France
14) Vars
The French Federation of Cycling have been working on more trails throughout the country and Vars is one of the resorts to benefit from this with some 100km of marked XC trails recognised by the federation. Offering wide gravel roads and paths for family riders through to slightly more challenging singletracks.
The nearest airport to Vars: Nice ( approx 112km)
Vars is starting to build a reasonable reputation for summer biking. It is also the place where 10x DH Champion and 2008 Olympic BMX Champion Anne-Caroline Chausson has busy designing trails and will be based from 2010.
Situated between Dauphiné, Provence and Italy, Vars is in a great location, right in the heart of the high Alps yet benefiting from a better climate.
What does Vars have to offer?
| Cross Country |
Beginner & Intermediate |
| Downhill | Intermediate |
| Freeride | Intermediate |
| Cable Car |
NO |
| Gondola | YES |
| Chairlift | YES |
| Close to | - |
DOWNHILL
Downhill in Vars was brought to the media attention when it hosted a
round of the UCI World Cup here back in 2001.
The track was typical of much of the riding here, wide open, fast and
although not technically challenging due to the features, the speed
makes everything much harder.
Since 2001, Vars has almost become forgotten outside of France, but the
track is still open to ride along with amendments to its route to make
it a little more flowing and fun with some drops added. There are a
further six descents labeled as freeride descents which are just more
playful and mellow downhills. The Christian Taillefer is more difficult; a designed downhill course
being a traditional race course, fast with some technical sections. Steve Peat won in 2001.
CROSS-COUNTRY
The
main Cross Country routes around Vars are all shown on the map
available from the Tourist Office and marked on the ground aswell. The
riding here is not so technical as some of the Alpine resorts, but is
fun and in a great open environment.
The Var Spray trail is a popular ride with a long 32 km descent through
forests and open ground that can be started from the top of the Mayt
lift. You will need a return lift which is organised three times a
week, (ask in the Tourist Office for more info).
FREERIDE
As
with many resorts these days, Vars has a small bikepark area with a
small slopestyle area for the Freestyle rider. Riders happy to hit the
downhill trails and play on some of the wallrides, drops and jumps at
the end of a run will enjoy the park.
The 32 km Vard Embrun descent is not too technical and can by ridden by novices with stops on the way.
| Summer Lifts Open |
End of July until 31 August |
| Lift Opening Times | 09.30 - 16.45 (always check) |
| Lift Prices | Day pass 14 € // Week pass 35 € |
Directory:
Tourist Office: T+33 492 465131
Website: www.vars.com