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Paradiski Ski Region
The Paradiski ski area is one of the largest in Europe, lying in the shadow of Mont Blanc, with skiable runs between 3250m and 1200m. The ski area is made up of Les Arcs and La Plagne, both outstanding resorts in their own right. The smaller Peisey Vallandry completes the set.
All three resorts have their own plus points, with a range of different places to stay, slopes to ski and things to do. La Plagne is made up of 7 high altitude villages and 4 smaller ones. It has skiing in every direction so whatever time of year you come you can find a slope with the conditions to suit you. Les Arcs is made up of predominantly north facing slopes ensuring that snow conditions are well preserved throughout the season. Most of the skiing in the area is above 2000m, meaning that even in the later months of the season there’s a good chance that you will still have great snow higher up.
In terms of accommodation, both resorts offer pretty much everything you could ever want, from high end chalets to cheap self-catered apartments and hotels.
Nightlife varies, depending on which village you choose. In La Plagne, Plange-Centre is the best place for shopping and head to Belleplagne for some great nightlife. In Les Arcs, Arc 1800 is the place to go if you want to party all night long!
Obviously, with such brilliant array of runs, the Paradiski is incredible for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, but if you aren’t massive on either, fear not, there’s plenty to do off the mountain as well, like Ski Joering in Les Arcs and the fantastic Olympic bobsleigh run in La Plagne.
Stats & FAQ
Location: France, Alps.
Open: December - April
Downhill: 425km
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| Highest Altitude: | 3250m |
| Lowest Altitude: | 1200m |
| No. lifts: | 141 |
| No. runs: | 261 |
| Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | Yes |
| Cross country trails: | 153km |
| Downhill Runs: | 425km |
| Beginner slopes: | 56% |
| Intermediate: | 30% |
| Advanced slopes: | 14% |
| Lift Pass Price: | Paradiski ski pass €262.50 (adult 6 day) |
| Resorts: La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey Vallandry | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Paradiski
This is a vast ski area, make no mistake! There are brilliant runs for everyone to learn, improve and enjoy. For beginners there are excellent learner areas near Arc 1800 and the slopes around Belle Plagne are also superb. With the installation of magic carpets, (saving you the struggle of tackling button lifts), and designated quiet zones for beginners, learning to ski has never been easier.
Intermediates have a true abundance of runs. Peisey Vallandry is an excellent place to start, with plenty of well-groomed runs to start linking your turns again. The run to the village of Villaroger is also a superb run. The La Plagne main bowl also offers plenty of wide motorway pistes that intermediate skiers will love. There’s tree lined skiing available as well, which is really exciting, just make sure you keep your head up!
The off piste opportunities are endless and the high altitude of the Paradiski ski area ensures that powder snow is never too far away. The back of the Bellecote down to the Nancroix valley is a great place to make fresh tracks. If you are looking for a really challenging black run, try the 2000m descent from the La Plagne glacier all the way back down to Montchavin.
Les Arcs is known as the “home of snowboarding” and because of the great lift system in the Paradiski, snowboarders won’t be faced with too many flat spots. The terrain has loads to offer, with lots of little jibs and hits as well as tree-lined skiing to keep you entertained. If you are a park rat, you won’t be disappointed with the Apocalypse Park in Les Arcs and the selection of terrain parks in La Plagne.
Paradiski Apres Ski
There are plenty of unique things to do off the slopes. In terms of nightlife, the Paradiski doesn’t necessarily have the same reputation as the likes of Les Deux Alpes or the Espace Killy resorts - however if you know where to look, there’s plenty to keep you amped up! Plagne-Centre and Arc 1800 both have plenty of bars, check out Scottys bar in Plagne-Centre and La Mine in Plagne 1800 for cheap drinks and some great live music. In Arc 1800, Red Hot Saloon bar is the place to be, it usually has DJ’s or live music to please the crowds.
While the après is fantastic, it’s the other events in the Paradiski that really brings the area to light. In Les Arcs you can try things like Ski-Joering, i.e getting towed behind a horse on Ski’s. In La Plagne there’s the Olympic Bobsleigh run that is simply a fantastic experience. You can go down it with the assistance of a professional driver that will get you travelling at speeds of up to 120km/hr! Both resorts also have excellent walking areas for non-skiers and other modern resort amenities, such as ice rinks and swimming pools.
There’s no doubt that you are going to work up a serious appetite by the end of a full days skiing and with an incredible range of international cuisine and traditional Savoyard food to choose from you won’t be disappointed. Chalet de L’Arcelle is the pick of the bunch in Les Arcs, serving some beautiful a la carte cuisine. La Plagne has over 90 restaurants to choose from, Chalet des Verdons Sud is highly recommended for some traditional food with a modern twist.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Paradiski
When is the best time to ski Paradiski?
The great thing about the ski area is that with 70% of the ski area over 2000m and an impressive 3 peaks being over 3000m including 2 glaciers, snow conditions are excellently preserved throughout the ski season – you can even ski in the summer here. Further bolstering this, the ski area has over 600 snow cannons that cover 228 hectares if any more snow is needed and because there are slopes facing N S E and W, you will be able to find some great conditions whatever time of year you come. Look for south facing terrain in the early season to make the most of the sunshine and ski the north facing terrain later on in the season – as this is where the snow will be best preserved. If you want the best snow, book a holiday during the months of January and February.
Peak Dates
Christmas in the Paradiski resorts never fails to deliver. Try anything from bobsleighing to ski-joering for a truly memorable experience. Look out for the fantastic Christmas menus in hotels and restaurants and make sure you head to the slopes for the torchlit displays and fireworks that light up the resorts by night, not to mention the special visit from Pere Noel for the kids!
If you want to party in the new year in paradise then look no further! Check out the bars in Arc 1800 and Plagne Centre and toast in the New Year in style after the spectacular firework displays in both resorts - just make sure you get enough sleep to take advantage of the vast ski area on your doorstep!
There are loads of activities in Paradiski’s family friendly resorts during half term that will leave a smile on everyone’s faces. Check out the swimming pools and ice rinks for great family fun and make sure you take advantage of the excellent ski schools in of the best times of the year for snow conditions.
Make sure you get stuck in with Easter egg hunts and plenty of other fun activities in both resorts, but also make the most of the fantastic ski area. With slopes facing N S E and W and brilliantly high altitudes, you’re almost guaranteed to find some great fresh snow at Easter.
Families in Paradiski
GroupsGroup Holidays Paradiski
More Paradiski Holiday Resources
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