The upper slopes are open, but those back to Risoul are prettily wooded, and good for bad-weather days.

Extent of the slopes

The slopes, mainly north-facing, spread over several minor peaks and bowls, and connect with neighbouring Vars at two points.

Fast lifts

There are three fast chairs accessing a good number of runs, but still lots of tricky ‘difficile’ draglifts.

Snow reliability

Snow reliability is reasonably good; the slopes are all above 1,850m and mostly north-facing. Snowmaking is fairly extensive.

For experts

Risoul’s main top stations access a couple of steepish descents. And there’s some good off-piste terrain – including excellent, widely spaced tree skiing on not very steep slopes and areas accessed through gates that are closed when there’s an avalanche risk (though these are not marked or explained on the piste map).

For intermediates

There are decent reds and blues in all sectors. Almost all Risoul’s runs return to the village, making it difficult to get lost.

For beginners

Three free lifts serve good, convenient nursery slopes. There are lots of easy pistes to move on to.

Snowboarding

There is a lot of good freeriding to be done throughout the area, although beginners might not like the large proportion of draglifts.

Cross-country

There are 17km of trails.

Where to Ski and Snowboard

This guide is taken from Where to Ski and Snowboard, edited by Chris Gill and Dave Watts. Chris now produces Where to Ski guides to individual countries. Find out more and receive an exclusive book discount.