two locations, one being at Les Claux and Sainte Marie throughout the winter season. Vars is a great secret ski resort, being a neighbour of Risoul. Vars is internationally known for its impressive freeride terrain and its purpose-built speed-skiing piste. It also offers extensive and fun intermediate terrain for all abilities. Surprisingly there are long cruising runs in Vars, including some fine, currently under-appreciated tree-lined descents on the opposite side of the valley. The 2750m Pic de Chabrières is accessible only by drag-lift, but rewards the effort with astonishing views and some fantastic descents, including a bracing drop over into Risoul. If you are in need of anymore information about the ski runs and last minute holiday documentation - please visit the tourism office. The two tourism offices are open at different times at the season Les Claux is open outside school periods from : Monday - Friday 09:00 - 12:30 and again at 13:30 - 18:30 Weekends and school vacation: Everyday 09:00 - 18:30 Sainte Marie Open every Wednesday and Saturday during winter season 09:00 - 12:00 and again at 14:00 - 18:00 Some of the Services: - Brochures - Shuttles - Ski Maps - Guides and practical experience guides - pedestrian guides - village maps

Centre médical de Vars la Forêt blanche This medical center is open during the winter months.

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Vars Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Vars ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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Similar Ski Resorts to Vars in France

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Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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