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Snow-sure resort
Stunning views
Off-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesRisoul is a purpose-built resort with a pleasantly old-fashioned feel, reliable snow, and excellent terrain. Set in the southern French Alps (Hautes-Alpes) at 1,850m, the village sits within the Forêt Blanche ski area, sharing 185km of pistes with neighbouring Vars. The resort appeals to families and intermediates who want good-value skiing, reliable sunshine, and a relaxed atmosphere, with a season typically running mid-December through early April.
The skiing spans 42 runs locally, expanding to over 100 across the linked area, with long, tree-lined runs threading through the larch forests that give Forêt Blanche its name. Terrain stretches up to 2,750m, served by modern lifts including a gondola and high-speed chairs, plus a snow park for freestylers. South-facing slopes mean the resort benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest ski destinations in the Alps.
Beyond the slopes, Risoul offers the friendly, unpretentious atmosphere that characterises the southern French Alps. Compact and built to a human scale, the resort has wooden chalets and traffic-free streets. A handful of bars and restaurants, a village centre you can walk across in minutes, and prices that won't make you wince. The family-friendly focus creates a welcoming environment without any fuss.
Beyond skiing, check out Risoul ski deals to start planning your trip.
Risoul is a purpose-built resort with a pleasantly old-fashioned feel, reliable snow, and excellent terrain. Set in the southern French Alps (Hautes-Alpes) at 1,850m, the village sits within the Forêt Blanche ski area, sharing 185km of pistes with neighbouring Vars. The resort appeals to families and intermediates who want good-value skiing, reliable sunshine, and a relaxed atmosphere, with a season typically running mid-December through early April.
The skiing spans 42 runs locally, expanding to over 100 across the linked area, with long, tree-lined runs threading through the larch forests that give Forêt Blanche its name. Terrain stretches up to 2,750m, served by modern lifts including a gondola and high-speed chairs, plus a snow park for freestylers. South-facing slopes mean the resort benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest ski destinations in the Alps.
Beyond the slopes, Risoul offers the friendly, unpretentious atmosphere that characterises the southern French Alps. Compact and built to a human scale, the resort has wooden chalets and traffic-free streets. A handful of bars and restaurants, a village centre you can walk across in minutes, and prices that won't make you wince. The family-friendly focus creates a welcoming environment without any fuss.
Beyond skiing, check out Risoul ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding in Risoul feels unhurried and spacious. You'll find wide, confidence-building runs, quiet pistes even in peak weeks, and views across to the Écrins National Park that make lunch stops feel earned.
Risoul's terrain suits those still building skills more than those chasing steeps, but the link to Vars doubles your options when you want to explore. The local slopes flow well between sectors, tree-lined runs provide shelter and atmosphere, and the sunny position means pleasant conditions even when northern resorts are gloomy.
Risoul works well for beginners, with a friendly atmosphere, dedicated learning areas, and gentle progression terrain. The zone at the top of the gondola gives you space to find your feet, and the gradient means you can focus on technique rather than speed control.
Green runs across the resort provide natural progression, and once you're ready, easy blues cruise down through the trees with plenty of room for error. Pistes are well-groomed and rarely icy, and the resort's sunny aspect means pleasant learning conditions throughout the day.
WeSki insider tip: The nursery slopes at Pré du Bois are quieter than the main beginner area and catch the morning sun - a good option if the gondola area feels busy.
Intermediates have the run of the place and will find Risoul truly rewarding. Blues and reds offer long, sweeping descents through larch forests, with enough variety to keep a week interesting. The Razis sector delivers some of the best cruising, with wide, rolling pistes that let you build rhythm and clock up kilometres.
When you're ready to push yourself, head over to Vars via the Crévoux link for a change of scenery. The terrain flows well between sectors, and the lift system keeps things moving efficiently. Reds on the Vars side tend to be a touch steeper, and you can ski all the way down to Sainte-Marie-de-Vars for a satisfying long descent. The 900m vertical drop means proper leg-burning runs rather than short pitches.
WeSki insider tip: The run from Pic de Chabrières (2,750m) back to Risoul is one of the longest in the area. Start early before the afternoon sun softens the snow too much.
Advanced skiers will find enough to stay entertained, though this isn't a resort to choose for steeps alone. The local reds and blacks include the Olympique, which hosts race training and offers a proper challenge when conditions are firm. The Vars connection adds more, with the Casse Déserte sector delivering the most sustained pitch in the Forêt Blanche domain.
