In the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps, the Paradiski ski area is one of the largest and most impressive ski areas in the Alps. Combining two two major resorts, La Plagne and Les Arcs, the Paradiski provides plentiful skiing for a week’s holiday. The ski slopes suit all abilities and there are some fantastic restaurants, activities for non-skiers and a large majority of the properties are ski-in/ski-out as well. 

Both the La Plagne and Les Arcs areas each have a glacier and the skiing goes up to 3,250 metres altitude, it is a snow-sure region that is great from December through to April, with reliable snowfall and 70% of the ski slopes above 2,000 metres. As a ski region the Paradiski is excellent for families, couples and groups as it has a really diverse range of slopes, from beginner-friendly areas to challenging black runs across its 425 kilometres of pistes.

Rather than being two major resorts, La Plagne and Les Arcs are overarching labels for areas which are made up of numerous villages. The majority of the villages on the Les Arcs side are numerical, i.e. Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, meanwhile the La Plagne side includes various villages from Plagne Centre to Belle Plagne.

La Plagne and Les Arcs are two different mountainous areas with a valley between them. Running across this valley and connecting the two ski regions is the Vanoise Express lift, located in the village of Peisey-Vallandry. This connection enables keen skiers to have plenty more ski slopes to contend with than just that of Les Arcs or La Plagne. Meanwhile for après ski and nightlife, the Paradiski is not a powerhouse like St. Anton, Méribel or Val d’Isère, but it does have ample entertainment for a week’s holiday. Belle Plagne is seen as the liveliest village, connected until midnight by gondola to Plagne Bellecôte, a pedestrian only resort. From late night clubs like Le Saloon to lively terraces such as that of Le Bonnet, there’s more than just skiing on offer in the Paradiski.

In terms of accessibility, the Paradiski is a brilliant resort especially for those looking to take the train to get to their ski holiday. A funicular runs from the town of Bourg Saint Maurice which is serviced by a number of major train services and it makes for an easy and eco-friendly journey. Meanwhile the resorts are between approximately one hour and 45 minutes to two and a half hours from Grenoble Airport with La Plagne being closer than Les Arcs. Chambery Airport is roughly half an hour closer by journey time, whilst Geneva Airport is approximately 45 minutes further away.

Guide to skiing:

The Paradiski is often recommended as a great area for beginner and intermediate skiers and families in particular. It does however have a real range of ski slopes across the area. There are 264 pistes made up of 12 green, 137 blue, 79 red and 36 black slopes, it’s a brilliant option for all abilities. With the huge number of blue pistes, one of the lesser known facts about the Paradiski is that it’s possible to cross from one side to the other entirely on blue pistes, ideal for keen but slightly more timid or inexperienced skiers!

Much of the ski area is really accessible for everyone except beginners, however beginners are well catered for with numerous suitable areas. There are nursery zones which are free to use without a ski pass at Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte, a beginner zone in Plagne Centre, a small section of beginner slopes in Plagne Soleil and Villages. Meanwhile over in Les Arcs there are 10 dedicated beginner slopes, a free beginners area in Arcs 1800, the Forêt des Pitchouns is a family-friendly section near Peisey-Vallandry and a gentle trail to enjoy.

The Vanoise Express spans across 1,824 metres and provides a stunning elevated crossing over four minutes to take skiers from Peisey-Vallandry to La Plagne, this really opens up the ski area. Spend a day skiing in La Plagne whilst staying in Les Arcs or vice versa, and be amazed at how much ground you can cover as well as the quality of the pistes found in the area.

For freestyle skiers and snowboarders there are a number of snow parks. There is a snow park with two freestyle zones in Belle Plagne, a boardercross near Montchavin Les Coches, and a mini half-pipe and fun slope above Plagne Bellecôte. In Les Arcs there is a brilliant snow park with various lines and features, an air bag and a water slide, located between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800. There’s also the likes of the super slalom near Aime La Plagne for skiers who prefer speed to airtime.

One of the more unique aspects of the Paradiski ski area is the Equalizer Tunnel, 136 metres long it cuts through the mountain.  ‘Le Tunnel’ connects Belle Plagne to Plagne Bellecôte with disco music and flashing lights. It is a unique and fun experience.

