Risoul – a jewel in the Southern French Alps
At 1850m Risoul has a good snow record and is one of the French resorts in the Haute Alpes region which boasts over 300 days of sunshine.
A purpose built resort, set on a plateau and linked with the ski resort of Vars giving access to 55 ski lifts and 180km of skiing in the area called the "Foret Blanche". Like many of the resorts in the Southern French alps, Risoul is known for being a sunny resort although at 1850 it is high enough to ensure a good snow cover for the winter season.
The ski area includes the SURFLAND of Risoul and Vars whilst it also has a speed skiing run known as the KL. As well as the downhill skiing there are 45km of cross country trails and 35km for snow shoeing. 
Parents with teenagers will particularly like that the resorts feed back to the same “front de neige” so it is possible to allow some independent skiing whilst remaining confident you will all reach the same meeting point.
Alternatives to skiing abound including snowshoeing, sledging, snowmobiling, an outdoor ice rink, dog sledding and paragliding. Many of these activities have special options for children who will particularly love the floodlit sledging – although you may need to reward yourself with one of the excellent chocolate chaud (served in the nearby cafes) having pulled that sledge back up the hill so many times!
New for Winter 10/11 was the "Luge Devale" - this is a 780m long toboggan ride with hairpin bends, jumps and tunnels which is excellent fun for the family – you need to be 3 years old to ride!
Risoul has a range of bars and restaurants but is not best suited for those looking for a glamorous resorts – if you want a family friendly and affordable ski resort with great snow and plenty of sun, this is hard to beat.
Why take the family to Risoul?
• Excellent sunshine – always makes the ski day more pleasurable
• Many accommodations just moments from the slopes
• Resort runs largely feed back to the same “front de neige”
• Excellent family facilities
• Excellent snow record allowing early December and late April skiing – great for the budget too
Getting to Risoul
Risoul is easy to get to by plane or car and packages are available from a range of tour operators including Zenith Holidays.
Access details:
Travel by plane : Turin 153km (2¼ hrs), Grenoble 210km (3 hrs)
For more information on the resort or to enquire, do email doingmore@ZenithHolidays.co.uk
Article written by Stuart McLeod, Zenith Holidays
