Risoul is a commune in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. It is located in the French Alps between the towns of Briançon and Gap. Vars and Risoul ski areas union offers an extensive 185 km ski area with 112 slopes and 38 lifts.
Risoul ski resort
It partners with neighbour Vars to form the Forêt Blanche ski domain, located between the Queyras and Écrins national parks. It is sometimes called Risoul 1850 because it is 1850m above sea level. La Foret Blanche is one of the biggest ski areas in Southern France, with Vars being larger than Risoul. Although they are both purpose built resorts, there are still traditional chalets rubbing shoulders with modern apartments and trees have been retained to keep the area looking attractive.
La Forêt Blanche ski area
Beginners will enjoy the gentle tree lined slopes at both Risoul and Vars. A children's area has been created, which is safely to one side of the main slopes, and has easy access via a moving carpet lift to its gentle slopes. Intermediate skiers have a good choice of challenging reds with tree lined runs leading them back to the resort. Advanced skiers also face some challenging black runs as well as some testing mogul fields. Experts have ten black runs to tick off the list, including the Epervier and Gentiane pistes (get to them via Peyrefolle) where bumps and powder are allowed to build up. Towards Vars, Coni from the top of the ski area is a must-ski, where the views are incredible.
There are also some adrenalin pumping off piste areas within a wooded area as well as on some of the higher peaks. Freeride fans will enjoy the terrain around L'Eyssina.
Risoul snowpark
Risoul were one of the first resorts to introduce snowparks and have one of the best parks in France.
The area of "La Forêt Blanche" presents itself as a real fun park paradise and offers a total of eight different snow parks, seven in Vars and one located in Risoul. Snowpark is one of the largest and most impressive snow parks in Europe and it was used as the official training hotspot for the Olympic Games. Besides the standard rails and kickers there is also a 150 m long, and a slightly smaller half-pipe available, and the park is also host to regular BigAir and other contests, like the European Freestyle Snowboard Cup.
Risoul village
Risoul ski resort is situated at 1850 m altitude, the chalets and buildings are built from wood and stone, giving the appearance that the mountain village has been there forever. Most accommodation is a stone's throw from the slopes so is very convenient and family-friendly.
Away from the slopes there's not a huge amount to do, but there's a decent number of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained in the evening. La Licorne and La Cherine are popular bars. There are also two discotheques at Le Morgan's club and Le Cham rock. There are almost a 100 shops in Risoul ranging from up market boutiques, jewellery shops and perfumeries to small specialist shops selling arts, crafts and souvenirs.
Risoul ski resort