Risoul

Located at an altitude of 1,850 metres in the Hautes-Alpes department, the resort of Risoul is a leading destination in the Southern Alps. Nestled among larch forests and alpine panoramas, it charms visitors with its authentic setting, friendliness and warm atmosphere.

Designed to welcome all visitors, Risoul combines the advantages of a small village with the services of a modern resort. Shops, restaurants, entertainment, childcare facilities… everything you need for a comfortable stay in any season.

The Risoul ski area

The resort of Risoul enjoys a privileged location between the Écrins National Park and the Queyras Regional Nature Park. Perched at an altitude of 1,850 metres, it is part of the vast linked ski area of La Forêt Blanche, shared with the neighbouring resort of Vars.

This ski area offers 185 km of slopes spread out between larch forests and snow-covered ridges. The maximum altitude reaches 2,750 metres at the Pic de Chabrières, guaranteeing excellent natural snow cover throughout the season. Skiers can enjoy long descents, with a vertical drop of almost 1,000 metres, down to the villages of Vars-les-Claux and Vars Sainte-Marie.

With slopes suitable for all levels, the resort is perfect for families, beginners and ski enthusiasts looking for thrills.

Activities in the resort of Risoul

Risoul is not just about downhill skiing. The resort also offers a secure tobogganing area for children and adults, as well as snakegliss, a fun group activity on attached toboggans. Nature lovers can also go on snowshoe walks or discover the pristine landscapes via the freely accessible marked trails.

And for an unforgettable Nordic experience, dog sledding trips are also available, allowing you to explore the valleys in a picture-postcard setting.

The Risoul ski resort is committed to sustainable development

The resort of Risoul is actively committed to an ecological transition, integrating innovative solutions to limit its impact on the environment.

In 2017, Risoul took the plunge into renewable energy by installing photovoltaic panels on several buildings. This first step was followed by an even more ambitious project: the creation of the first high-altitude photovoltaic park in Europe. Located at 2,400 metres in the Homme de Pierre sector, this 12-hectare facility, inaugurated in 2022, produces renewable electricity to cover a large part of the energy needs of the resort and its infrastructure.

But Risoul’s commitment does not stop at energy production. The resort is working to optimise the management of artificial snow by modernising its equipment with more efficient snow cannons and high-energy-efficiency pumps.

The aim is to reduce water and electricity consumption while ensuring optimal skiing conditions.

At the end of each season, the resort also organises clean-up operations to preserve the beauty of the landscape and runs awareness campaigns for visitors on waste sorting and protecting the mountain environment.

Through these concrete actions, Risoul shows that tourism and respect for nature can go hand in hand.

Unforgettable experiences in Risoul

The resort offers unusual activities that promise memorable experiences in the heart of nature. Among the must-do activities, don’t miss a ride on a Swincar, a futuristic-looking electric all-terrain vehicle. Lightweight, quiet and environmentally friendly, it offers an original and accessible way for everyone to explore the alpine trails. Some models are even adapted for people with reduced mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy an immersive experience in the mountains.

Another popular activity is the all-terrain electric scooter. With its two-wheel drive, this silent speedster allows you to explore the panoramic views of Risoul effortlessly, combining fun, sport and ecology. Whether you are a beginner or a thrill seeker, you will appreciate its intuitive handling and its ability to take you to the heart of the mountain landscapes.

The Risoul mountain resort in summer

Risoul is not just about winter fun: in summer, the resort is transformed into a life-size playground, perfect for lovers of mountains, adventure and thrills.

For a gentle start, treat yourself to a ride on an electric mountain bike. These bikes allow you to climb with ease and enjoy the alpine trails to the full, while admiring the exceptional views of the surrounding valleys. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a beginner, this is a pleasant and accessible way to set off on an adventure at your own pace.

Looking for thrills and spills? Try Devale sledging, one of the most fun attractions of the summer! Comfortably seated on a sled attached to rails, you’ll hurtle down a thrilling descent at over 30 km/h. Alone or with a friend, get ready for a good dose of adrenaline!

For those who dream of getting a little higher, paragliding offers a unique experience. In tandem with a professional, fly over Risoul and let yourself be carried by the air currents while admiring the mountains from a completely different angle. A feeling of total freedom that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

And that’s not all! The resort also offers marked hiking trails, via ferrata and a multi-adventure park for days full of discovery and excitement in an exceptional natural setting.

Webcams of the Risoul ski resort

If you want to see the current conditions at the ski resort and its natural surroundings, you will find the Risoul webcams below, showing real-time images.

Risoul

Webcam of the slopes

Hotels in the resort of Risoul

Hôtel Snow Chill and Spa ****

The Hôtel Snow Chill is located in Risoul and offers four-star accommodation with a private balcony. It offers direct access to the Risoul ski resort, a ski pass sales point, a restaurant and a bar. The hotel also offers views of the town from its rooms. A perfect place to relax at the foot of the slopes.

Le Chardon Bleu Hotel **

Le Chardon Bleu is located in Risoul, 1.4 kilometres from the Risoul 1850 ski slope. It offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. It also offers family rooms with a terrace. A continental or buffet breakfast is served. Le Chardon Bleu also has a sauna where you can relax after a long day of skiing. So what are you waiting for?

Hotel Au Bon Logis **

Au Bon Logis is located in the alpine village of Risoul, a few kilometres from the ski resort. It has an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic mountain views. At Au Bon Logis, the rooms also offer views of the mountains. There is a library and a gym. There is also an area for storing bikes, motorbikes and ski equipment. Comfortable and simple, it is waiting for you.

Skiing in Risoul: the resort’s strong points

Located at an altitude of 1,850 meters, Risoul and Vars together form the La Forêt Blanche ski area, one of the largest in the southern Alps, with 185 kilometers of interconnected slopes. Its high altitude and north-facing aspect guarantee excellent snow quality throughout the season, reinforced by more than 50% of the ski area being equipped with artificial snow.

The ski area has 116 slopes (20 green, 45 blue, 40 red, and 11 black) and 35 fast, modern lifts that allow for smooth traffic flow even during peak holiday periods.

The slopes of Clos Chardon, Plate de la Nonne, and L’Homme de Pierre offer long, technical descents with open views of the Écrins massif. Intermediate skiers will find ideal terrain, with regular slopes and trails through larch forests that provide protection from the wind and direct sun. Risoul is also a dynamic destination for recreational skiing.

It has a snowpark, boardercross, freeride areas, and themed circuits for families. Its Front de Neige is compact and functional: the accommodations are at the foot of the slopes, which makes it easy to get around and creates a “human-scale resort” atmosphere.

The natural environment is another of its attractions. The slopes pass through dense forests and natural balconies overlooking the Durance valley. Its dry and sunny climate, typical of the Southern Alps, allows you to enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year, with a clear light that enhances the alpine landscape.

Useful tip to enjoy Risoul to the fullest

Start the day at the high altitudes of the Plate de la Nonne sector to take advantage of the coldest snow. Mid-morning, descend the wooded slopes towards the Front de Neige, ideal for when the sun is warm. If you’re looking for variety, cross over to Vars via the Col des Saluces and discover new perspectives without leaving the domain. And if you’re traveling with children, the Kid Park play areas and the green slopes of Pré du Bois are perfect for gaining confidence and enjoying stress-free skiing.