Risoul

Risoul can be reached by rail from the local train station, by air and road from Marseilles International Airport, or by road via the main autoroutes from the north of the country. The most convenient mode of transport in this case is a flight to Marseilles and a connecting shuttle bus to the resort. However, high-speed TGV trains are available from Paris to Valence, Aix or Grenoble, with a connecting train to the station at Mont-Dauphin, and a short bus transfer to Risoul.

By car, Risoul is 7 hours, 30 minutes (719kms) from Paris, with a total road toll cost of about €38. Take the A6 autoroute from Paris south towards Lyon and Grenoble. Close to Grenoble, head towards Sisteron and Gap via the A480. Travel towards Briançon via RN 94, and on to the resort at Guillestre.

By train, you can catch the high-speed TGV to Valence, Aix or Grenoble direct from Paris and take a local SNCF train to the station at Mont-Dauphin. The train station is around 15km from the resort and is serviced by a regular bus.

Marseilles is the nearest international airport at only 2 hours, 30 minutes travel time. A shuttle bus from the airport to the resort with White Shuttles is available on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can hire a car and travel up from Marseilles towards Aix-en-Provence, and then follow the A7 until the A51 junction. Head towards Sisteron and travel along the A51 following the signs to Gap before travelling towards Briançon via RN 94, and on to the resort at Guillestre.

Risoul, in the south-east of the French Alps, is a pleasant family friendly resort usually offering good snow conditions and many days of sunshine. There are snow canons to supplement snow if it becomes sparse. Together with neighbouring Vars, Risoul forms the Foret Blanche ski area and provides one hundred and eighty kilometres of pistes.

A cable car and over fifty-five lifts service the area and provide easy access to the slopes. Risoul has become a popular centre for snowboarders with the Surfland snow park providing terrain that suits all levels of ability. Though novices, family groups and intermediate skiers will enjoy the many kilometres of tree-line skiing, there are fewer runs for advanced skiers.

There are however good opportunities for off-piste skiing and there are mogul runs down to Vars. There is ample tuition with ski schools for children as well as adults. The resort also offers crčche facilities for babies from six months. Vaccination certificates are a requirement.

Risoul offers good snow conditions and, situated in the southern Alps, also long days of sunshine. It is a reasonably priced family friendly resort offering value for money. Risoul has a relaxed atmosphere where evenings are spent in restaurants and bars enjoying the company of family and friends.

Although Risoul ski holidays accommodate all levels of ability, the resort is very popular with families and first time skiers. It also attracts many snow boarders.

Apres-ski in Risoul
The resort of Risoul offers a quaint atmosphere with a small selection of intimate bars and restaurants. There are a couple of clubs in the village for the livelier skier, but the emphasis at this resort is on relaxation. There are some alternative activities available such as ice-skating, swimming, bowling, snowshoeing and skidoo, as well as some impressive walking trails.

There are also a cinema, two nightclubs and the option to ice-skate, snowshoe, skidoo, bowl and swim. A member of the winter club ‘les Petits Montagnards’, Risoul follows a strict charter ensuring quality service and facilities for children.

The resort of Risoul sits at 1,850m and offers access to one of the largest ski areas in the country. With a small number of bars and restaurants, an authentic Alpine atmosphere, and great skiing for beginners and children, Risoul is popular with couples and families alike.