Vars ski resort

Vars is a ski resort located in France, on the road between Briançon and Gap, just before the Serre-Ponçon lake. Follow the directions for Risoul - Guillestre and you will find your way there.

The slopes are very nice here, with an amazing view over the huge Serre-Ponçon lake and the surrounding mountains. A dedicated off-piste zone and a flying start kilometer slope are located right in the central area of the resort. 

During the winter season (from the end of November till mid-April) you can spectate at several ski and snowboard competitions, including the freeride world tour. Also, you can join several parties with live music and the special “Full Moon” openings that will let you ski or snowboard with the only illumination coming from the moonlight.

The main reason that makes Vars such a popular destination is its infamous Snowpark, which consists of five different zones. The main park (Eyssina) is situated on the left side of the main j-bar and is characterized by 3 different jump lines: S (3-5 meter jumps), M (7-10 meters jumps), L & XL (10-18 meters jumps). On the right side of that same j-bar is the rails and boxes park, with some very nice features like a huge pole jam and a big bonker ball. Then there’s the other zones: the beginner’s park with the easiest features is right at the top of the main gondola, the pro rails park at the very bottom of the slopes (follow the directions for the sibieres V14 chairlift,) and the wood (yes it’s all made of wood!) park at the top of this same chairlift. 

In the end, why would I recommend this resort? Because you can ski with your family, go for an off-piste ride in a safe area, try the flying start kilometer slope or, as I do every time I go there, try new tricks on the jump line, hit that huge pole jam in the rail park and, while you’re driving back home, stop for a beer at the top of the valley viewpoint!