Nestled between 1,650 and 2,750 metres above sea level, Vars offers a typical southern Alpine atmosphere, bathed in light and opening onto vast panoramas stretching from the Ubaye to the Queyras, right up to the Écrins massif. Situated in the Hautes-Alpes (05), in the heart of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the station is part of the the Forêt Blanche linked domain (Vars & Risoul), which includes around 185 km of pistes.
Vars is also a mountain community located on the route between Guillestre à Barcelonnette via the Vars pass (2,108 m, IGN, 2024). From this pass, the landscape opens out to the south towards the Ubaye gorges.
Looking for a real change of scenery for your next mountain holiday? You've come to the right place: here, you can live to the rhythm of the peaks, surrounded by unspoilt countryside and a strong mountain culture.
Composed of Vars Les Claux (main resort), Vars Sainte-Marie, Vars Sainte-Catherineand Vars Saint-Marcellin (historic village), Depending on the sector, the destination can be reached by ski lift or free shuttle bus. Everywhere, the mountain spirit, the southern accent and the gentle way of life characterise the DNA of Vars.
Whether you come for the skiing, the relaxation, the gastronomy or the nature, LRC Lugagerie helps you travel light. Your suitcases, skis and equipment are collected from your home and delivered directly to your accommodation, so you can enjoy a stress-free stay.
Discover the resort of Vars
The Authentic Mountain
An emblematic Alpine resort, Vars combines wide open spaces, direct access and a friendly atmosphere. Linked by ski runs and lifts to the slopes of Risoul, The neighbourhoods form a coherent whole, with something for everyone:
When should you go to Vars?
- Winter : From December to early April depending on altitude. Quality snow cover (altitude & northerly aspect), varied pistes and links to the whole ski area. White Forest. Skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, paragliding or cosy après-ski: Vars is the epitome of snowy charm, with plenty of sunshine most of the winter.
- Summer : From June to September, In the mountains, there's hiking, mountain biking (Bike Park Vars), high-altitude lakes, legendary roads (Col de Vars) and starry nights. The resort retains its peaceful mountain atmosphere, enlivened by outdoor sports and summer events.
How do I get to the resort?
Before reaching the resort, plan your route: the road is accessible all year round, but the snow tyres or chains are compulsory during the winter period (Loi Montagne).
Getting to the resort by car
For those who prefer to travel independently, Vars is easily accessible by road. From the north, take the’A51 to Gap or La Saulce, then follow the direction Embrun - Guillestre - Vars via the N94 then the D902. From the south (Nice/Mediterranean), climb up the Var valley and the Bonette/Isola pass depending on the season, or bypass via Italy (tunnels/open passes). The final ascent to Vars is via a well-maintained mountain road, offering superb panoramic views of the Gorges du Guil and the Col de Vars. We encourage the carpooling to reduce your carbon footprint.
GPS point (winter)
Between the 1 November and 31 Marchthe loi Montagne snow tyres or chains and socks in the vehicle on most of the roads leading to Vars. Some collars (Vars, Bonette, Agnel...) may be closed in winter: prefer access by Gap / Embrun → Guillestre → Vars.
Vars has outdoor car parks close to the snow fronts (Les Claux, Sainte-Marie) and the covered car parks depending on the sector. Parking is generally regulated and chargeable in high season, more flexible or free outside the holidays and in summer. From free inter-neighbourhood shuttles which then allow easy movement between the different sectors (Les Claux, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Marcellin).
Gap ~1 h 30 - Embrun ~45 min - Briançon ~1 h 40 - Marseille ~3 h 30 - Nice ~3 h 45 - Turin (via Italy, depending on passes/tunnels) ~3 h 30-4 h
From AC and sometimes rapid charging stations are available in the valley (Embrun, Guillestre) and in the resort, depending on the car park. Payment is made simply by credit card or via a dedicated application (QR code indicated on site). Ask before you set off to plan your charging stops.
Coming by train
Although Vars does not have its own station, the train is a good way to reach the valley if you don't have your own vehicle.
The busiest station, served by Intercity night trains from Paris and TER from Marseille, Gap, Briançon, Valence. From Embrun, take the regional bus, shuttle, taxi or VTC (≈45-60 min) to Vars/Guillestre and then the resort.
Rent a car directly to the terminal (via A7 → A8 → vallée de la Tinée).
Private transfers by prior arrangement, ideal for groups or early/late departures.
Private shuttles and VTC providing door-to-door transfers to the resort. The route crosses the hinterland of Provence, then gradually climbs up to the alpine landscapes of the Mercantour.
Strategic station at the crossroads of the Queyras, Vars and Ubaye valleys. TER connections from Briançon or Valence/Marseille. From there, buses, shuttles or taxis take you to Vars in around thirty minutes.
Rent a car directly to the terminal (via A7 → A8 → vallée de la Tinée).
Private transfers by prior arrangement, ideal for groups or early/late departures.
Private shuttles and VTC providing door-to-door transfers to the resort. The route crosses the hinterland of Provence, then gradually climbs up to the alpine landscapes of the Mercantour.
Regional TER/Intercités hub (from Valence, Grenoble, Marseille). You can continue by train to Embrun/Montdauphin and then take a road transfer to Vars.
From these stations, access to Vars is via seasonal bus routes, taxis/VTC or car hire.
Getting here by plane: Nearby airports
The resort can be reached from three main airports, depending on where you live
A major national and international hub on the Mediterranean coast, with numerous connections between France and Europe. From the airport, access by train (Marseille → Gap/Embrun) or car hire to the Durance valley, then Guillestre and Vars.