For experts, the interest lies in off-piste rather than marked runs. The tree skiing holds fresh snow after storms, and the less-travelled nature of the resort means tracks don't get skied out as quickly. North-facing aspects above Vars hold powder longer, and there are accessible couloirs off the Pic de Chabrières ridge for those comfortable navigating without a groomed path. Risoul's expert-rated runs suit strong skiers looking for moguls and variable terrain rather than extreme gradients.
Risoul's mellow terrain and tree runs make it a decent choice for progressing boarders. The snow park features rails, boxes, and kickers suited to intermediate riders, while wide pistes give you room to carve without dodging crowds. Most lifts are chairs or the gondola, so you'll avoid the dreaded drag-lift shuffle, and the sunny aspect means softer snow for learning.
Risoul isn't primarily a freeride destination, but opportunities exist for experienced skiers. The larch forests provide excellent tree skiing, with well-spaced trees allowing lines through the woods. Terrain beyond the marked pistes holds snow well after a dump, and north-facing shots above Vars offer longer powder windows. For anything more serious, hire a guide - the terrain around Casse Déserte and towards the Écrins opens up once you know where to look.
The ESF (École du Ski Français) operates in Risoul with group and private lessons for all levels. English-speaking instructors are available, though worth requesting when booking to ensure availability. Several independent schools also offer lessons with smaller group sizes, and specialist options include off-piste guiding and technique clinics.
Children's programmes feature engaging teaching approaches, and the friendly atmosphere suits families learning together. Lessons for children typically meet at the main beginner area, with progression through the ESF's Piou-Piou and Ourson medal system.
Risoul's terrain park sits in the Melezet sector and caters to intermediate and advancing freestylers. You'll find a progression of jumps from small to medium, plus rail lines and boxes. It's not a destination park, but it's well-maintained and rarely crowded making it great for building skills without queuing for features.
Risoul has earned a strong reputation as a family destination, and the traffic-free village centre shows why. Children can walk safely between ski school, accommodation, and restaurants, and the compact layout means no trudging in ski boots. The gentle terrain gives younger skiers room to progress at their own pace, while the southern sunshine keeps everyone in good spirits.
Young children benefit from dedicated beginner areas and engaging ski school programmes. Older children and teenagers have plenty to keep them busy, too. Teenagers will find Risoul's terrain interesting as they progress, and the snow park is accessible for practicing freestyle. It's the kind of resort where teens can have some freedom without parents worrying.
Activities like the toboggan run provide a highlight for all ages, and the village is safe enough for older kids to explore independently. Dining is easy for families here, and the evening atmosphere relaxed, with arcade games and pizzerias rather than loud nightclubs. Restaurants welcome children warmly, portions are generous, and nobody fusses about early sittings or noise.
Risoul may be compact, but it offers more than enough to keep rest days interesting. The resort's sunny position, forested surroundings, and relaxed pace make it easy to slow down and enjoy the mountains without skis on your feet.
Beyond downhill skiing, Risoul offers a varied selection of winter activities that make the most of the surrounding Forêt Blanche landscape. There's plenty to enjoy when you want a change of pace from the pistes.
When you need a break from skiing or simply want a slower-paced day, Risoul offers enough off-slope activities to keep things enjoyable without feeling busy or forced. The village setting, mountain views, and access to nearby historic towns make rest days feel like part of the holiday rather than downtime.
Dining in Risoul is refreshingly unpretentious and good value. Expect generous portions, classic Savoyard comfort food, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere both in the village and on the mountain. Here are some restaurant recommendations to try out:
WeSki insider tip: Try tartiflette made with Reblochon cheese - it's the local favourite in Risoul, rich, warming, and exactly what you want after a cold day on the mountain.
Après-ski in Risoul is sociable, sunny, and refreshingly unpretentious. This is a resort where the day winds down over terrace drinks like vin chaud and cold beers - and good conversation is the main attraction. As the lifts close, skiers drift into the village bars, creating a friendly mix of families, couples, and groups easing out of ski boots and into evening mode.
