Col de Vars

Col de Vars is a high mountain pass in the Cottian Alps, linking the Ubaye Valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the Guil Valley in the Hautes-Alpes. Situated at an elevation of 2,108 meters, it forms a crucial segment of the famed Route des Grandes Alpes and is a regular, challenging ascent in the Tour de France. The pass connects the villages of Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye and Vars, the latter being part of the Vars and Risoul ski domain.

Geography and Location

The pass is situated on the departmental border between Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes, acting as a natural gateway between the Durance and Ubaye river basins. It lies within the broader Écrins National Park region, offering dramatic views of surrounding peaks like the Grand Rubren and the Massif du Queyras. The geology is characterized by sedimentary rocks, and the landscape features high alpine pastures that are used for transhumance during the summer months. The climate is typically alpine, with the pass often closed by snow from late autumn until late spring, isolating the Ubaye Valley historically.

History

Historically, the pass was a significant trade and military route, used since the Middle Ages for moving goods and livestock between Provence and the Dauphiné. Its strategic importance grew during the wars of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, with fortifications like the nearby Fort de Tournoux built to control the valley. The modern road was constructed in the late 19th century, with major improvements made for the Winter Olympics in Grenoble in 1968 to improve access to the developing ski resorts. The area around the col was also a site of skirmishes during World War II, particularly during the Allied invasion of Southern France.

Cycling and the Tour de France

Col de Vars is a classic climb in professional cycling, first included in the Tour de France in 1947. It is often paired in a legendary double ascent with the nearby Col d'Izoard, creating a brutal stage in the Hautes-Alpes. Notable moments include victories by champions like Fausto Coppi, Louison Bobet, and Marco Pantani. The climb from either side is categorized as a Hors catégorie or Category 1 ascent, with the approach from Guillestre being particularly steep and demanding. It has featured in over 40 editions of the race, serving as a decisive battleground in the general classification.

Road and Infrastructure

The pass is traversed by the D902 road, a key link in the Route des Grandes Alpes between Barcelonnette and Guillestre. The road features numerous hairpin turns and steep gradients, especially on the southern side from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye. Maintenance and snow clearance are managed by the Direction interdépartementale des Routes, with the pass typically open from June to October. A small chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-des-Neiges sits near the summit, and the col itself has a restaurant and parking area for travelers. The infrastructure supports both summer tourism and access to the Vars ski area.

Tourism and Activities

The pass is a hub for outdoor recreation, serving as a starting point for hiking trails into the Parc national des Écrins and for mountain biking on the extensive network around Risoul. In winter, it provides access to the Vars and Risoul ski resorts, part of the Forêt Blanche domain. The area is popular for paragliding, with launches from the col offering spectacular flights over the Ubaye Valley. Nearby cultural attractions include the Chapelle Saint-Marcellin in Vars and the historic town of Barcelonnette, known for its Mexican villas. The Tour de France and annual cycling events like the Marmotte also draw significant visitor numbers each summer.

Category:Mountain passes of the Alps Category:Tour de France climbs Category:Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Category:Hautes-Alpes