Summary

Were they nearer Geneva, Vars and its linked neighbour Risoul would be better known internationally; as it is, they retain a very French atmosphere (though with a strong eastern European presence at times). Vars includes several small, old villages near the approach road but the main base is the largely purpose-built Vars-les-Claux at the end. The slopes of the shared Forêt Blanche area are, as the name implies, attractively wooded; but they aren’t hugely extensive. We visited a few seasons ago for a couple of days and loved it; a week might be too much for a keen skier or boarder though. The shared lift system is one of the most antiquated in the Alps – hence the * for fast lifts. They leave over 20 runs (marked on the piste map) ungroomed if there’s fresh snow – a great idea that other resorts should copy.