Nestled in the stunning French Alps, Paradiski is a dream come true for snow lovers. With three connected resorts—Les Arcs, Peisey Vallandry, and La Plagne—this massive ski area is a haven for those who crave exciting slopes, stunning views, and an authentic alpine experience.
Upon arriving at Paradiski, the first thing that caught my attention was its status as a true off-piste paradise. What sets it apart is the strategic absence of safety nets around the tracks, ensuring safety on steep corners where needed. Yet, for adventurous skiers and snowboarders like me, this creates an open playground for seeking thrilling, uncharted paths. Imagine carving through untouched powder and discovering your own snowy adventures with no boundaries—Paradiski makes this possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. Les Arcs offers a range of slopes, from gentle to challenging, while Peisey Vallandry provides a tranquil escape with traditional charm. La Plagne, seamlessly connected to Les Arcs, completes the experience with extensive runs for all skill levels.
Les Arcs: The Adventurer’s Paradise
Les Arcs, with its four distinct villages—Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000—offers an unmatched snowboarding and skiing experience. Beginners can ease into their journey on the gentle slopes of Arc 1600, while thrill-seekers can conquer the steeper descents in Arc 2000. The resort’s pinnacle, Aiguille Rouge with its 3226 hight meters, treats visitors to a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. For an exhilarating descent, you can glide down an impressive 8km slope from Aiguille Rouge to Villaroger, boasting a remarkable 2000m vertical drop—a must for true skiing enthusiasts.
This skiing and snowboarding destination offers diverse terrain parks, jumps, rails, and halfpipes, including the thrilling “Apocalypse” black run and off-piste challenges like Bellecôte North Face.
With approximately 40 ski lifts and a vast mountain area with prepared and off-piste tracks, there’s endless variety for different skill levels. However, even experienced riders should be cautious of icy moguls on certain tracks, requiring excellent technique.
Peisey Vallandry: A hidden gem
Peisey Vallandry, nestled between Les Arcs and La Plagne, stands out as a hidden gem offering convenient access to both resorts, making it an ideal hub for exploring Paradiski. What sets it apart are the notably shorter queues at the ski lifts compared to La Plagne or Les Arcs, providing a more enjoyable experience. The skiing tracks boast often better conditions with fewer icy spots and fewer riders, making Vallandry a favorite for faster descents.
Vallandry caters to families with specially designed curvy “fun” tracks for kids. The Vallandry Forest offers a picturesque backdrop for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, while the impressive Vanoise Express unique double decker cable car seamlessly connects visitors to La Plagne’s extensive terrain. The proximity of Les Arcs villages, reachable with just one descent, adds to the overall accessibility and charm of Peisey Vallandry.
If you find yourself seeking a break from skiing, consider exploring the traditional French Alps village of Peisey-Nancroix. Easily accessible by taking the Lonzagne skilift down from Vallandry next to the Vanoise Express, this charming village offers a serene escape. Take a moment to visit the Sainte Rinite Church, known for its historical significance. Delight in the local pastries available at village shops or simply take a leisurely stroll in the authentic atmosphere of a true Alps village.
La Plagne: Endless Adventure Awaits
La Plagne, seamlessly linked to Vallandry by the Vanoise Express, is a vital component of the Paradiski experience. Comprising six high-altitude villages, including Plagne Centre, Plagne Aime 2000, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Village, and Plagne 1800, the resort offers diverse accommodation options and activities.
Known for its extensive network of runs, La Plagne caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Thrilling challenges await on the Bellecôte Glacier, while beginners can enjoy the wide-open pistes of Plagne Soleil.
La Plagne’s commitment to family-friendly activities, such as the Olympic bobsleigh track and the ice climbing tower, makes it an excellent choice for families. As the day concludes, the après-ski scene comes alive, offering lively bars and restaurants for a well-rounded and enjoyable winter sports experience.
Despite being the most crowded of the three resorts, planning ahead and avoiding busy lifts during rush hour can enhance the experience. Optimal times for ascent are during lunch when many skiers are at restaurants.
Enjoying French Delights in the Heart of the Alps
Dining in Paradiski is a culinary treat, featuring slopeside restaurants offering a diverse menu from burgers to upscale French dishes. The fusion of French, Italian, and English cuisines is crafted with genuine passion. With an extensive selection of wines and champagnes, dining in Paradiski is a delightful international culinary experience. French chefs, treating food with great respect, ensure every dish is tasteful, making it a haven for self-proclaimed foodies like me.
Main courses typically range from 20 to 25 Euros. Indulging in a glass of wine or a refreshing beer will set you back around 6-10 Euros, while a comforting cup of hot chocolate or a cappuccino is priced at approximately 4-5 Euros.
A mouthwatering pizza won’t break the bank, with prices ranging from 10 to 15 Euros. If you’re in the mood for a hearty burger, you can find delectable options priced between 10 and 15 Euros.
Pastries, a staple of French cuisine, are not only delicious but also generously portioned, with prices ranging from 5 to 10 Euros. These sizable portions are perfect for sharing between two people.
Indulge your sweet tooth with desserts like tiramisu or crème brûlée, typically priced around 10 Euros. If you’re in the mood for wine, a bottle of Vin Blanc can be acquired for as little as 25 Euros, with premium options reaching up to 100 Euros for a splendid Bordeaux.
Gourmet shopping
Shopping in Paradiski was a delightful experience, especially for me with a penchant for culinary delights. The region offers a treasure trove of local specialties, including an array of cheeses, sausages, and pastries.
Cheese enthusiasts will revel in the selection of exquisite French varieties, each boasting its own distinct flavors and textures. The aromatic sausages, a culinary delight, showcase the region’s dedication to preserving traditional flavors.
Additionally, the local pastries, from flaky croissants to indulgent tarts, provide the perfect accompaniment to your Alpine adventure.
Summary
The variety of slopes in the Paradiski caters to all levels, from exhilarating rides for speed enthusiasts like me to gentle descents perfect for beginners. The dedicated areas for kids ensure that families can share the excitement, making it a destination where everyone, regardless of skill level, can find their ideal adventure.
Paradiski stands out as the most enjoyable ski resort I’ve ever experienced.
Mel, the author.
As a seasoned snowboarder with three decades of riding under my belt, I can confidently say that Paradiski stands out as the most enjoyable ski resort I’ve ever experienced. The abundance of off-piste possibilities creates a winter wonderland for thrill-seekers like me.
While exploring the ski resorts of Vallandry, Les Arcs, and La Plagne, my preference tilted towards Vallandry and Les Arcs for a more enjoyable experience. La Plagne, though offering an extensive network of runs, presented some challenges. Navigating through its tracks was a bit difficult, and the resort felt notably crowded compared to Vallandry and Les Arcs.