A small but lively selection of bars keeps the atmosphere going into the night, where you can expect karaoke nights, live music, and relaxed dancing. It's the kind of après where you quickly recognise familiar faces and settle into a comfortable rhythm by mid-week. Risoul isn't about excess, but enjoying the day you've just had on the mountain. Après spots at Risoul worth visiting include:
Accommodation in Risoul consists mainly of purpose-built residences and apart-hotels, with some traditional hotels. Chalets are relatively rare here compared to the Austrian Alps, but a few standalone options exist for groups wanting more privacy.
The village is compact and ski-in/ski-out from most properties, with standards generally good and prices well below northern Alpine equivalents. Your main choice is between Risoul 1850 (the main village, closest to nightlife and restaurants) or the slightly higher properties with more direct slope access.
The Forêt Blanche lift pass covers both Risoul and Vars, with 36 lifts accessing 185km of pistes. The pass includes all connections between the two resorts, so you can explore the full area freely.
When booking on WeSki, you can add ski passes to your Risoul ski holiday package and have everything sorted before you arrive.
Several equipment hire shops operate in Risoul, with equipment ranging from basic beginner packages to high-performance demo skis. Booking in advance typically saves on walk-in prices and guarantees your sizes are available. Most shops sit in the village centre, within easy walking distance of the main lifts.
For a hassle-free collection, look for shops offering ski-to-boot fitting on the first morning and overnight storage throughout your stay. Boot comfort matters more than anything else, so don't settle for boots that pinch.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Risoul, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Risoul ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Risoul is small enough to walk everywhere. The main village stretches maybe 500 metres from end to end, and even outlying residences rarely sit more than a 10-minute walk from the gondola. The traffic-free centre makes getting around in ski boots straightforward.
A shuttle bus connects the village with the Vars side of the ski area, which is useful if you want to start your day from there without skiing over. Evening transport is limited, but with everything so close, you're unlikely to need a taxi unless you're heading further afield. The link to Vars by ski is the main way most people explore the full Forêt Blanche area.
The nearest airports to Risoul are Turin (~158km), Grenoble (~200km), and Lyon (~256km). Turin offers the shortest transfer, and Grenoble is a good balance of convenience and availability. Geneva is also feasible at around 250km, with the widest choice of flights.
By train, the closest station is Montdauphin-Guillestre on the scenic SNCF line through the Alps. From there, it's a 20km bus or taxi ride up to the resort. Driving from Calais takes around 10 hours via Lyon.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Risoul. Add them to your Risoul ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Yes, Risoul is excellent for beginners. Green runs provide gentle learning terrain, the sunny aspect means pleasant conditions, and the ski schools offer quality instruction. The value pricing means you can afford more lessons than at premium resorts. The tree-lined runs add visual interest, and the friendly atmosphere helps first-timers relax into learning.
Risoul is one of the more affordable resorts in the French Alps. Accommodation, lift passes, and on-mountain dining all come in noticeably cheaper than the big-name resorts like Courchevel or Val d'Isère. The trade-off is a smaller ski area and less glitzy nightlife - but for families and intermediates focused on the skiing rather than the scene, that's often a fair exchange.
Risoul benefits from its position in the southern Alps, receiving over 300 days of sunshine per year. While this means less natural snowfall than northern resorts, the altitude (1,850m to 2,750m) helps maintain snow cover throughout the season. The resort invests in snowmaking across key runs, and the north-facing slopes on the Vars side hold snow well.
Risoul is ideal for intermediates. The majority of runs are graded blue or red, offering long, sweeping descents through larch forests with enough variety to keep a week interesting. The Razis sector is particularly well-suited to building confidence on reds, and the link to Vars doubles your options when you want a change of scenery.
Risoul remains relatively quiet even during French school holidays, which is one of its main appeals. The resort doesn't attract the same crowds as the mega-resorts, so lift queues are rarely longer than a few minutes. The village atmosphere stays relaxed throughout the season, but weekend day-trippers from the local area can add to numbers on Saturdays and Sundays.
Yes, Risoul and Vars are linked by lift and piste, forming the Forêt Blanche ski area with 185km of combined terrain. The connection at Col de Crévoux is straightforward - you can ski between the two resorts without removing your skis. A standard Forêt Blanche lift pass covers both areas.
Risoul is excellent for families. The gentle terrain suits children learning to ski, the ski schools offer quality children's programmes, and the value pricing means the budget stretches further. The compact resort is safe and manageable, activities beyond skiing keep children entertained, and the friendly atmosphere welcomes families warmly.
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