Our ski shops in Vars

Freeride ski rental in Vars: Discover the paradise for snow sports enthusiasts

Vars, also known as "Vars the White Forest," is a picturesque resort nestled in the Southern Alps. Comprising four sun-drenched villages, this destination offers a true paradise for freeride skiers and nature lovers. Whether you visit in winter or summer, you're guaranteed an unforgettable holiday. Remember to book your ski or snowboard rental in Vars to make the most of your stay!

Ski rental in Vars: Professionals at your service

Upon your arrival in Vars, feel free to visit one of the ski rental shops to get the equipment that suits your needs. Whether you're into downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding, you'll find equipment in excellent condition. Qualified professionals will be on hand to advise you on your ski or snowboard rental in Vars and help you choose the equipment best suited to your style and budget.

Don't forget to get your ski pass in Vars. The resort offers various packages that will give you access to the different ski areas. Preferential rates are available for families and students, and it's even possible to opt for a pedestrian pass if you want to use the lifts to enjoy the exceptional panoramas of the region, such as the Chabrières gondola lift or the Vars Sainte Marie chairlift.

The Vars ski area: A paradise for freeride skiing enthusiasts

Once you're equipped with your ski rental in Vars and your lift pass in hand, you can explore the resort's vast ski area. Nestled between 1650m and 2750m altitude, this area boasts a vertical drop of 1100m and offers a unique experience in the heart of a magnificent larch forest. You'll have access to around fifty ski lifts, including chairlifts and gondolas, allowing you to easily reach the summits.

In winter, the resort offers no less than 185 km of ski slopes, with 115 marked routes for all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find slopes suited to your ability (21 green, 45 blue, 40 red, and 10 black runs). The majority of these slopes are located above 2,000 meters, guaranteeing excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season. You can therefore enjoy a feeling of freedom as you ski down the slopes surrounded by unspoiled nature.

In addition to the slopes reserved for alpine skiers, the resort also offers 45 km of trails dedicated to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, thus offering numerous opportunities for exploration in the heart of a breathtaking landscape.

Vars: The fastest ski resort in the world!

Since 1991, the Vars resort has also been renowned for its speed skiing (KL) run, located in Vars-Chabrière. This run, certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS), is one of only two in the world to allow speeds exceeding 200 km/h, along with the one in Verbier, Switzerland. The most daring skiers can thus enjoy a breathtaking 1220-meter descent and reach impressive speeds, all within a safe environment.

Vars: Four hamlets for one village

The village of Vars, perched at an altitude of 1850 meters, is made up of several mountain hamlets, some of which are very old. They stretch along the Route des Grandes Alpes, within a radius of 1000 to 1800 meters around the resort center. These hamlets, linked by a free shuttle, offer the possibility of finding ski rentals in Vars. Here are the main ones:

  • Saint-Marcellin, the first and oldest village
  • Vars Sainte-Marie, the gateway to the ski area
  • Vars Sainte-Catherine, located on the mountainside
  • Les Claux, the centre of the resort created in 1962. This hamlet, nestled in the heart of a larch forest, offers all the infrastructure and services necessary for a winter sports resort.

The Vars valley is renowned for the charm and authenticity of its traditional habitat, classified as part of the Hautes-Alpes heritage since 1946. The alpine landscapes of the region, combining alpine pastures, meadows and larch forests, will offer you a unique experience in harmony with nature.

A variety of activities for a lively resort

Vars is brimming with activities for all tastes. Snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy the resort's six snowparks, suitable for all levels. Specialized instructors are on hand to guide riders and ensure their safety. Younger visitors also have their own dedicated area with a toboggan run and age-appropriate activities, as well as a snowmobile circuit for their first taste of the sport.

The resort is brimming with ideas for creating unforgettable moments for its visitors. Night skiing and freestyle sessions are regularly organized on the Écrins slope, offering unique experiences under the stars. Accompanied by a high-mountain guide, you can also discover the exhilarating sensations of off-piste skiing and incredible descents on the Eyssina and Chabrières mountain ranges for the most daring skiers.

With family or friends, don't miss the dog sledding, snowmobile excursions, and the unique experience of spending a night in an igloo. The ice cave is also a must-see attraction in Vars, housing around thirty snow and crystal ice sculptures each year, with a new theme every season. You'll also find plenty of family activities in other Alpine resorts, such as Les Orres. Take advantage of our online offers to book your ski rental at great prices in Risoul.

Gastronomy, outings and wellness in Vars

Vars is a resort that never sleeps, offering a lively atmosphere day and night. After putting away your skis and Vars ski pass, you can head to one of the restaurants located at the foot of the slopes to enjoy delicious cuisine. The piano bars, with their cozy, mountain ambiance, are perfect for having a drink and relaxing.

For those seeking relaxation and pampering, numerous establishments offer massages, spa treatments, and saunas. You'll find refined and relaxing options to recharge. Throughout the season, a variety of activities enliven the resort, including torchlight descents. Major events during the Vars ski season include "Vars en Scène," a must-see musical event at the beginning of winter, and the Urban Jib Arena in April, which blends skiing and music with free concerts in the heart of the resort. Finally, don't miss the "Vars Speed Masters," held annually at the end of the season (late March/early April), which aims to break speed records and greatly contributes to the renown of this Southern Alps ski resort.

Vars in summer: a wide range of activities

The alpine rivers surrounding the resort offer ideal terrain for whitewater sports such as rafting, canyoning, whitewater swimming, airboating, and canorafting. The Val d'Escreins nature reserve, with its spectacular scenery, is also perfect for all kinds of land and air activities. You can enjoy mountain biking, via ferrata, climbing, archery, treetop adventure courses, hiking, orienteering, and paragliding, to name just a few of the many activities available in Vars during the summer season.

The natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the numerous sporting and leisure activities make Vars a prime destination all year round. Whether you're a skiing enthusiast, a nature lover, or a thrill-seeker, this resort in the Southern Alps will charm you with its appeal and dynamism.