The Paradiski Ski Guide - Where to Stay, Ski & Explore
Paradiski Ski Guide: Les Arcs, La Plagne & Peisey-Vallandry
With 425 km of interconnected pistes, spectacular mountain scenery and a wonderful variety of resorts, Paradiski is one of the great ski destinations of the French Alps.
Located in the Savoie region of France, this vast ski area brings together Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry, connected by the impressive Vanoise Express cable car.
From high-altitude slopes with sweeping views of Mont Blanc to peaceful, tree-lined runs through traditional alpine villages, Paradiski offers something for almost every skier.
But which resort should you choose, and where will you find the best skiing?
Our guide explores the different villages, ski runs, lift passes and travel options to help you plan your Paradiski adventure.
Where to Stay in Paradiski
Although the resorts share one interconnected ski area, each has its own character. Choosing the right base depends on whether you prefer lively après-ski, traditional alpine charm, family-friendly slopes or high-altitude skiing.
Les Arcs: Varied Skiing and Spectacular Views
Les Arcs is made up of several villages, each offering a slightly different mountain experience.
Arc 1600 is quieter and conveniently connected to Bourg-Saint-Maurice by funicular, making it an excellent choice for visitors travelling by train.
Arc 1800 is the liveliest of the main villages, with plenty of restaurants, bars and convenient access to the slopes.
Arc 1950 is a picturesque, pedestrianised village with attractive architecture, shops and ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
Arc 2000 is particularly appealing to confident skiers looking for high-altitude terrain and easy access to the upper mountain.
Best for: Intermediate and advanced skiers, varied terrain and convenient slope access.
La Plagne: A Favourite for Families
La Plagne is particularly popular with families and mixed-ability groups, thanks to its extensive network of blue pistes and welcoming beginner areas.
Its many villages range from purpose-built high-altitude centres such as Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre to more traditional settlements including Montchavin, Les Coches and Montalbert.
The higher villages are convenient for slope access, while the lower villages offer a more traditional alpine atmosphere and attractive woodland skiing.
Best for: Families, beginners, intermediate skiers and groups with different abilities.
Peisey-Vallandry: Traditional Alpine Charm
Nestled between Les Arcs and La Plagne, Peisey-Vallandry is one of Paradiski's most appealing places to stay.
Its attractive villages, forested slopes and relaxed atmosphere make it particularly popular with families and skiers looking for somewhere quieter.
It's also ideally positioned for exploring the wider ski area, with the Vanoise Express providing a connection towards La Plagne.
Best for: Families, couples, scenic skiing and a traditional mountain atmosphere.
Ski Runs and Where to Ski in Paradiski
With 425 km of interconnected pistes, Paradiski offers an enormous variety of skiing, from gentle beginner areas to steep black runs and dramatic high-altitude descents.
The terrain stretches from approximately 1,200 metres to 3,250 metres, with 70% of the ski area above 2,000 metres.
Best for Beginners: La Plagne
La Plagne is an excellent choice for anyone learning to ski.
Its dedicated beginner areas and extensive network of gentle pistes make it easier to build confidence without venturing too far from your accommodation.
Les Arcs also has designated learning areas, so beginners can enjoy the mountains without needing to explore the entire ski area.
Best for Intermediate Skiers: Les Arcs and La Plagne
Paradiski is particularly rewarding for intermediate skiers.
La Plagne offers wide, enjoyable blue runs and plenty of opportunities to explore different villages.
Les Arcs provides a wonderful mixture of open pistes and scenic woodland skiing, especially around Arc 1800 and Peisey-Vallandry.
For confident intermediates, crossing between the two areas on the Vanoise Express is one of the highlights of a Paradiski holiday.
Best for Advanced Skiers: Aiguille Rouge and Bellecôte
Experienced skiers will find plenty of challenging terrain across Paradiski.
In Les Arcs, the slopes around the Aiguille Rouge offer spectacular high-altitude skiing and demanding descents.
Over in La Plagne, the Bellecôte sector is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and more challenging terrain.
Both areas also offer off-piste opportunities, which should only be explored with suitable safety equipment and appropriate local guidance.
Best for Families: La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry
La Plagne's family-friendly facilities, beginner areas and extensive intermediate skiing make it a natural choice for holidays with children.
Peisey-Vallandry is another lovely option, particularly for families who prefer quieter villages and attractive tree-lined pistes.
Best for Snow Conditions: Arc 2000 and High-Altitude La Plagne
Paradiski's extensive high-altitude terrain helps provide reliable skiing throughout much of the winter.
Arc 2000 and the higher villages of La Plagne are particularly appealing for early- and late-season holidays, although snow conditions always depend on the weather.
The Vanoise Express: Connecting Les Arcs and La Plagne
One of Paradiski's most distinctive features is the Vanoise Express, a remarkable double-decker cable car connecting the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry side of the ski area with La Plagne.
The journey takes just a few minutes, carrying skiers high above the valley and opening up an entirely different mountain to explore.
For confident skiers, it's well worth setting aside a day to cross between the resorts.
Remember to check lift opening times and weather conditions before travelling between the two areas, particularly later in the afternoon.
Paradiski Ski Passes: Which One Do You Need?
There are two main options to consider when choosing a ski pass.
Local Ski Passes
A local pass covers either La Plagne or the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry area, depending on where you're staying.
These can offer better value if you're a beginner, travelling with young children or planning to spend most of your holiday skiing close to your accommodation.
Full Paradiski Ski Pass
A full Paradiski pass gives you access to the interconnected ski area, including Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne.
It's the best choice for confident skiers who want the freedom to explore both sides of the mountain.
How Much Does a Paradiski Ski Pass Cost?
Prices vary according to age, duration and the type of pass you choose.
Rather than quoting prices that change each season, we recommend checking the official Les Arcs ski pass website or La Plagne ski pass website for current rates and offers.
Our tip: If you're staying for a week and enjoy exploring new terrain, consider the full Paradiski pass. The opportunity to ski between Les Arcs and La Plagne is a major part of the experience.
How to Get to Paradiski
Paradiski is well connected to the UK and the rest of Europe, with several options for reaching the resorts.
Flying to Paradiski
The main airports serving the ski area are:
Geneva Airport: A popular choice for UK visitors, with plenty of flight and transfer options.
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport: A convenient alternative with good connections to the French Alps.
Chambéry Airport: Closer to the resorts, although flights are more limited and often seasonal.
Grenoble Airport: Another option for winter ski flights.
Shared transfers, private taxis and hire cars are available from the airports.
Travelling by Train
Paradiski is particularly convenient for travellers who prefer the train.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the main station for Les Arcs, with a funicular connection to Arc 1600.
Aime-La Plagne provides onward bus and taxi connections to La Plagne's villages.
Landry is useful for reaching Peisey-Vallandry.
From London, travellers can use Eurostar services and connecting French trains to reach the Alps.
Driving to Paradiski
Driving offers flexibility, particularly for families bringing their own ski equipment.
From Calais, the route heads through France towards Albertville, Moûtiers and the Tarentaise Valley.
Winter driving equipment may be required, so check the latest French regulations before travelling.
Explore the Paradiski Piste Map
With so much terrain spread across two major mountain areas, it's worth familiarising yourself with the piste map before setting off.
The official resort maps help you plan routes, identify connections and discover new areas to explore.
You can find further information on the official Paradiski website.
Whether you're exploring the sweeping pistes of La Plagne, skiing through the forests of Peisey-Vallandry or heading towards the high peaks above Les Arcs, Paradiski is a ski area that rewards curiosity and adventure.
