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 ... Read review
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Advantages: Caters for all abilities, quiet at the start of the season Disadvantages: Long trnsfer times, and it's quiet isolated
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 ... ...and there were plenty of easy runs which were wide and tree-free, making it easier for others to avoid me!
The instructors were typically french - very good, friendly, but frustrated with my lack of progress (I found the whole thing terrifying!!), but they certainly catered for all abilities - anyone progressing faster or slower than the rest of the group was given an instructor on their own or with another group more suited to their ... more
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 me!
The instructors were typically french - very good, friendly, but frustrated with my lack of progress (I found the whole thing terrifying!!), but they certainly catered for all abilities - anyone progressing faster or slower than the rest of the group was given an instructor on their own or with another group more suited to their ability.
Passes are cheap compared to many places, but I reccomend buying thm out there since the price is less than tour operators charge you, and you can also get a student discount - you don't even need an international student card, they accepted my Bristol University one.
At the very beginning of the season, the resort is very quiet, and you'll get the runs to yourself, but facilities such as the ice rink won't be open. Accomodation was fantastic, but the tour operators nights out (eg for fondue) work out much more expensive than organising it yourself, though prices may change in peak season.
Overall, a fantastic resort which I can't wait to go back to...though I'll be skiing next time!
...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, which is small and basic but offers a decent diversion. There are some jumps and a reasonably sized half-pipe, although the half-pipe was closed the day I visited it.
The off-piste is nothing to write home about, there being too ... ...a ski resort for the nightlife is a bit like going to an Everton match expecting good football - you're bound to be disappointed. That particular flaw is common to most resorts though (as far as I can tell) and so for beginners/budget skiiers, Risoul comes recommended. ...
TommyC109 30.07.2004
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Advantages: Good for beginners and intermediates, nice tree line pistes Disadvantages: Long airport transfers but injoy the views
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 ... ...village and on the slopes. Risoul has a great night life with nightclubs and shops which stay open until late. Where ever you stay in Risoul you will never be far from the ski lifts and facilities. There is a good tourist information which will exchange cash and tell you everything you will need to know. Another great thing about Risoul is that it is always sunny and there is always plenty of snow. It was such a good resort that I am going back in ...
samk 14.10.2001
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Advantages: Beautiful Piste Disadvantages: Can't think of any!
...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 ...
joberts 10.01.2001
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Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
Quick review of Risoul
This is the worst place I have ever been to. 1) Awful hotels 2) Unfriendly staff all over the place - from the ski slopes to shops and they speak only French! Wake up people! everyone nowadays speaks English and not french! The snow was either melting or there was ice all over the place! I'll never go there again.
Ps. the local grociery store was always empty! ...
Rosi_W 18.11.2008
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