Vars
15 km South of Guillestre via the D902 road
Discover the pretty village of Vars between an alpine pass and a large ski area
Ten kilometers from Guillestre and 80 kilometers from Gap, Vars is a village resort located between 1,650 and 1,850 meters above sea level on the legendary Col de Vars road (2,108 meters) connecting the Durance Valley to the Ubaye Valley.
Its four hamlets – Saint-Marcellin, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Catherine and Les Claux – each offer a different atmosphere: rural authenticity, alpine charm or lively entertainment at the foot of the slopes. Here, the light is bright, the air crisp, and the horizon opens up onto the ridges of the Eyssina and the peaks of the Parpaillon.
A natural setting among larch trees and peaks
The slopes of Vars alternate between larch forests, flower-filled mountain pastures, and rocky cliffs. In winter, powdery snow covers the slopes right up to the village gates; in summer, the meadows burst with colors and alpine scents.
The old houses, with their stone walls and shingle roofs, are a reminder of the area's pastoral history, while the chalets and wooded residences of Les Claux affirm the resort's tourist vocation.
Stroll through Vars
Start in Saint-Marcellin, the oldest hamlet, with its cobbled streets and houses clustered around the church. Continue on to Sainte-Marie to admire its slender bell tower and the view over the Durance valley.
As you climb up to Les Claux, the scenery changes: sunny terraces, sports shops, chairlift departure points and resort entertainment. In winter, you can ski straight from the resort to the 180 km of slopes in the Forêt Blanche ski area, shared with Risoul. In summer, hiking and mountain biking trails take over, leading to the Col de Vars or the high-altitude lakes.
Six kilometers to the south, the Col de Vars offers panoramic views of the Ubaye and Queyras. Along the way, the Refuge Napoléon, built in 1858, recalls the strategic role of this pass.
Iconic locations
La Forêt Blanche
180 km of slopes linked to Risoul, all levels, with freeride areas, beginners' areas and panoramic views of the Écrins and Queyras.
The Chabrières speed slope
A legendary speed skiing run with a 98% gradient and a world record speed of 254.958 km/h. Outside competition times, the slope is made safe for skiing.
Vars Park
One of Europe's best snowparks with freestyle modules, boardercross and fun areas for all ages.
Napoleon Refuge
A historic and gourmet stopover on the road to the pass, with views of the surrounding peaks.
Historic hamlets
Saint-Marcellin and Sainte-Marie, preserved and peaceful, for an immersion in rural and pastoral history.
Local life & events
In winter, Vars lives to the rhythm of ski competitions, torchlight descents and festive evenings. In January, the Outdoormix Winter Festival combines extreme sports (snowboarding, highlining, snow kayaking) and open-air concerts.
In summer, the resort becomes a base camp for hiking, trail running, downhill mountain biking, paragliding and climbing. Village festivals, craft markets and open-air concerts punctuate the season.
In terms of cuisine, you can enjoy the specialities of the Hautes-Alpes: tourtons, ravioli, farmhouse cheeses, mountain charcuterie and fragrant honeys.
What to see
Col de Vars (2,108 m).
The Val d'Escreins Nature Reserve: from Guillestre, take the D902 heading for Col de Vars.
Just before St Marcellin, take a little road on your left signposted to the reserve (car park charge).
Leisure activities
Downhill skiing : 57 ski lifts, 104 ski runs including 10 black, 37 red, 40 blue, and 17 greens.
A permanent speed-skiing stadium.
Nordic skiing: 45 km of ski runs, 20 km of Nordic routes 8 ski runs- 35 km of routes for walkers and snow shoe excursions.
Snowpark (Boarder Cross, "jump area", half Pipe), Snowmobile trips.
Hotels
Charming wooden chalet hotel, located in the heart of the resort on the slopes. Restaurant, sauna, terrace, snack bar, rooms with balconies with mountain views
Holiday rentals
Studio at the foot of the slopes with one bedroom, flat-screen cable TV and a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and microwave. You can enjoy mountain views from the terrace, which also has garden furniture. You can change in the flat's dressing room. The Studio offers a ski rental service, ski-to-door access and a ski pass sales point. You can ski in the surrounding area.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Holiday rentals.
B&Bs.
Practical information
Getting there
- By road: from Guillestre (10 km, 15 min) via the D902; from Gap (80 km, 1.5 hours) via the N94 and D902; from Barcelonnette (20 km, 30 minutes) via the Col de Vars (open from May to October).
- By train: Montdauphin-Guillestre SNCF train station, then regular shuttle bus to Vars.
Markets :
Summer market: every Tuesday morning, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Sainte-Marie (July and August).
Christmas market: in Les Claux, on the snow front, one week before Christmas, with food stalls, crafts, and entertainment.
Your questions about Vars
You have asked us several questions about Vars. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Why is Vars such a special resort?
Because it combines four charming villages, a huge ski area, Mediterranean sunshine at over 1,600 m and first-class sports facilities, from freeriding to mountain biking.
When is the best time to go skiing in Vars?
From mid-December to mid-April, with regular snowfall thanks to the altitude and northern exposure. Speed enthusiasts come in January for the Speed Skiing World Cup in Chabrières.
What is there to do in summer?
Hike to the pass or the high-altitude lakes, mountain bike down the slopes of the Forêt Blanche, go paragliding, or enjoy events such as the Vars Mountain Trail in July.
Is the market worth a visit?
Yes, in summer every Tuesday morning (8 a.m.–1 p.m.) in Sainte-Marie: local producers, farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie, honey, and crafts. The Christmas market in Les Claux is a great opportunity to discover the festive mountains.
Can Vars be combined with other visits?
Absolutely: Guillestre is 10 minutes away, Queyras and its hilltop villages are 30 minutes away, Lake Serre-Ponçon is 35 minutes away for swimming or boating, and Barcelonnette and the Ubaye Valley are 30 minutes away via the pass.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Guillestre (15km) and Mont-Dauphin (20km).