Together with the resort of Risoul 1850, Vars forms part of the Foret Blanche ski circuit and is one of the largest ski areas in the southern Alps. Vars has 180kms of fantastic pistes at high altitude that are bathed in sunshine most of the year. All abilities are catered for and snowboarders have an excellent snow park.

Both resorts are reasonably priced and offer a complete range of shops and services. Vars and Risoul are separated by a picturesque valley and offer magnificent views. Accommodation is diverse, with 18,000 beds in hotels, holiday centres, guesthouses and club-hotels.

Vars ski resort’s 180kms of slopes are shared with Risoul and are divided into 10 beginner runs, 20 intermediate, 23 advanced and eight expert runs, and there is also challenging off-piste for thrill-seeking snowboarders and skiers. All pistes are fed by an array of 57 lift systems and, in addition, there are 90kms of cross-country trails in the region.

Other activities and facilities at Vars ski resort include: natural ice-skating, mountaineering, paragliding, speed skiing and dog-sledding, as well as helicopter flying and a fitness centre. There are dozens of restaurants to choose from and après-ski features several bars, discos and a cinema.

The December to May season at Vars has its best snow conditions in early March and special low season rates in early December and April. The quickest travel option to Vars is to fly to Turin and hire a car, but the most practical option is to fly to Marseilles or Lyon and take a train/bus combination transfer.