Sitting at 1,850m in the Hautes-Alpes department of the French Alps, Vars is a resort built around four traditional mountain hamlets - Saint Marcellin, Sainte Catherine, Les Claux, and Sainte Marie - strung along the Route des Grandes Alpes. It's a place with real character: southern sunshine flooding the slopes, larch forests lining the valleys, and views stretching across the Écrins, Ubaye, and Queyras massifs. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a distinctly French feel that sets it apart from the bigger-name resorts further north.

Vars links with neighbouring Risoul to form the La Forêt Blanche ski area - one of the largest in the Southern Alps, with 185km of pistes between 1,650m and 2,750m. That altitude means reliable snow from mid-December through to mid-April, backed up by extensive snowmaking. The terrain suits a broad range of abilities, with long cruising blues, satisfying reds, and enough off-piste to keep experienced skiers busy. Vars is also home to the world's fastest speed skiing piste at Chabrières, where the current world record stands at over 255km/h - a detail that hints at the resort's adventurous spirit.

Away from the slopes, Vars keeps things enjoyably low-key. You'll find a good spread of mountain restaurants, cosy bars, and local shops in Les Claux, while the older hamlets like Sainte Marie bring a quieter, more traditional feel. Families are well catered for with dedicated kids' areas and activities, and the resort has invested in a range of non-ski experiences - from dog sledding and snowshoeing to an ice rink and the Caribou mountain coaster. It's a resort that rewards visitors looking for generous skiing, southern warmth, and a pace that doesn't feel rushed. Check out Vars ski deals to start planning your trip.