Paradiski

TL;DR: Paradiski connects Les Arcs and La Plagne via the iconic Vanoise Express cable car, creating one of the world’s largest ski areas with 425km of slopes. Expect varied terrain for all levels, stunning Mont Blanc views, excellent snow reliability (1250-3250m elevation), and authentic French village vibes. Best visited December-April. Budget €1,500-2,500 per week including accommodation, lift pass, and equipment.

So you’re thinking about Paradiski? Smart choice. This isn’t just another ski resort—it’s basically the Disneyland of Alpine skiing, except with better cheese and actual mountains.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this absolutely massive ski area that somehow manages to fly under the radar compared to its flashier neighbors in the Three Valleys.

What Actually Is Paradiski?

Picture this: two already-huge ski resorts—Les Arcs and La Plagne—decided they weren’t big enough on their own. So they built a double-decker cable car across a valley and created the second-largest linked ski area in the world. Just like that, 425 kilometers of piste became your personal playground.

The Vanoise Express cable car is genuinely impressive. It crosses 1.8km of valley in about four minutes, dangling 380 meters above the ground. If you’re scared of heights, just close your eyes and think about all the fresh corduroy waiting on the other side.

Why Choose Paradiski?

• 🎿 425 km of pistes across Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry & La Plagne
• 🚠 Connected by the iconic Vanoise Express cable car
• ❄️ High-altitude skiing = reliable snow all season
• 🏔️ From beginner-friendly slopes to expert freeride terrain
• 🏡 Resorts for families, couples, solo travelers & LGBTQ+ friendly groups
• 🍷 Great food, après-ski, and excellent value compared to some mega-resorts

Breaking Down the Territory

Les Arcs: The Modern Side

Les Arcs feels purpose-built for skiers (because it was). You’ve got five interconnected villages—Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000, and the newer Bourg-Saint-Maurice down in the valley. Each has its own personality, but they all share one thing: ski-in, ski-out convenience.

The terrain here leans slightly more advanced, with some genuinely exciting off-piste opportunities. The Aiguille Rouge at 3,226m gives you the highest point in Paradiski and a 7km run back down to Villaroger that’ll have your thighs screaming (in a good way).

La Plagne: The Traditional Choice

La Plagne spreads across ten different villages, ranging from the high-altitude purpose-built stations like Plagne Centre to gorgeous traditional spots like Champagny-en-Vanoise and Montchavin-Les Coches. This gives you way more flexibility in choosing your vibe—whether you want modern convenience or authentic Alpine charm.

The skiing tilts more beginner-friendly here, with massive, confidence-building blue runs. But don’t sleep on it if you’re advanced—there’s plenty to challenge you, especially in the Bellecôte glacier area. MORE READ…

Peisey-Vallandry (Charming & Family-Friendly)

Best for: families, relaxed travelers, nature lovers

This is the hidden gem of Paradiski — traditional Alpine vibes, forest skiing, and fewer crowds.

Highlights:

• Direct access to both Les Arcs and La Plagne
• Great ski schools
• Slower pace, warmer village feel
• Ideal for mixed-ability groups

When Should You Visit?

December: Quieter, cheaper, but snow coverage can be hit-or-miss at lower elevations. Great if you’re on a budget and can be flexible.

January-February: Peak season for snow quality. It’s cold (sometimes brutally so), but the snow is consistently excellent. Just brace yourself for February half-term crowds if you’re visiting during UK school holidays.

March: The sweet spot. Longer days, warmer temperatures, still-great snow, and spring vibes start creeping in. This is when I’d go if I could only pick one month.

April: Spring skiing at its finest. T-shirt weather, slushy afternoons, but amazing snow in the morning. The party scene kicks up a notch too.

Getting There Without the Headache

By Air: Geneva (220km) or Chambéry (125km) are your main options. Lyon works too but adds driving time. From Geneva, you’re looking at 2.5-3 hours by car or transfer bus.

By Train: This is actually the move. Take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then the TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The station sits right at the base of Les Arcs with a funicular whisking you up to Arc 1600 in seven minutes. No driving on mountain roads, no stress, no rental car costs.

By Car: Totally doable if you’re comfortable with Alpine driving and want the flexibility. Just get proper winter tires or chains—this isn’t optional.

Where to Stay: Village Breakdown

Arc 1950: The bougie option. Purpose-built luxury village with heated outdoor pool, great restaurants, and that polished resort feel. Perfect for families wanting convenience and comfort.

Arc 1800: The Goldilocks choice. Good mix of accommodation options, solid après-ski scene, and right in the heart of the action without being overwhelmingly commercialized.

Plagne Centre: No-frills ski convenience. It’s not winning beauty contests, but you literally roll out of bed onto the slopes. Ideal if skiing is your only priority.

Champagny-en-Vanoise: For the romantics. A proper French mountain village with stone buildings, local shops, and authentic character. You’ll need to catch a gondola up to the main ski area, but the tradeoff in atmosphere is worth it.

Montchavin-Les Coches: Another gem for people who want traditional Alpine charm without sacrificing ski access. Increasingly popular with families and anyone seeking that authentic mountain village experience.

The Skiing: What You’re Really Here For

Let’s get specific about what you’ll actually be skiing.

Beginners: You’re spoiled here. La Plagne especially has endless wide, gentle blues where you can build confidence without feeling intimidated. The area around Plagne Bellecôte is perfect for your first week on skis.

