The resort
Risoul is, we think, delightful. We have had our apartment here for thirty years, and have never tired of it. Even though the ski area is a large one (185 kms), the resort itself retains its intimacy, and even the larger apartment blocks are attractive and wood-clad.
The views of the Ecrins to the north, and from the top of the pistes over to the Grand Parpaillon to the south, are quite magnificent. And though the ski area rises from 1850 to 2750 metres, much of it is below the tree-line, allowing for beautiful tracks through larch forest. In summer, the slopes become alive with Alpine flowers.
The views of the Ecrins to the north, and from the top of the pistes over to the Grand Parpaillon to the south, are quite magnificent. And though the ski area rises from 1850 to 2750 metres, much of it is below the tree-line, allowing for beautiful tracks through larch forest. In summer, the slopes become alive with Alpine flowers.
In winter
The ski area links the two resorts of Risoul and Vars, and the ski pass covers both areas. The north-facing slopes of Risoul retain good snow cover till late in the season; and almost all the pistes lead directly back to the attractive "front de neige" with its many bars and restaurants, so it is virtually impossible to get lost. The mainly south-facing slopes of Vars are gentle, and perfect for intermediate skiers wanting to soak up the morning sun.
The resort is ideal for intermediate skiers, but there also also some very challenging runs for the more advanced, as well as vast off-piste areas, both above and below the tree-line. Beginners and young children have their own "jardin", with mini tow-lifts, which can be accessed from the front without the need for a lift pass.
The resort is ideal for intermediate skiers, but there also also some very challenging runs for the more advanced, as well as vast off-piste areas, both above and below the tree-line. Beginners and young children have their own "jardin", with mini tow-lifts, which can be accessed from the front without the need for a lift pass.
In summer
Risoul is beautiful in the summer months, You can walk for hours in the shady larch forests, or across open slopes covered in Alpine flowers. The ski lifts open on selected days, if you don't fancy climbing your way to the top!
The resort itself has a huge variety of entertainment and activities for all ages, especially for families with young children. There is an open-air swimming pool, horse riding, go-carting, and much much more. Down in the valley, half an hour's drive away, you can go wild-water rafting or kayaking on the Durance, wind-surfing on the Lac de Serre Ponçon (the largest man-made lake in Europe), or just swim and sunbathe on the many smaller lakes and rivers in the region.
The French National Parks of the Ecrins and the Queyras, with their historic villages, are an easy drive away; as are the old and picturesque towns of Briançon, Embrun, Sisteron, and many others.
The resort itself has a huge variety of entertainment and activities for all ages, especially for families with young children. There is an open-air swimming pool, horse riding, go-carting, and much much more. Down in the valley, half an hour's drive away, you can go wild-water rafting or kayaking on the Durance, wind-surfing on the Lac de Serre Ponçon (the largest man-made lake in Europe), or just swim and sunbathe on the many smaller lakes and rivers in the region.
The French National Parks of the Ecrins and the Queyras, with their historic villages, are an easy drive away; as are the old and picturesque towns of Briançon, Embrun, Sisteron, and many others.