Ski touring

Discover

Also known as “nature skiing”, country skiing is an ancient discipline that has diversified over time thanks to the evolution of lighter equipment. This practice is attracting more and more enthusiasts eager to discover the mountains differently in a more responsible and sustainable way.

The resort of Vars has no shortage of assets to take full advantage of this snowy universe with over 15 km kilometers of marked itineraries. Descents are made on groomed, safe runs, so beginners can rest assured. Every year the resort welcomes a large number of enthusiasts to enjoy a 360-degree tour of the cirque varsinc on the most beautiful surrounding peaks.

NEWS

For this 2023-24 season, the Vars resort is offering two new itineraries

La Trace de Sibières

2.2 km

325 m ascent

Difficult level / ungroomed route

La Rampe du Bois Noir

5.1 km

400 m ascent

Not a difficult level

100% groomed – pedestrian traffic

You put on your best skis to get away from the crowds, marvel at the Eyssina summit along the way and appreciate all the effort you’ve put in on the way down

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5 permanent routesFor beginners and advanced

If you’d like to go ski touring, the Vars resort offers safe itineraries. Take the ascent on marked trails and come back down on the ski slopes. The ideal alternative for those wishing to begin or perfect their ski touring skills.

The Forest PathDIFFICULT LEVEL (max. 30° slope)

Distance: 2.3 km, 340 m ascent – Average time: 2h

Altitudes: start 1860m – finish 2200m

At the foot of the Mayt chairlift, identify the “ski de rando” start sign on your left. Climb up into the heart of the forest, and the wide-open spaces will reveal themselves just before the end of the itinerary, with an unobstructed view of the Eyssina summit. At the top of the Télémix, the descent is via the blue and red runs.

Saluces PassVERY DIFFICULT LEVEL (max. 20° slope)

Distance: 1.8 km, 310 m ascent – Average time: 1h30

Altitudes: start 2130m – finish 2440m

At the top of the Télémix, take the blue trail that leads to the start at the foot of the DVA park. Look out for the “départ ski de rando” sign and take the path between the “jas du bœuf” trail and the “piste des heureux”. In the middle of the snowfields, you’ll appreciate the finely jagged scenery of the peaks: the Col des Saluces and the Col du Vallon. At the start of the piste des heureux, you’ve arrived. It’s time to savor a tidal wave of pure air as you glide down the blue piste.

La Trace de PeynierDIFFICULT LEVEL (max slope 25°)

Distance: 4 km and 351 m ascent – Average time: 3h

Altitudes: start 1899m – finish 2250m

Your outing starts behind the Lauzet residence in the direction of the Fontbonne chairlift. You take the ascent to the Napoléon refuge and then begin the ascent to Peynier in wild surroundings. After contemplating the view from the summit, you can enjoy the descent on the blue pistes of Les mélèzes and Serre Meyrand during ski area opening hours from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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La Trace de Sibièresdifficult level

Distance: 2.2 km and 325 m ascent

Start: Vars les Claux, Fournet / Luge sur rail

Arrival: top of Sibières chairlift. Last wild part in the valleys, facing the Eyssina and freeride couloirs.

Sporty course 70% in forest, right next to the slopes.

This ski touring course is ideal for experienced mountaineers looking for a challenge.

The first part of the route is both steep and technical and requires a solid command of rando ski conversions, particularly at the start to join the Faisandière piste. An escape route is possible here. The second part of the route is a long, easier, uphill traverse overlooking Zakopane, still in the forest. You’ll enjoy panoramic views and a gentler climb. Finally, the last part of the route diverges from the slopes to take you to the finish of the Sibières chairlift for a sequence of valleys outside the woods adding a touch of adventure to your itinerary.

Please note, this route may be closed depending on weather conditions, avalanche risk and pida. Check information on possible closures before venturing on this route.

La Rampe du Bois Noireasy level

Distance: 5.1 km and 400 m ascent

Start: necessary to take the shuttle to Sainte-Catherine, top of the village, at the start of the route

Arrival : sommet de Peynier

Itinerary off the ski area, in wild surroundings and a 360° view at the finish

The first part of this route is a large flat traverse, ideal for a gentle warm-up. After crossing the Pont de la Salce, you’ll take a wide groomed trail through the heart of the forest. This is followed by a steeper zigzag ramp, but you won’t need to make any conversions at this stage. You’ll arrive at the Lac de Peynier and then reach the summit of the Bois Noir.

View trail map

View trail map

Ski touring

Practice

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Free introductions

In partnership with K2 and BCA, the resort is offering ski touring introductions every Saturday and Sunday during the February school vacations. An opportunity to try out and learn the basics of ski touring from a professional guide. You’ll also benefit from free equipment from our partners K2 and BCA.

Park DVA

A DVA park is available right in the heart of the resort, in collaboration with BCA, at the foot of itinerary no. 2 on the Col des Saluces. You can learn how to use avalanche victim detection equipment free of charge.

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Live the Ski de Rando experience

SKI DE RANDO ❄️ Découvrez nos itinéraires permanents

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Before departureSafety rules to know

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Advice

Your questions

How to equip for ski touring?
Good skis and suitable bindings
Good ski touring boots with “on” and “off” positions.
Some seal skins
Stickspreferably adjustable to adapt size for ascent and descent.
Safety equipment and a good helmet
What clothes should I choose before I leave?
If you don’t want to feel cold, it’s essential to opt for good clothing. Thethree-layer technique also known as the “onion technique” is the right method to adopt for good effort management.
- The first so-called “breathable”layer doesn’t absorb moisture: a merino wool or polyester T-shirt.
- The second “thermal” layer keeps you warm and wicks away perspiration: a fleece, or even a wool sweater.
- The third “waterproof” layer will protect you from wind and rain and wick away perspiration Complement a cold-resistant down jacket.
Special warm, waterproof ski touring pants preferably with ventilation zips on the thighs for climbing.
Thin under-gloves preferably merino wool for comfort
Gloves: half-gloves, half-slippers for optimum protection
Sunglasses: category 4 for optimum UV protection
A face mask to prevent fogging
A choker
A hat
A backpack
What level do I need to be to take part in introductory ski touring sessions?
To practice ski touring, a minimum ski level of class 3 (parallel skiing and speed control on red runs) with good physical condition..
What should I do before I leave?
Consult the opening conditions of permanent routes and the snow bulletin
What safety equipment is needed for ski touring?
You’ll need:
- An avalanche transceiver (ATD)
- A shovel
- A probe
The ATD is an indispensable piece of digital equipment for searching for one or more buried people or for being found under an avalanche. It works in both transmit and receive modes. You go skiing in transmit mode, you search for someone in receive mode. The probe locates the victim precisely and measures depth. The shovel is used to dig out the victim. It’s vital to master this equipment before venturing out onto snow-covered terrain ( BCA safety KIT)
The Vars resort is equipped with a park in partnership with the BCA brand to train in their use.