Vars is a traditional French mountain village in the Southern Alps, sitting at the heart of the La Forêt Blanche ski area. The area spans around 260 km of pistes served by approximately 101 lifts, making it one of the larger ski domains in the southern French Alps. On Nivosola you will find 3 accommodation options in Vars starting from EUR 409 per person, giving you a solid base to explore everything the area offers.
Accommodations in Vars
The Village of Vars
Vars has a genuine Alpine character, built across several linked hamlets at altitude in the Hautes-Alpes department. It retains a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere compared to some of the more commercialised French resorts, with local restaurants, small shops, and a community feel that appeals to visitors who want mountain life without excessive crowds.
The village is well set up for a ski holiday, with ski hire, ski schools, and services conveniently placed for guests. Staying in Vars means you are in the mountains rather than simply near them, which makes early morning first-lift runs straightforward and evenings on foot easy.
Skiing from Vars: Access to La Forêt Blanche
Vars connects directly into the La Forêt Blanche ski area, which it shares with the neighbouring resort of Risoul. Together they account for around 260 km of marked runs and roughly 101 lifts, giving skiers and snowboarders a genuinely large circuit to work through across a week-long stay.
The terrain covers a wide range of difficulty levels, and the linked nature of the two resorts means you can ski across to Risoul and back in a single day. This interconnected layout is one of the main practical advantages of basing yourself in Vars rather than a smaller, standalone resort.
Who Vars Suits Best
Families will find Vars a comfortable choice. The village atmosphere is low-key, ski school provision is established, and the broader La Forêt Blanche area includes plenty of gentle and intermediate runs to build confidence. The scale of the domain means beginners are not stuck on a single nursery slope all week.
Intermediate and advanced skiers benefit from the full 260 km circuit, with more challenging terrain available across the linked area. Vars is less of a party destination and more of a solid, practical ski base, which suits couples, families, and groups who are there primarily to ski rather than to socialise late into the night.
Snow and the Best Time to Go
Vars sits in the Southern Alps, a region known for high sunshine hours and a generally dry mountain climate. The altitude helps protect snow conditions, particularly from January through to late March when the snowpack is typically at its most reliable.
Current snow data on Nivosola shows a recent maximum snow depth of around 3 cm, which reflects either an early-season or late-season period or a low-snow spell. Always check live snow reports before booking if conditions are a key factor for your trip. Mid-January to mid-March is historically the most dependable window for good cover across the La Forêt Blanche area.
Getting There and Practical Tips
The nearest major airports are Grenoble, Lyon, and Turin, all of which are typically within two to three hours by road. Grenoble is a common choice for UK travellers flying via budget carriers. The village is accessible by car via the N94 corridor through the Hautes-Alpes, and road access is generally good, though winter tyres or chains are advisable as a standard precaution.
When booking through Nivosola, Vars currently offers 3 accommodation options from EUR 409 per person. It is worth comparing board basis and proximity to the main lifts when choosing between them. Booking ski hire in advance online is usually cheaper than walk-in prices in resort, and the La Forêt Blanche ski pass covers the full 260 km circuit including both Vars and Risoul.
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 €409 per person; Nivosola compares 3, 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.
Is Vars suitable for beginner skiers?
Yes. The La Forêt Blanche area served by Vars includes beginner and gentle intermediate terrain, and there are ski schools operating in the village. The large scale of the domain means beginners have room to progress without feeling restricted to a single slope.
How many accommodation options are available in Vars on Nivosola?
Nivosola currently lists 3 accommodation options in Vars, with prices starting from EUR 409 per person. It is worth checking each listing for included services and location relative to the lifts.
What is the skiing like across the full La Forêt Blanche area?
La Forêt Blanche covers around 260 km of pistes with approximately 101 lifts, linking Vars with the neighbouring resort of Risoul. This gives skiers of all levels a large, varied circuit to explore, with the two resorts skiable on a single area pass.