An interesting alternative, particularly for Southern Europe and long-haul routes. Route by road via Italy (tunnels/cols) or inland after rail connection. Useful if you're combining a sea & mountains holiday.
The gateway to Piedmont. Interesting for some European flights. Transfer then by road via tunnels/open passes, depending on the season, to Briançon/Guillestre and then Vars.
Transfers : taxis/VTCs, private shuttles or regional buses, depending on the season, as well as hotel shuttles on request.
Accommodation in Vars
Nestling in the heart of the Southern Alps, Vars offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all styles of stay. Whether you're looking for a comfortable hotel, a modern residence, a cosy flat or a mountain chalet, the resort has options to suit every taste and budget, whether you're staying with family, friends or as a couple.
The Vars ski area
Vars, one of the two sides of the Forêt Blanche with Risoul, forms one of the largest linked ski areas in the Southern Alps. The links between ridges, larch forests and wide, sunny slopes offer a wide variety of skiing, with the Ubaye, Queyras and Écrins massifs as a backdrop.
The estate extends from approximately 1,650 m to 2,750 m altitude and benefits from a vast network of ski lifts serving Vars Les Claux, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Catherine and Risoul. From its highest point at 2 750 m, The panorama of the Southern Alps is one of the most impressive in the area.
Key data
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≈ 185 km of pistes (Vars & Risoul - Forêt Blanche)
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36 ski lifts
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≈ 1 100 m ascent
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≈ 50 km of footpaths
The estate offers beginners' areas, large blue boulevards, and red and black runs, and the famous Chabrières speed track, known for its record-breaking speed skiing.
Freestyle enthusiasts can also take advantage of the snowparks and dedicated fun areas, making Vars a complete destination for all styles of snow sports.
Take a gourmet break in the resort
In Vars, the gastronomy of the Southern Alps is in the spotlight: mountain specialities, products from the Queyras and Ubaye regions, mountain honey, charcuterie and local cheeses.
Bars and après-ski
A friendly, relaxed atmosphere: sunny terraces, lounge bars and resort pubs for a musical drink. In Vars, après-ski is all about good vibes :
altitude bars that extend the day in the sun like Le Flocon,
pubs and beer/cocktail bars in resort (Le Bistrot de Vars),
DJ atmosphere, live concerts or themed evenings depending on the season at the ML Club.
Here, après-ski rhymes with simplicity, local products and panoramic views of the peaks rather than a frenzied rush: a moment to share with friends or family.
Off-ski activities
As well as skiing, Vars offers a veritable 4-season playground Nature, well-being and sensations are the rhythms of your stay.
On the estate :
In resort :
Discover Vars in summer
From the valley to the mountain pastures in summer, Vars goes green and comes alive with trails, lakes and passes.
Nature and relaxation
- Lakes and lakes at altitude
- Pique-niques & farniente : alpages, bords de rivières, clairières
- Sentiers botaniques & thématiques : flore alpine, pastoralisme, points de vue
- Balades en forêt & observation de la faune (marmottes, chamois, rapaces)
- Starry nights: bivouac / astro evenings on ridges or near lakes
Sport and thrills
- Hiking and trail walking: many signposted routes in the area
- VTT / VTTAE & Bike Park Vars : pistes de DH, itinéraires enduro et XC, remontées mécaniques ouvertes en période estivale
- Parapente & vols biplace
- Canyoning & rafting : gorges et torrents des vallées (Guil, Ubaye…)
- Road cycling: ascent of the Col de Vars, loops to the Izoard or the Agnel for the more athletic riders
Between southern light and unspoilt nature, Vars offers much more than just an Alpine playground: the resort invites you to discover its Haute-Alpes heritage, mountain traditions and local know-how, a blend of authenticity and infinite horizons.
Culture and heritage
- Villages typiques : hameaux de Vars (Saint-Marcellin, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Catherine), Guillestre & Queyras
- Églises & chapelles de montagne, oratoires et croix de mission
- Marchés & foires de producteurs (Guillestre, Embrun)
- Artisanat local : bois, laine, poterie, miel & produits de la ruche
- Festivals & concerts d’été (musique, trail, VTT, terroir)
Practical information - Preparing your stay in Vars
Before you pack your bags, find out all the essential information you need to organise your stay in France with peace of mind. Vars.
You now have all the information you need to prepare your stay at in the station... Travel with a clear head : LRC Lugagerie takes care of your luggage, from your home to the resort!
Shipping luggage to Vars - Instructions for use
Why choose LRC Bagagerie for your ski holiday in the Hautes-Alpes?
Avoid cumbersome transfers and save time: LRC Bagagerie delivers your suitcases, skis, pushchairs and mountain bikes directly to your home, winter or summer.
The advantages of door-to-door luggage and ski transport
Fast
Delivery in 24/48 hours
Economic
Among the cheapest with sliding scale tariffs
Simple
Your transport booked in 2 minutes
Safe
Real-time support and monitoring
How does LRC Bagagerie work?
- You book the service (date, departure address, accommodation address in Vars)
- We are coming to collect your luggage & equipment from your home
- We transport and deliver directly to your accommodation in Vars
- On the return journey, the same principle applies in reverse
Need to send something other than skis? LRC Bagagerie proposes also : luggage shipping, shipment of golf clubsand small removals.
Frequently asked questions - LRC Bagagerie Vars
Why not extend your adventure to the heart of the Southern Alps? Discover Risoulthe Queyras or the’Ubaye, all within easy reach of Vars. With LRC Lugagerie, So you can travel with a clear head and enjoy the mountains to the full!
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