Risoul’s elevation of 1,850m explains its impressive snow record and long ski and snowboard season. Located in the south of France and away from more famous regions, Risoul ski resort offers value for money that is difficult to match. Together with Vars, Risoul forms part of France’s fourth largest ski region, the Domaine de la Foret Blanche.
Despite being a purpose-built ski resort, Risoul is tastefully designed and its stone and wooden buildings blend in well with its spectacular location. Accommodation ranges from luxury hotel to simple yet comfortable cottages and self-catering apartments. There are excellent childcare facilities, as well as modern shops with a wide range of everyday items.
Risoul has access to 180kms of pistes, consisting of 112 runs, with 60 per cent of runs suitable for beginners, 33 per cent for intermediates and seven per cent for the advanced. There are 56 lifts servicing the area, including the amazing eight-person lift allowing up to 3,000 skiers an hour.
The village sits at 1,850m with the highest lift reaching 2,750m and a vertical drop of 1,200m. Cross-country skiers can look forward to 40kms of well marked trails, while snowboarders are catered to with a great snow park featuring some fantastic hits, kickers, table-tops, a 600-metre vertical descent and a long, steep pipe.
Après-ski at Risoul is quite lively but never gets too outrageous. There is a good selection of clubs, bars and discos to head to after satiating yourself in one of the resort’s fine restaurants. Recreational alternatives to skiing and snowboarding include ice-skating, swimming, bowling, snowshoeing and skidoo.
The season begins in early December and runs through to late April, with cheap rates available throughout, particularly in January. Peak times include Christmas, the New Year, and February through April.
Marseilles is the most convenient airport at only 2.5 hours by road from the resort, and a transfer service is available. Alternatively, you can catch a TGV high-speed train direct from Paris to Valence, Aix or Grenoble, and connect by train to the station at Mont-Dauphin before taking a bus to the resort.
