Bike Park Vars Risoul occupies a unique position in the Southern French Alps — two connected ski resorts sharing a vast, sun-drenched terrain at altitude between 1,650m and 2,750m. The linked resort (branded Forêt Blanche in winter) offers mountain bikers over 130 km of trails with a distinctively Mediterranean climate that delivers long sunny days and dry, grippy trails throughout summer.
Vars Risoul Bike Park Overview
The Vars Risoul bike park is operated jointly across two resorts: Vars (based in Les Claux at 1,850m) and Risoul (base at 1,850m, summit at 2,750m). Connecting trails run between the two resort centres, creating a logical circuit for a multi-day riding exploration.
The park features 130+ km of marked trails, 6 dedicated uplift lifts, and a trail range from green beginner loops to technical expert enduro descents. The southern exposure means trails are often rideable from late June, earlier than many northern-facing alpine bike parks.
Best Trails at Vars Risoul Bike Park
Beginner (Green/Blue): ‘Piste des Gardioles’ in Vars is a 4 km flow trail with gentle gradients and wide berms — the ideal starting point for first-time bike park visitors. The ‘Crête Trail’ in Risoul follows the ridgeline with panoramic views and minimal technical challenge.
Intermediate (Red): ‘La Martre’ is the park’s longest continuous red trail at 11 km, weaving through larch forests from the Risoul summit to the village. ‘Les Combottes’ in Vars features natural rock gardens and rooted sections that reward confident riders.
Expert (Black): The ‘Diable’ line at Vars drops 800m vertical with mandatory rock drops and exposed ridge sections. The Risoul ‘DH Track’ is used for club racing and features a mix of roots, drops, and high-speed compressions.
Bike Park Lift Passes: Vars Risoul
A single-resort day pass for either Vars or Risoul costs approximately €28–33 in 2025. A combined Forêt Blanche pass covering both resorts is available for €40–48 per day, offering the best value for riders wanting to explore the full trail network.
Weekly passes are available at significant discount and include access to guided group rides on Wednesday and Friday mornings, led by qualified BESC-certified mountain bike guides. E-bike riders are welcome; confirm e-bike lift compatibility when purchasing — not all chairs can accommodate full-suspension e-MTBs.
Getting to Vars and Risoul
By air: Gap-Tallard Airport is the nearest small airfield (40 km), though it serves limited commercial routes. Turin Airport (TRN) is 170 km (2 hours). Grenoble (GNB) is 160 km (2 hours). Marseille (MRS) is 200 km (2.5 hours).
By train: The nearest main station is Gap (SNCF), 45 km from Vars. Regular buses (Scara network) and taxis connect Gap station to the resort. Paris to Gap takes approximately 4 hours by TGV.
By road: From Grenoble via N85 and D902, approximately 2 hours. From Marseille via A51, approximately 2.5 hours. Both routes pass through the stunning Durance valley gorge road.
Why Riders Love Vars Risoul in Summer
The Hautes-Alpes receive more than 300 days of sunshine annually — one of the highest rates in France. This translates to consistently good trail conditions throughout summer, with dry, hard-packed soil that provides predictable grip on even technical sections.
The linked resort structure means riders can plan multi-day itineraries without repeating trails. A typical two-day trip covers the Vars sector on day one and Risoul on day two, with a connecting trail linking the two villages for those who want to experience the transition ride between resorts.
Vars and Risoul attract a predominantly French and Italian clientele, giving the resort an authentic, non-commercialised atmosphere compared to larger international bike parks like Les Gets or Morzine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bike Park Vars Risoul good for beginners?
Yes. Vars Risoul has dedicated beginner trails and a bike skills park near the Vars Les Claux village. Bike school lessons are available for adults and children. The resort’s mix of gentle flow trails and a mountain bike academy makes it accessible to first-time bike park riders.
When does the Vars Risoul bike park open?
Bike Park Vars Risoul typically opens in late June, subject to snow conditions and trail maintenance completion. The full season runs to mid-September. Check the official Vars or Risoul resort websites for confirmed opening dates each spring.
Can I ride between Vars and Risoul on the bike?
Yes. A connecting trail links the two resort centres, allowing riders to cross between Vars and Risoul on a single ride. The connection adds approximately 3–4 km of rolling singletrack and is rated blue difficulty, accessible to intermediate riders.
What is the highest trail at Vars Risoul bike park?
The highest accessible point in the Vars Risoul bike park is approximately 2,750m at the Risoul summit gondola station. Trails descend from this elevation through alpine meadows and into larch forest, covering up to 900m of vertical descent on a single run.
Are there guided rides at Vars Risoul bike park?
Yes. Guided group rides are included with weekly passes and are available as standalone bookings for day visitors. Guides are BESC-certified (French mountain bike guide qualification) and lead morning rides on Wednesdays and Fridays from the resort centres.
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