Take a look behind the scenes

of a ski resort

What if you took your skiing experience to the next level? In Vars, every run is made possible by the behind-the-scenes work – precise, meticulous and carried out with passion. In the shadow of the ski lifts and beneath the light of the peaks, teams work day and night to prepare the mountain, manage the snow and preserve this exceptional environment. Welcome behind the scenes of the ski area.

All about

behind the scenes at the estate

Behind that perfect gliding sensation lies a discreet yet essential mechanism.
An organisation where human expertise and technological innovation come together to offer you the very best the mountains have to offer.

Snow: high-precision expertise

Even before your first run, the snow is the focus of all our attention. In Vars, it is constantly monitored, maintained and optimised to guarantee quality and safety:

– Over 300 snow guns are spread across the ski area
– 3 hillside reservoirs with a total capacity of 225,000 m³ of water: Chabrières, Peyrol and Peynier
– Up to 60 per cent of the ski area’s slopes can be covered with artificial snow

But beyond the figures lies genuine expertise: anticipating conditions, creating a durable base layer, and working on the snow night after night. It’s precision work that you can’t see, but which you feel with every turn.

Get a real behind-the-scenes look with a tour ofthe snowmaking plant

Why not step behind the scenes?

Every week during the season, from 23 December, step insidethe snow-making plant and discover the secrets of making artificial snow alongside the snow-makers.

– Understand how snow cannons work
– Explore the technical facilities
– Chat with the experts

The snow factory is open every Wednesday throughout the season from 23 December, from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.

Everything you need to know about artificial snow

First track

the earliest traces

Join the piste groomers before the ski area opens and discover the mountain in a whole new light, when everything is still quiet and pristine, whilst making the first tracks of the day.

At the first light of day, watch the final stages of piste preparation: grooming, safety checks and assessing conditions… and gain an insight into everything that goes on before the skiers arrive. A special opportunity to gain a better understanding of the work carried out by the teams who labour every night to provide you with the best possible skiing conditions.

Why experience First Track?

– Discover the role of a piste technician
– Enjoy a special experience
– Be the first to ski the run before anyone else
– Enjoy perfectly groomed snow

First Track takes place on Wednesdays 23 and 30 December, as well as on Wednesdays during the February half-term holidays, at 8.40 am.

Meet at the rescue centre

Booking is compulsory and must be made in person only at the Tourist Office (no bookings by telephone or email) from the Monday before the ‘First Track’ session. 3-star level required.

Don’t miss the others either

behind the scenes of the mountain

Raising awareness of off-piste skiing in resorts

A better understanding for a better experience

Off-piste skiing appeals for its wild, untamed nature and the sense of freedom it offers… but it also requires knowledge and vigilance.

Alongside the ski patrollers, take the time to understand the mountains, the risks involved and the right reflexes to adopt before venturing off the marked runs. An essential session to ensure you ski with full awareness.

On the programme:
– Understanding the dangers of off-piste skiing (avalanches, snow conditions)
– Learning the correct behaviour to adopt
– Talking directly with the ski patrollers
– Learning to read the mountain more effectively

Sessions take place every Tuesday throughout the season, starting on 22 December at 2.00 pm.
The exact meeting point will be confirmed when you book through the Tourist Office.
Maximum 10 people per group, aged 16 and over

Raising awareness of risky behaviour and safety rules on the ski slopes

Piste patrol officers share insights into their daily work and raise your awareness of signage, safety, behaviour on the slopes, respect for others and what to do in the event of an accident on the slopes.

Join us on Mondays 21 and 28 December, as well as every Monday during the February half-term holidays at 2.00 pm. Meet at the top of Peynier. Nobooking required.

Behind the scenes at the snowpark

Behind every feature, every line and every jump in the snowpark lies the precision work of the shapers.
Combining technical expertise with creativity, they design, build and maintain the park to offer unique thrills in complete safety.

Come and meet them and take a look behind the scenes at Vars Park.

On the programme:
– Understanding how the features are designed and maintained
– Discover the structure of a jump and the physical principles at work
– Learn about the different lines and levels of difficulty
– Learn to read the park more effectively and understand the rules to follow

A unique opportunity to see the snowpark in a whole new light… and ride with even greater understanding.

Meet at the Vars Park hut every Tuesday throughout the season, starting on 22 December at 3.30 pm. Booking is essential via the Tourist Office.

Always more

Neige de culture

Entrez dans les coulisses d'une station