Risoul 1850 is a modern ski station, purpose-built from the late 1970s onwards at the top of a winding road up from the original village of Risoul. It is a quiet, apartment-based resort, popular with families – but not exclusively so.

We like

Attractive, family-friendly resort
Reasonably snow-sure and with lots of tree-lined runs
Among the cheapest resorts in the French Alps

We don't like

Still mainly draglifts and slow old chairs, though a few fast ones
Few on-piste challenges for experts
Little to do off the slopes
Fairly remote location

Village charm

Many of the original resort buildings are bulky eight- or nine-storey buildings, but wood-clad with some traditional style. Newer developments are attractive and chalet-style, made of wood and stone. The busy little main street, with a small range of shops, bars and restaurants, is far from traffic-free. But the locals offer a friendly welcome.

Convenience

The village meets the mountain in classic French purpose-built style, with sunny restaurant terraces facing the slopes and a compact centre. Some lodgings are a short but ‘knackering’ uphill walk away if you miss the last lift.

Scenery

The resort is set in the woods and reporters often praise the views.

Where to Ski and Snowboard

This guide is taken from Where to Ski and Snowboard, written by Dave Watts and Chris Gill.