Intermediates: This is your paradise. Seriously, you could ski here for a month and not repeat the same run twice. The blue and red runs throughout both resorts are perfectly groomed, varied, and just challenging enough to keep improving without scaring you.

Advanced: Don’t let the family-friendly reputation fool you. There’s serious terrain here—steep blacks, mogul fields, and extensive off-piste. The north faces of Bellecôte, the runs off Aiguille Rouge, and the tree skiing in La Plagne’s lower villages will keep you plenty entertained.

Off-Piste and Freeriding: Hire a guide. The backcountry around Paradiski is extensive and genuinely wild. Popular routes include the Grizzly couloir and the massive powder fields accessible from the Bellecôte glacier.

Skiing & Snow Conditions

• 📏 Altitude: 1,200 m – 3,250 m
• ❄️ Glaciers: Bellecôte Glacier
• 🟢🟦🟥⚫ Runs for every level
• 🌨️ Excellent artificial snow coverage

Paradiski is particularly strong for:

• Intermediate cruisers
• Wide, confidence-building pistes
• Long descents through forests
• Off-piste and freeride zones (especially in Les Arcs)

Lift Pass Economics

The Paradiski pass gives you the full 425km. For 2024-2025 (prices increase slightly yearly), you’re looking at roughly:

• 6 days: €340-380
• Weekly rates drop the per-day cost significantly
• Book online in advance for the best deals
• Kids and seniors get discounts

Pro tip: If you’re only visiting for a long weekend, consider whether you’ll actually ski both areas. Sometimes a Les Arcs-only or La Plagne-only pass makes more financial sense.

Beyond Skiing

Paragliding: Launching off the mountains with Mont Blanc in the background is genuinely bucket-list worthy. Multiple operators offer tandem flights.

Dog Sledding: More fun than it sounds, especially for families. Several outfits operate in the area.

Snow Parks: Both resorts have terrain parks. Les Arcs’ park is particularly well-maintained if freestyle is your thing.

Ice Driving: Yes, you can take a rally car onto a frozen lake and pretend you’re in a James Bond movie. Yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds.

The Bob Luge: In La Plagne, ride a bobsled down an actual Olympic track from the 1992 Albertville Games. This is not for the faint of heart but absolutely unforgettable.

Food and Après Scene

The French take eating seriously, even (especially?) on the mountain.

On-Mountain Eating: Expect to pay €15-25 for mountain restaurant meals. Standouts include La Bergerie in Les Arcs for traditional Savoyard food and Chalet de la Marine in La Plagne for lunch with killer views.

Village Dining: You’ll find everything from pizza (surprisingly good) to haute cuisine. Budget €20-40 per person for a decent dinner with wine.

Après-Ski: Not quite Austrian-level chaos, but still fun. Red Hot Saloon in Arc 1950 and Le Refuge in Arc 2000 get lively. In La Plagne, the Saloon Bar in Plagne Centre is the spot.

Pro Move: Buy cheese, bread, and charcuterie from local shops for lunches. Save money and eat better than most mountain restaurants.

Practical Money Talk

Here’s what a week actually costs for one person:

• Accommodation: €400-1,200 (huge range depending on style)
• Lift Pass: €340-380 (6 days)
• Equipment Rental: €120-200 (full week, decent gear)
• Food: €250-500 (depends on your self-catering vs. eating out ratio)
• Transfers: €80-150
• Lessons (optional): €200-400

Total realistic budget: €1,500-2,500 depending on accommodation choices and lifestyle.

Tips From Someone Who’s Been There

Book accommodation early: The best-value chalets and apartments get snapped up months ahead, especially for peak weeks.

Don’t skip the Vanoise Express ride: Even if you prefer one resort, cross over at least once. It’s an experience.

Download the resort app: Live lift status, piste maps, and weather all in one place. Actually useful, not just marketing.

Take a lesson: Even if you can ski, a local instructor showing you the best routes and off-piste options is worth every euro.

Watch the weather: Conditions change dramatically with elevation. Sometimes the lower villages are rainy while upper slopes are dumping powder.

Who Is Paradiski Really For?

Families: Absolutely perfect. The range of terrain means everyone from first-timers to expert parents stays happy.

Intermediate skiers: This is literally your dream destination. Miles of perfect cruising terrain.

Groups with mixed abilities: The size means you can split up, explore, and meet for lunch without anyone feeling limited.

Advanced skiers seeking variety: Maybe not quite as hardcore as La Grave, but way more accessible with plenty to challenge you.

People who want options: Ten villages, 425km of slopes, multiple mountains—you simply won’t get bored.

Look, Paradiski isn’t the flashiest name in the Alps. It doesn’t have the cachet of Courchevel or the postcard perfection of Zermatt. What it does have is absolutely massive terrain, reliable snow, genuine variety, and—crucially—better value than most comparable resorts.

You’ll spend your days exploring seemingly endless slopes, your evenings enjoying proper French mountain food, and your nights sleeping well knowing you’ve found one of the Alps’ best-kept secrets.

The Vanoise Express isn’t just a cable car—it’s your ticket to one of the most varied ski experiences in Europe. Use it.

Bottom line: If you want a week where you’re challenged, never bored, and don’t need to remortgage your house for the privilege, Paradiski delivers. Just don’t tell too many people. Some of us like it being the Alps’ best-kept secret.