Risoul is a ski resort in France with 100 km of pistes and 31 lifts. Skiing reaches up to 2750 m above sea level and the village sits at 1850 m. Accommodation with lift pass included can be booked directly, you arrange your own travel there.
Risoul is a sunny family ski resort in the southern French Alps, and together with the neighbouring resort of Vars it forms Forêt Blanche, a ski area with 185 kilometres of pistes. The resort sits at an altitude of 1,850 metres surrounded by larch forest, offering a combination of high-alpine skiing and wooded slopes that give the area its name, the white forest.
Risoul is one of France's sunniest ski resorts, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Its southerly location near Provence gives it a mild climate and clear skies, making skiing especially pleasant. Despite the sunshine, the high altitude ensures good snow conditions, and snow cannons cover the main pistes.
The ski area is well suited to families, with a large proportion of green and blue runs. The beginners' area in the village is free and perfect for first attempts on skis. For more experienced skiers, the area around Crevoux and Pointe de Razis offers challenging terrain with steep descents and off-piste opportunities in the scattered larch forest.
Price levels in Risoul are among the lowest in the French Alps, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families. Accommodation, food and lift passes cost a fraction of what you'd pay in larger resorts such as Val d'Isère or Méribel. The relaxed atmosphere and lack of mass tourism make Risoul a peaceful and enjoyable holiday destination.
Ready to book a ski holiday in Risoul? Find accommodation with lift pass included in the price. You arrange your own travel there.
Book a ski holiday in RisoulPistes and lifts in Risoul
Risoul has 100km of local pistes, which expand to 185km with the Forêt Blanche pass shared with Vars. The 31 lifts serve an area from 1,850 to 2,750 metres. The piste distribution is family-friendly, with a quarter green runs, though there is also challenging terrain higher up in the area.
The larch forest surrounding the pistes provides excellent tree skiing and natural shelter on windy days. The open slopes above the treeline offer wide runs with panoramic views. The Vars side generally has steeper terrain, while the Risoul side is gentler and more family-friendly.
Piste map for Risoul
The map downloads as an image file. On your iPhone it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the bottom of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your iPad it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the top right of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your phone it lands in the Downloads folder. Tap the download notification that appears to open the map straight away.The file lands in the Downloads folder. You can also look for the icon at the top right of the screen and open the map from there.
Best time to travel to Risoul
Risoul enjoys plenty of sunshine hours thanks to its southerly location. The best time for skiing is from January to March. February offers the best snow conditions combined with sunshine. March and April bring excellent spring skiing in the sun, though late in the season the lower-lying pistes can be affected. January is quieter and more affordable.
How to get to Risoul
You arrange your own travel, and many drive their own car. Taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone and arriving at Calais, it's roughly 1 022 km to Risoul, around 11,2 hours of pure driving time through France. Remember that studded tyres are banned in France and Germany.
Risoul is suitable for
⭐ Excellent choice
Suitable to some extent
Limited selection
Good snow reliability
Read more about ski holidays
Ready to book? Choose from accommodation in different price ranges. Lift pass is included in the price, you arrange your own travel there.
See prices for ski holidays in RisoulFrequently asked questions about Risoul
Forêt Blanche (the white forest) is the ski area formed by Risoul and Vars together. It offers 185km of pistes and 31 lifts at altitudes between 1,650 and 2,750 metres. The name comes from the beautiful larch forests that cover the slopes and give the area its distinctive character.
Risoul sits at 1,850 metres with pistes up to 2,750 metres, which gives good snow reliability. The high altitude compensates for the southerly climate. There are snow cannons on the main pistes. Snow conditions are normally good from December to April, though the many sunny days can soften the snow in the afternoons.
Yes, Risoul is excellent for beginners. There's a free beginners' area in the village with a magic carpet and gentle slopes. A quarter of the pistes are green, and the wide blue runs are perfect for building confidence. The ski schools are used to beginners, and prices are low.
