Bathed in around 300 days of sunshine each year, Risoul pairs wallet‑friendly prices with the wide‑open playground of the 185 km / 115 mi La Forêt Blanche ski domain. North‑facing slopes keep the snow crisp, while larch forests lend the scenery a softer, more intimate feel. Whether you are cruising the five‑kilometre Grande Bleue run, learning for free on the village lifts or catching air in the WaouLand snowpark, the resort stays relaxed, welcoming and wonderfully uncrowded.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a seamless Risoul holiday, from terrain tips and village vibes to dining, off‑slope fun and mellow après.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Risoul sits on a sunny balcony in the Hautes‑Alpes between the Écrins and Queyras national parks, just above the market town of Guillestre.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True ski‑in/ski‑out convenience | Limited high‑end luxury hotels |
| Warm, chalet‑style architecture | Après‑ski generally low‑key |
| Compact, walkable village centre | Two‑plus‑hour transfers from major airports |
| Family‑friendly pricing & atmosphere | Some south‑facing slopes can soften in late spring |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Risoul has to offer.
Crossing the high ridge seamlessly links you with neighboring Vars, effectively doubling your playground to 185 km (115 mi) under the shared La Forêt Blanche pass. It’s akin to a skier's road trip in miniature, carving one moment above Risoul’s rooftops, then cruising into a different village for lunch the next.
Despite its southern location, the snow quality is impressive. Northwest-facing slopes, a dry continental climate, and 70% snow-making capabilities keep the surfaces crisp. Larch trees provide shelter for lower runs during storms. On clear days, pause at a Labell’Aire deckchair to trace the skyline stretching from the Écrins to Mont Blanc.
Freestyle enthusiasts will find their niche in WaouLand, a vibrant park with a boardercross track just off the main route, while mileage hunters can spend the day linking lifts without covering the same ground twice.
A free Beginners’ area beside the village provides four lifts, including the Télépulsé gondola, so newcomers can practise without buying a full pass. Once turns feel steady, progress to gentle greens nearby or tackle the confidence‑boosting blue La Grande Bleue, which runs five kilometres back to resort.
With more than 80 % of pistes graded blue or red, intermediates can roam bowls, ridge-lines and tree runs at will. Favourites include the scenic Col Sans Nom from Pic de Chabrières and the full‑length cruise of La Grande Bleue, dropping 700 m / 2,297 ft to the snowfront.
Black runs may be few, but they pack a punch, Les Vautours hosted the 2016 speed‑ski world record at 254 km/h. After a storm, sections of un‑groomed powder (marked pink on the piste map) serve up fresh‑track fun, and local guides can point the way to hidden couloirs above the Vars link.
Freestyle enthusiasts will find their playground in WaouLand, a colorful park and boardercross track located just off the main drag. The WaouLand snowpark is divided into beginner, intermediate, and expert zones, featuring a boardercross track and a chill-out 'Cool Zone.' With foam modules, rails, and jumps of all sizes, it offers a safe environment for progressing at any level.
The ski season in Risoul for 2024/25 began on December 14th and is expected to run until April 6th, although the official closing date has yet to be confirmed. If you're planning a ski holiday next winter, be sure to explore our Risuol deals for the best offers available.
Risoul offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 22 cm (8.6 in) and 18 cm (7.0 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.5 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 19 cm (7.4 in) occurring across 2.9 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Risoul, with an impressive 33 cm (12.9 in) of snow over 3.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm (6.6 in) of snow over 3.1 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 22 cm/8.6 in | 2.6 days |
| January | 18 cm/7.0 in | 2.4 days |
| February | 19 cm/7.4 in | 2.9 days |
| March | 21 cm/8.2 in | 3.1 days |
| April | 17 cm/6.6 in | 3.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
From sun‑drenched slope‑side terraces to snug village bistros, Risoul punches well above its weight when it comes to eating out. Prices stay refreshingly modest, so you can linger over a long mountain lunch or sample a different eatery each evening without blowing the holiday budget. Highlights include:
Après here is convivial rather than raucous, centred on slope‑side terraces and compact village bars. Highlights include:
Download Risoul village map here
