A new way to discover the mountains passing by its lakes, forests and valleys
For the inexperienced, running enthusiasts or skilful trail-runners, Vars can offer routes that go from the smaller single mountains to the slightly faster trails, easy routes through the undergrowth, or magnificent trails up in the clouds.
Vars: an unmissable area for trail-running
Trail-running routes in Val d'Escreins
Val d'Escreins offers you three trail-running routes that will enable you to discover the valley through the ruins of the village and the larch forests. Several difficulty levels are on offer to discover the wealth of natural and human heritage.
Green Val
- Beginner Level - Distance: 3.937km - Minimum altitude: 1,781m - Maximum altitude: 1,889 m - Difference in altitude: +/- 121m
Perfect for beginners, this course follows the ruins of the old village and crosses a forest of larches and pines. Exert yourself and discover a rare and beautiful site... What a joy!
Blue Val
- Intermediate Level - Distance: 9.218 km - Minimum altitude: 1,615 m - Maximum altitude: 1,888 m - Difference in altitude: +/- 319 m
An intermediate course which follows a wide circuit through the valley, where you can discover the scenery and wealth of the natural environment.
Red Val
- Beginner Level - Distance: 9.125 km - Minimum altitude: 1,780 m - Maximum altitude: 2,552m - Difference in altitude: +/- 788 m
Up in the clouds, the route along the ridges of Vars shows off some of the most incredible scenery in the area. This route is one of the most beautiful things the mountains have to offer.
The tour of the villages
Distance: 3.6 km - Difference in altitude 182 m - Maximum altitude: 1,765 m - Minimum altitude: 1,601 m
This route allows you to visit the villages of Vars at your own pace: admire the views over the Vars valley, beautiful buildings, sundials and fountains on this beginners’ trail which is accessible to all.
Stages of the route: Leave from Vars Sainte Marie, Chairlift 1- Travel along the river bank towards Vars Saint Marcellin 2- From the Rivet bridge, climb towards the village of Vars Saint Marcellin 3- Cross the village 4- Climb to Sainte-Catherine 5- Cross the village of Vars Sainte Catherine 6- When leaving the village of Sainte Catherine on the right, go down to the village of Sainte Marie 7- Arrival: Vars Sainte-Marie, chairlift
Distance: 15 km - Difference in altitude 726m - Maximum altitude: 2,226m - Minimum altitude: 1,787m
This route leaves from the Vars les Claux lift and follows the Col de Vars across the surrounding summits. At the 8th kilometre, you can turn back to the resort, or continue on the 15km circuit with a wide range of terrains including forests, mountain meadows, screes, and spectacular scenery from the Ecuelle and Peynier summits.
Stages of the route: Leave Vars les Claux, Chabrières cable car 1- Ascend the Col de Vars via l'Ecuelle 2- Col de Vars 3- Descend towards the Napoléon shelter 4- Cross the road via the Piste de la Faisandière Info: possible to leave the route at kilometre 8, return to the resort 5- Ascend towards Peynier 6- Descend towards Les Claux via the Bois Noir 7- Arrive: Vars les Claux, Chabrières cable car.
Distance: 6km - Elevation gain: 931m - Elevation loss: 5 m - Maximum altitude: 2,575 m - Minimum altitude: 1,638m
Leaving from the Vars Sainte Marie chairlift, this itinerary takes you across forests and mountain pastures to the majestic Razis summit where you will have an amazing view over the Vars valley.
Stages of the route: Leave Vars Sainte Marie, Sainte Marie chairlift 1- Cross the piste de l'Olympique 2- Ascend towards the Grand Forest then the place known as "Le Chalet" 3- Cross the wood towards the Reyssas crests 4- Continue up the mountain slope, then once on the plateau, take a left towards Razis 5- Arrive: Razis Summit
Triple winner of the Vars Mountain Trail and ambassador for Vars trail-running
"People often ask me why I spend so much time training in the Vars. I got in the habit of telling them that I had never found anywhere better, I’ve got everything I need right here: I really make the most of the altitude, the varied paths along the ridges or through the larches, the beautiful landscapes and especially the exceptional sunshine.
With each run comes a new goal, whether it’s to reach a mountain pass, peak or a high-altitude lake. I still have a lot to discover!”.
27-28July
Vars Mountain Trail
5 routes in one weekend. The Vars Mountain Trail offers participants and spectators some superb scenery of all the Vars landscapes. - The Tour of the Ridges: 42km / Gain 2941 m - Boucle de Peyniers: 24 km / Gain 1383 m - Col de Vars: 13 km / D+ 490 m - Tour of the villages: 4 km / D+ 182 m - KV-KL: 1.4 km / D+ 435 m - Tour of the villages: 4 km - Trail suitable for children with an introduction to biathlon New for 2019: KV-KL: An original steep climb on the legendary speed skiing slopes. Runners can choose between 24 or 42 km; 42 km as a relay because it’s always better with a friend! Or the Défi Varsinc which is 13 km on the Saturday and 24 km on the Sunday.
Free shuttles operate throughout the summer between the villages, the Col de Vars and the Val d'Escreins nature reserve Timetable available shortly
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Distance: 6km - Elevation gain: 931m - Elevation loss: 5 m - Maximum altitude: 2,575 m - Minimum altitude: 1,638m
