Risoul introduction
General Information
Risoul is a commune found in the southeastern part of France. It is situated in the French Alps between the towns of Briancon and Gap. Risoul is known for a ski resort which was actually developed in the early 1970s. Because of its good value, it is slowly being restored to entice more tourists and sports enthusiasts. The ski resort in Risoul is linked with its neighbor Vars to form the Forêt Blanche ski domain with a total of 180 km of pistes - one of the largest skiing areas in the Southern French Alps. Risoul is accessible in about 3 hours away via flights from the Turin airport in Italy, Grenoble, Chambéry or Marseille airports.
Winter Activities
Risoul boasts of a good snow record though in the last couple of seasons they have to compensate the slopes with artificial snow. Skiing is available from December to April and snow conditions are generally good throughout the winter. There are plentiful piste opportunities here for all levels of skiers. Whether you are a first-time, intermediate or veteran skier, you will find the perfect ski run challenge for you. The skiing area covers a total of 180kms where the ski runs are categorized accordingly. 57 runs are suitable for beginners following easy trails close to the village. 36 runs further up the mountain offer intermediate skiers a good choice of challenges. The 11 ski runs for the more advanced skiers seem to be limited but more challenging terrain can be explored in the nearby resort of Vars. There is also a ski school where 60 children can be taught how to ski. The resort has 55 ski lifts including 1 cable car and 14 chairs allowing movement of 57,000 skiers per hour. The highest lift elevation is 2,750m.
Summer Activities
Risoul is also known for its southern sunshine giving 300 days of sun per year, this allows for plenty of other activities for families to enjoy their holidays. Mountain-biking, hiking and horseback riding makes discovering the natural beauty around Risoul more exciting. Because of the availability of chairlifts, mountain-bikers can really make the most of the downhill slopes. The lift system also allows visitors access to the hills to enjoy the views and experience para-sailing or handgliding to get an aerial view of Risoul. Serre Ponçon, the largest man-made lake in Southeast France can also be reached by shuttle service. Bathing, sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing can all be enjoyed in this destination. Canyoning is also a popular adventure sport in Risoul open to anyone who's up for more fun adventure.
Other Information
Risoul is not the destination for those looking for 5 star hotels because here you will find more of the 2, 3 and 4 star apartments and traditional chalets. Après-ski or socializing after skiing means spending time in a range of cafes, bars and night clubs. Ice-skating, snow-shoe walks, skidoo rides and watching a cinema are also possible leisure options. The town of Briançon, which is just 50km away, is worth a visit to get to know the national heritage of Southeastern France. Visit Montdauphin, the medieval stronghold built by Vauban or the sliver mines of Argentière la Bessiére or the Boscodon abbey in Crots. The Queyras regional park, the Ecrins national park features the wild life reserves in Risoul and in Museoscope of Lake Serre-Ponçon; you will discover the history of the largest dam in Europe.