Travel to Risoul with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Ski resorts in Risoul

At an altitude of 1,850m, Risoul resort is known for its excellent snow record and stunning tree-lined views amid sunny surroundings. Stone-clad and wooden cottages nestle among the larch forests in this joyful and animated resort. Risoul is connected to the resort of Vars, making this the fourth-largest ski area in France.

Relatively new on the scene, Risoul opened up in 1977 and is most popular with beginners and second-timers. It has a compact feel and, although the après-ski and non-ski activities are limited compared to the size of the ski area, this is a charming place for novices to learn.

A total of 18,000 beds are available at this ever popular resort, with accommodation ranging from cottages through to rented apartments and hotels. A moderate selection of lively bars and discos with a good range of restaurants caters for all tastes and budgets, from traditional French cuisine to fast food.

There are 112 runs accessible from this resort, adding up to a total of 180kms of pistes with the longest of these being eight kilometres. The runs are serviced by 56 lifts, including the amazing eight-person lift allowing up to 3,000 skiers an hour. The village sits at 1,850m, with the highest lift reaching 2,750m.

There are slopes suitable for all levels, with emphasis on beginners. Snowboarders get some great terrain plus some well thought out bumps and pipes, while cross-country trails cover 40kms.

Risoul partners the resort of Vars to form the Domaine de la Foret Blanche, the fourth-largest ski area in France, with a total of 180kms of pistes. The resorts are connected at a high point, giving a snow-sure link to this vast area.

The season runs from early December to late April, with a range of different rates throughout, depending on exact dates. The resort is 2 hours, 30 minutes from Marseilles International Airport, from where one can hire a car or get a transfer to the resort.

Skiing in Risoul

Risoul is part of the Domaine de la Foret Blanche, the fourth-largest ski area in France. It is set among some stunning tree-lined views and boasts a fantastic array of slopes and facilities for the beginner.

Risoul has access to 180kms of pistes, consisting of 112 runs, with 60 per cent of runs suitable for beginners, 33 per cent for intermediates and seven per cent for the advanced. There are 56 lifts servicing the area, including the amazing eight-person lift allowing up to 3,000 skiers an hour. The village sits at 1,850m, with the highest lift reaching 2,750m and a vertical drop of 1,200m.

There are 40kms of cross-country skiing in the area with some great off-piste and forest trails. Snowboarders can take advantage of a great snow park with some fantastic hits, kickers, table-tops, a 600-metre vertical descent and a long, steep pipe.

The season begins in early December and runs through to late April. There is good snowfall throughout the season, and rates vary depending on what dates you choose to visit.

Marseilles is the most convenient airport at only 2 hours, 30 minutes by road from the resort, and a transfer service is available. Alternatively, you can catch a TGV high-speed train direct from Paris to Valence, Aix or Grenoble, and connect by train to the station at Mont-Dauphin before taking a bus to the resort.

Apres-ski in Risoul

The resort of Risoul offers a quaint atmosphere with a small selection of intimate bars and restaurants. There are a couple of clubs in the village for the livelier skier, but the emphasis at this resort is on relaxation. There are some alternative activities available such as ice-skating, swimming, bowling, snowshoeing and skidoo, as well as some impressive walking trails.

There are also a cinema, two nightclubs and the option to ice-skate, snowshoe, skidoo, bowl and swim. A member of the winter club ‘les Petits Montagnards’, Risoul follows a strict charter ensuring quality service and facilities for children.

The resort of Risoul sits at 1,850m and offers access to one of the largest ski areas in the country. With a small number of bars and restaurants, an authentic Alpine atmosphere, and great skiing for beginners and children, Risoul is popular with couples and families alike. Eighteen thousand beds in traditional chalets and cottages accommodate visitors to the area.

Transportation to Risoul

Risoul can be reached by rail from the local train station, by air and road from Marseilles International Airport, or by road via the main autoroutes from the north of the country. The most convenient mode of transport in this case is a flight to Marseilles and a connecting shuttle bus to the resort. However, high-speed TGV trains are available from Paris to Valence, Aix or Grenoble, with a connecting train to the station at Mont-Dauphin, and a short bus transfer to Risoul.

By car, Risoul is 7 hours, 30 minutes (719kms) from Paris, with a total road toll cost of about €38. Take the A6 autoroute from Paris south towards Lyon and Grenoble. Close to Grenoble, head towards Sisteron and Gap via the A480. Travel towards Briançon via RN 94, and on to the resort at Guillestre.

By train, you can catch the high-speed TGV to Valence, Aix or Grenoble direct from Paris and take a local SNCF train to the station at Mont-Dauphin. The train station is around 15kms from the resort and is serviced by a regular bus.

Marseilles is the nearest international airport at only 2 hours, 30 minutes travel time. A shuttle bus from the airport to the resort with White Shuttles is available on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can hire a car and travel up from Marseilles towards Aix-en-Provence, and then follow the A7 until the A51 junction. Head towards Sisteron and travel along the A51 following the signs to Gap before travelling towards Briançon via RN 94, and on to the resort at Guillestre.

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