What kit do you need for ski touring?

Good skis and suitable bindings Good ski touring boots with a ‘walking’ position and a ‘downhill’ position. Skinning skins Poles, preferably adjustable so you can change the length for ascents and descents. Safety equipment and a good helmet

What clothes should you pack before you set off?

If you want to stay warm, it’s essential to choose the right clothing. The three-layer technique – also known as the ‘onion technique’ – is the best way to manage your exertion effectively. The first layer, known as the ‘breathable’ layer, does not absorb moisture: a merino wool or polyester T-shirt. The second layer, known as the ‘thermal’ layer, keeps you warm and wicks away sweat: a fleece or even a woollen jumper. The third layer, known as the ‘waterproof’ layer , will protect you from the wind and rain and wick away sweat. To top it off, a cold-resistant down jacket. A pair of warm, waterproof ski touring trousers , preferably with ventilation zips on the thighs for the ascent. Thin undergloves , preferably made of merino wool for greater comfort Gloves: a cross between gloves and mittens for optimal protection Sunglasses: category 4 for optimal protection against UV rays A ski goggle to prevent fogging A neck warmer A hat A rucksack

What level do I need to be at to take part in introductory ski touring sessions?

To take part in ski touring, a minimum skiing ability of level 3 (able to ski in parallel and control your speed on a red run) is required, along with a good level of fitness.

What do I need to do before I set off?

Check the opening conditions for the permanent routes and the snow report

Ski touring: what safety equipment do you need?

You will need: An avalanche transceiver A shovel A probe The avalanche transceiver is an essential piece of digital equipment for searching for one or more people buried in an avalanche or for being located yourself if caught in one. It operates in both transmit and receive modes. You set off skiing in transmit mode and search for someone in receive mode. The probe allows you to pinpoint the victim’s location and measure their depth. The shovel allows you to dig to free the victim. It is essential to be proficient in using this equipment before venturing onto snow-covered terrain (BCA safety kit) The Vars ski resort has a training area set up in partnership with BCA where you can practise using this equipment.

Ski touring | Vars: Hautes-Alpes ski resort

Discover

Ski touring

Also known as ‘backcountry skiing’, ski touring is a long-established discipline that has diversified over time thanks to advances in equipment, which has become lighter. This activity is attracting more and more enthusiasts keen to experience the mountains in a different way – one that is more responsible and sustainable.

The resort of Vars has plenty to offer for making the most of this snow-covered world, with over 15 kilometres of marked routes. The descents take place on groomed and secure slopes, which is reassuring for beginners. Every year, the resort welcomes a large number of enthusiasts to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Varsinc cirque and the most beautiful surrounding peaks.

Discover the two latest ski touring routes

The Sibières Trail

2.2 km

325 m elevation gain

Difficult / ungroomed route

The Bois Noir Ramp

5.1 km

400 m elevation gain

Moderately easy

100% groomed – shared with pedestrians

You strap on your best skis to get away from the crowds, marvelling at the summit of the Eyssina as you go, and savour the reward of all your efforts on the descent

5 permanent routesFor beginners and experienced users

If you’d like to try ski touring, the resort of Vars offers safe routes. You’ll follow the ascent along marked trails and descend via the ski runs. It’s the ideal option for those who want to get started or improve their ski touring skills.

5 PERMANENT TRAILS

The Forest PathDIFFICULT LEVEL (maximum gradient 30°)

Distance: 2.3 km, 340 m elevation gain – Average duration: 2 hours

Altitudes: start 1,860 m – finish 2,200 m

At the foot of the Mayt chairlift, look out for the ‘ski de rando’ sign on your left. Head up through the heart of the forest; wide open spaces will come into view just before the end of the route, offering unobstructed views of the summit of the Eyssina. At the top of the Télémix, the descent follows the blue and red runs.

Col des SalucesSLIGHTLY CHALLENGING LEVEL (maximum gradient 20°)

Distance: 1.8 km, 310 m elevation gain – Average duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Altitudes: start 2,130 m – finish 2,440 m

At the top of the Télémix, take the blue run which will lead you to the start at the foot of the DVA park. Look out for the ‘ski touring start’ sign and take the path between the Jas du Bœuf and Les Heureux runs. Amidst the snowfields, you’ll enjoy the delicately jagged scenery of the peaks: the Col des Saluces and the Col du Vallon. Once you reach the start of the ‘Piste des Heureux’, you’ve arrived. It’s time to savour a breath of fresh air as you glide down the blue run.

