Risoul, commune in Hautes-Alpes, France
Risoul is a ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes region built within a large snow bowl with slopes facing all directions. The village features buildings made from local larch wood and pink stone, offering over 180 kilometers of skiable terrain connected to the neighboring resort of Vars through a mountain pass.
The idea for Risoul began in the 1940s, but construction did not start until 1970. The resort grew steadily and was connected to the older Vars resort by a mountain pass in 1986, significantly expanding the total skiable area.
Risoul blends traditional mountain village character with a welcoming ski community atmosphere. The town center features small shops, cafes, and restaurants where visitors experience local hospitality and hearty French mountain cuisine, including regional specialties like local apples and farmstead cheeses.
Risoul sits at about 1850 meters elevation with a vertical drop of about 900 meters and is easily reached by train from nearby towns like Montdauphin-Guilstre. The resort offers practical amenities such as bike lockers for cyclists, free WiFi in accommodations, and friendly staff who can provide good advice about mountain trails and outdoor activities.
Risoul is notable because nearly half of its visitors are snowboarders, and it features specialized terrain parks with jumps and tricks for all skill levels. The area enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making the south-facing slopes especially inviting for beginners.
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