Paradiski Ski Area Guide — Simon Jack Burgess

Aug 21

Aug 21 Paradiski Ski Area Guide

A combination of three ski resorts; La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry make up the third largest ski area in the world with a huge 425km of pistes awaiting you when visiting this mega ski resort in Frances Tarentaise Valley. Paradiski is an amalgamation of high altitude skiing with slopes to suit all abilities making it a firm favourite with families.

Skier enjoying what is left of the fresh snow in Les Arcs

PARADISKI AREA GUIDE

If you are looking for a ski area that has guaranteed snow then the Paradski area could be an awesome choice. With the majority of its skiable terrain above 2000m and glaciers in both Les Arcs and La Plagne you cant do much better. Skiing and snowboarding are possible to 3250m on the glacier Bellecôte with reliable snow-fall and good snow cannon coverage complenting each other throughout the five month season. The ski area of the Paradiski opens in mid December and closes in April.

The combination of three resorts is more likely two resorts with Peisey-Vallandry blending well into the Les Arcs infrastructure. Across the 425km of pistes you will find 260 pistes and well over 100 lifts in what is a fantastic infrastructure. The lifts across the Paradiski are mostly modern with the Vanoise Express holding the world record for speeds.

It is fair to say that the resorts within the Paradiski can feel less ski resort and more individual villages with many accommodation bases spread across the mountain. This contributes to the Paradiski having villages with their individual charm and feel. As such there is no real base for Après ski across Les Arcs or La Plagne although Arc 1800 and Belle Plagne do a good job of throwing a party.

The Paradiski is one of the most visited ski resorts in the world which is in some part down to its accessibility. Train routes run from London into Bourg St Maurice and regular flights/transfers are available from Geneva.

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SNOWBOARDING IN THE PARADISKI

Both the Paradiski resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are renowned for being beginner/intermediate accessible with the majority of the terrain-wide cruisey blues. From 260 slopes there are nearly 140 blue pistes which go some way to demonstrate this point, with blue routes available across the Paradiski. This ensures that the entire Paradiski is accessible to everyone which is perfect for skiers and snowboarders looking to explore the whole area.

Beginners will also appreciate the free beginner zones that are available with nursery slopes in some Paradiski villages. Consider basing yourself in Arc 1800 or Plagne Centre if you are a never ever heading to the snow for the first time.

For those of you who struggle to wait to get your Après on, then a unique run in La Plagne is the disco tunnel. The tunnel which connects the resorts of Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte features disco lights and music. This isn’t something I have experienced elsewhere so it definitely makes for a unique experience.

Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the terrain parks across the Paradiski with large multi-line terrain parks in Les Arcs 1800 and Belle Plagne. The freestyle scene is significant in the Paradiski so expect big jumps galore. If you are looking to experience freestyle skiing and snowboarding for the first time then do not worry as there are designated beginner terrain parks and fun-cross runs across the resorts.