Risoul

Risoul was a lucky find - I was looking for the cheapest way to spend a week learning to snowboard, so would happily have gone anywhere. As it turns out, Risoul was the only place in France with any snow the week before Christmas 2000, and so I had the time of my life. Having skiied 3-4 times, Risoul would have provided me with challenging runs, and experienced skiiers would have more than enough to do since you can buy passes that take you into surrounding valleys. But I chose to snowboard, and there were plenty of easy runs which were wide and tree-free, making it easier for others to avoid ... more

As someone with only 4 days snowboarding experience before arriving in Risoul, the place was perfect - plenty of easy runs to get back in the swing of things, with enough long red runs to keep me interested for a week. (For those who don't know, ski runs are graded as Green=very easy, Blue=easy, Red=intermediate, Black=difficult.) For the more experienced snowboarders and skiiers in the group, I think Risoul was somewhat limited, and even I started to feel a little bored. There are a large number of runs on various sides of the mountain, but they tend to be rather similar. There is a snow park ... more

Risoul is a small ski resort linked with its neighbouring resort Vars. Risoul forms part of the Foret Blanche with over 165km of pistes. The resort is 1850m and the highest lift goes to 2750m. All the runs lead to the village so it is very hard to get lost and it is easy to meet up with friends. Risoul is very good for beginner skiers and snowboarding. But I would reckon mend any body at any abilities. The resort is about a 3 hour coach trip from Turin the closest airport. There well designed snowboarding parks with jumps and pipes. You will be intrigued to know that the speed world record is ... more

Situated 1850 metres high in the Southern French Alps, Risoul is an idyllic purpose built ski resort. With enough runs to keep both amateur and expert skiiers happy, Risoul also boasts fantastic facilities for Snowboarders with great half pipes and regular competitions. There is also an ice rink situated close to the village centre. All the major travel firms are represented, and I would personally recommend Crystal. There are more than enough bars and restaurants, with an excellent choice of cuisine available. Shops are also plentiful, and ski equipment can be readily purchased if you forgot ... more