Vars

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.