The Peynier TrailDIFFICULT LEVEL (maximum gradient 25°)

Distance: 4 km and 351 m elevation gain – Average duration: 3 hours

Altitudes: start 1,899 m – finish 2,250 m

Your walk starts behind the Lauzet holiday complex, heading towards the Fontbonne chairlift. You’ll follow the path up towards the Napoléon refuge, then begin the ascent of Peynier through unspoilt countryside. After taking in the view from the summit, you can enjoy the descent via the blue runs of Les Mélèzes and Serre Meyrand during the ski area’s opening hours, from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.

The Sibières Traildifficult level

Distance: 2.2 km and 325 m elevation gain

Start: Vars les Claux, Fournet / Rail toboggan

Finish: top of the Sibières chairlift. Final stretch through unspoilt countryside in the valleys, facing the Eyssina and the freeride couloirs.

A challenging route, 70 per cent of which is through woodland, right next to the slopes.

This ski touring route is ideal for experienced mountaineers seeking a challenge.

The first section of the route is both steep and technical and requires a solid command of ski-touring manoeuvres, particularly at the start to reach the Faisandière piste. An alternative route is available here. The second part of the route is a long, easier uphill traverse overlooking Zakopane, still through the forest. You’ll enjoy panoramic views whilst savouring a gentler ascent. Finally, the last part of the route leaves the slopes behind to take you towards the top station of the Sibières chairlift, through a series of small valleys outside the woodland, adding a touch of adventure to your route.

Please note that this route may be closed depending on weather conditions, avalanche risk and the PIDA. Check for any closure notices before setting out on this route.

The Bois Noir Rampslightly difficult level

Distance: 5.1 km and 400 m elevation gain

Start: you’ll need to take the shuttle bus to Sainte-Catherine, at the top of the village, where the route begins

Finish: the summit of Peynier

This route lies off the main ski area, in unspoilt countryside, offering a 360° view at the finish

The first part of this route is a long, flat traverse, ideal for a gentle warm-up. After crossing the Pont de la Salce, you’ll follow a wide, groomed run right through the heart of the forest. Next, a steeper, zigzagging slope will appear, but you won’t need to make any turns at this stage. You’ll arrive at Lac de Peynier before continuing on to the summit of Bois Noir.

Consult the piste map

Consult the piste map

Experience ski touring

Before setting offSafety rules you need to know

Advice

Your questions

What kit do you need for ski touring?
What clothes should you pack before you set off?
If you want to stay warm, it’s essential to choose the right clothing. The three-layer technique – also known as the ‘onion technique’ – is the best way to manage your exertion effectively.
- The first layer, known as the ‘breathable’ layer, does not absorb moisture: a merino wool or polyester T-shirt.
- The second layer, known as the ‘thermal’ layer, keeps you warm and wicks away sweat: a fleece or even a woollen jumper.
- The third layer, known as the ‘waterproof’ layer, will protect you from the wind and rain and wick away sweat. To top it off, a cold-resistant down jacket.
A pair of warm, waterproofski touring trousers, preferably with ventilation zips on the thighs for the ascent.
Thin undergloves, preferably made of merino wool for greater comfort
Gloves: a cross between gloves and mittens for optimal protection
Sunglasses: category 4 for optimal protection against UV rays
A ski goggle to prevent fogging
A neck warmer
A hat
A rucksack
What level do I need to be at to take part in introductory ski touring sessions?
What do I need to do before I set off?
Ski touring: what safety equipment do you need?
You will need:
- An avalanche transceiver
- A shovel
- A probe
The avalanche transceiver is an essential piece of digital equipment for searching for one or more people buried in an avalanche or for being located yourself if caught in one. It operates in both transmit and receive modes. You set off skiing in transmit mode and search for someone in receive mode. The probe allows you to pinpoint the victim’s location and measure their depth. The shovel allows you to dig to free the victim. It is essential to be proficient in using this equipment before venturing onto snow-covered terrain (BCA safety kit)
The Vars ski resort has a training area set up in partnership with BCA where you can practise using this equipment.