Retour d’Est, Forêt Blanche connection open and Jérôme's gear tips: everything for a successful stay.

It is February 24, 2026. If you are still hesitating to come up, know that Risoul 1850 shows snow cover well above seasonal norms. Thanks to who? The Retour d’Est. This phenomenon blocks Italian disturbances on the border and dumps tons of snow on our slope. While other massifs are waiting, we are collecting. The resort has put on its finest white.


This morning, in front of Loca’ski, the sky is playing for time between sunny spells and passing clouds. Visibility remains top-notch and the weather is dry. Temperatures are ideal for maintaining cinema-quality snow: we are fluctuating between -3°C and +4°C in the resort, and a chilly -6°C at the summit at 2750 m. It’s perfect. Let’s talk numbers: 148 cm at 1850 m and 220 cm at the top of the domain. We got 9 cm of fresh snow 72 hours ago. In short, it’s compact powder that holds up well. And a new disturbance is arriving between March 2 and 6 to add another layer.
The question that comes up repeatedly at the shop: “Is the connection open?”. The answer is yes. No doubt about it. The Vars-Risoul connection is operational. We have 146 km of accessible runs out of the 185 km of the domain. On the Risoul side, it’s a full house with 100% of the ski lifts open (16/16). You can ski right back to the shop without risking a single scratch on the base. Clean.

Jérôme is an instructor and manages Loca’ski. His advice to optimize your pleasure? In the morning, the snow is cold and grippy. Take out the Rossignol Forza 60 TI 2026 from the Elite range to carve turns with precision. This is serious gear.
For those who prefer the side of the slopes, the Volkl Mantra m7 demo 2026 from the Freeride range will work wonders. Watch out though: the avalanche risk is marked (3/5). At Loca’ski, we don’t joke about that. Get equipped. We offer ABS bags and safety kits (DVA, shovel, probe) for rent. So, if you can’t choose your side, the “Multiglisse” option at €10 allows you to switch from downhill skiing to freeride or snowscoot if the weather changes.


Access to the resort is partially snow-covered. Don’t be the one blocking everyone in the last turn: keep your chains or snow socks within reach. Not under the suitcases at the bottom of the trunk. It’s mandatory. Once at the top, forget the car. Loca’ski is on Rue de la Forêt Blanche, 50 m from the slopes and right next to the shuttle. Enjoy your stay without touching the steering wheel.
The conditions are here for a memorable week. All that’s missing are your tracks. Book your gear online to save time or stop by the Loca’ski shop to chat and have a coffee!
To go further:
Vars-Risoul Connection: The Great Return of La Forêt Blanche...
A New Chairlift to Boost Risoul This Winter...
Loca’ski: the ski shop created by an enthusiast!
Discover the Ideal Location of the Loca’ski Store!