How do I get to the concert area?

The concert site and refreshment area will open at 5.30pm. The concert by Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will take place at 6.30pm at Vars les Claux, on the snow front of the Chabrières telemix. There are entrances on both sides of the area. One entrance is next to the ESF chalet and the other is next to the doctor’s surgery.

Is there access for people with reduced mobility?

Yes, meet at the ESF hut entrance at 5.30pm.

Is there a first-aid and security post on the concert site?

Yes, first-aid teams will be on site during the concert, as well as a first-aid post. Private security: access control for the concert area + surveillance of the stage, control room, technical car park and VIP car park.

Is there a refreshment area in the concert zone?

Yes, the We are Hautes Alpes association is offering a refreshment bar in the concert area (mulled wine, beer, hot chocolate, juice) from 5.30pm.

Where can I park if I'm only going up for the concert?

There is plenty of free parking available. The Police Municipale teams will be on hand to help you when you arrive. Don’t hesitate to consult the resort maps. Don’t forget that special mountain equipment is compulsory.

What should I wear for the concert?

The concert takes place outdoors in the evening. All good reasons to come out well covered: good boots with warm socks, full ski outfit, hat and gloves.

I want to eat at the restaurant after the concert, is that possible?

There are plenty of restaurants waiting to welcome you! A word of advice: book in advance!

I'm a photographer / journalist, can I get accreditation?

Apply to communication@otvars.com

Are there any prohibited items on the concert site?

Any object that could be used as a projectile, constitute a weapon or endanger the safety of the public, in particular: knives and sharp objects, explosives, aerosols, lasers, weapons, explosive substances, plastic and glass bottles, cans and flasks. The following are also prohibited: cameras, sound and/or video recorders, large umbrellas, motorbike helmets, pushchairs, scooters, skates, selfie sticks, rucksacks over 10 litres, suitcases, computers, tablets and external batteries. Visual checks will be carried out at both entrances to the site.

Vars en Scène

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

Vars en Scène is back for its 17th edition, with an exceptional opening concert to launch the winter season and the opening of the ski area. On 13 December 2025, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will be on hand to immortalise the start of the season.

Vars en scène

The event

Every year, the resort marks the opening of its ski area by offering visitors a unique, free-access concert in the heart of Vars. To mark this 17th edition, Vars is inviting a rare artist whose music crosses styles and borders: Ben Harper, accompanied by his emblematic group The Innocent Criminals.

A committed musician with a string of hits to his name, including Steal my kisses, Diamonds on the Inside and With My Own Two Hands, Ben Harper is set to perform his most emblematic songs in a magnificent setting.

The event, conceived as a genuine welcome gift for the first holidaymakers, embodies the identity of the resort: generous, unifying and deeply focused on the encounter between culture and the mountains.

Ben Harper

International class

One of the most talented and versatile singer-songwriters of his generation, Ben Harper has established himself as a key figure on the world music scene. His music, a crossroads of genres ranging from pop and reggae to blues, rock, funk and folk, has won him audiences the world over.

With 18 studio albums and over 16 million records sold, Ben Harper has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards. His career is marked by a strong artistic and social commitment, which earned him a nomination for the Grammy Special Merit Award for Best Song for Social Change in 2023.

In 2022, he performed 12 sold-out concerts at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles alongside Harry Styles, having collaborated with him on the multi-award-winning album Harry’s House. Over the years, he has written and performed with some of the biggest names in music, from Mavis Staples and Jack Johnson to Keith Richards and Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney.

His latest album, Wide Open Light (2023), extends a rich and sincere body of work, combining musical power and human depth. With his singular voice and charisma on stage, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals promise an unforgettable opening concert at Vars en Scène.

Vars en Scène

The programme

The opening concert starts at 6.30pm on the Télémix snow front.

Throughout the weekend, free entertainment will be provided by the event’s partner service providers. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

We answer your questions

How do I get to the concert area?
The concert site and refreshment area will open at 5.30pm.
The concert by Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will take place at 6.30pm at Vars les Claux, on the snow front of the Chabrières telemix.
There are entrances on both sides of the area. One entrance is next to the ESF chalet and the other is next to the doctor’s surgery.
Is there access for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, meet at the ESF hut entrance at 5.30pm.
Is there a first-aid and security post on the concert site?
Yes, first-aid teams will be on site during the concert, as well as a first-aid post.
Private security: access control for the concert area + surveillance of the stage, control room, technical car park and VIP car park.
Is there a refreshment area in the concert zone?
Yes, the We are Hautes Alpes association is offering a refreshment bar in the concert area (mulled wine, beer, hot chocolate, juice) from 5.30pm.
Where can I park if I'm only going up for the concert?
There is plenty of free parking available. The Police Municipale teams will be on hand to help you when you arrive. Don’t hesitate to consult the resort maps.
Don’t forget that special mountain equipment is compulsory.
What should I wear for the concert?
The concert takes place outdoors in the evening. All good reasons to come out well covered: good boots with warm socks, full ski outfit, hat and gloves.
I want to eat at the restaurant after the concert, is that possible?
There are plenty of restaurants waiting to welcome you! A word of advice: book in advance!
I'm a photographer / journalist, can I get accreditation?
Apply to communication@otvars.com
Are there any prohibited items on the concert site?
Any object that could be used as a projectile, constitute a weapon or endanger the safety of the public, in particular: knives and sharp objects, explosives, aerosols, lasers, weapons, explosive substances, plastic and glass bottles, cans and flasks.
The following are also prohibited: cameras, sound and/or video recorders, large umbrellas, motorbike helmets, pushchairs, scooters, skates, selfie sticks, rucksacks over 10 litres, suitcases, computers, tablets and external batteries.
Visual checks will be carried out at both entrances to the site.