A favourite of accomplished skiers is the Aiguille Rouge glacier area, this is the highest part of the Les Arcs ski area and combines black and red pistes to create a seven kilometre descent from the glacier all the way down to Villaroger. On the La Plagne side is the Bellecôte glacier which provides a host of black runs for expert skiers. When the snow comes down there is excellent off-piste skiing to be enjoyed. We would recommend getting a guide and heading to the trees of Montchavin Les Coches, hiking and skiing the Couloir Canadian of the Bellecôte Glacier, or skiing the steep north faces of the Aiguille Rouge again down to Villaroger but off-piste.

There’s ample skiing for all abilities and with views of the Mont Blanc Massif mountain range, the scenery is always something to marvel at as well.

The villages of the Paradiski:

There are numerous villages and parts to the Paradiski, however the three major components of the area are: Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry.

Les Arcs’s villages include Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 alongside connecting Villaroger. 

La Plagne’s villages include Plagne 1800, Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Villages, Plagne Centre, Aime La Plagne, Belle Plagne, Plagne Montalbert and La Plagne Montchavin Les Coches. Wherever you stay in La Plagne it’s easy to get around with the well connected bus service and pedestrian lifts, likewise this is the case across the ski area.

Peisey-Vallandry meanwhile consists of Peisey, Vallandry and Plan Peisey.

Les Arcs

Arc 1600: a family-friendly and quieter area of Les Arcs, this is where our incredible Club Med Les Arcs Panorama is located, a slope-side all-inclusive hotel with beautiful rooms and communal spaces. As mentioned the funicular goes to Bourg Saint Maurice from here as well so for anyone looking for a change of scene midweek it gives something to do.

Arc 1800: one of the livelier villages in the Paradiski, Arc 1800 is where you will find the popular après ski spot La Folie Douce, as well as Red Hot Saloon. Accommodation tends to be more basic in this village but it’s convenient thanks to its close proximity to the Vanoise Express and means that guests staying here have easy access to the La Plagne slopes as well.

Arc 1950: car free and purpose built, Arc 1950 is where there are eight premium self-catering accommodation blocks. Most of these boast excellent facilities such as spas and swimming pools and are well served with bars and restaurants. Much of the accommodation is either ski-in/ski-out or a minute or two away from the ski slopes.

Arc 2000: popular with keen skiers thanks to its high altitude and access to glacial skiing, Arc 2000 is connected to Arc 1950 by lift and has a good range of shops to meet all your needs whilst away.

La Plagne 

Plagne 1800: the oldest part of La Plagne and a former mining village, Plagne 1800 has a relaxed feel to it and is well positioned for skiers to explore the entire ski area. 

Plagne Bellecôte: from Plagne Bellecôte skiers can take one lift and ski to Belle Plagne, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Village, Plagne Centre or Plagne 1800, it is well positioned for exploring the whole of La Plagne. A modern resort with self-catered accommodation, a shopping complex, swimming pool and children’s snow garden, it is well serviced.

Plagne Soleil and Plagne Villages: two neighbouring villages, Plagne Soleil and Plagne Villages are small and relatively quiet with mostly slopeside accommodation. Plagne Soleil is at an altitude of 2,050 metres and car-free. Whilst when staying in Plagne Villages everything from the ski school meeting point to the beginner slopes is within easy reach. As the name implies this is known as a sunny area.

Plagne Centre: the heart of La Plagne, Plagne Centre is a hub of activity with shops, restaurants and bars as well as conveniently located accommodation options. There’s the cinema and plenty of activities for non-skiers. Excellent for beginners the surrounding slopes are green and blue pistes.

Aime La Plagne: at 2,100 metres altitude, Aime La Plagne is the highest of La Plagne’s villages. Facing Mont Blanc Aime La Plagne is something of an acquired taste; its main building resembles an ocean liner on the snow. The panoramic views do make up for the questionable architecture as does the convenience of a holiday here with almost everything being ski-in/ski-out and shops and restaurants are within the main complex. 

Belle Plagne: another village with plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Belle Plagne is well located towards the left hand-side when looking at the La Plagne piste map. This means it is convenient for both those looking to explore the Bellecôte glacier and those looking to head across to the Les Arcs Ski area. A car-free village with a fun atmosphere, it is ideal for avid skiers looking for a more authentic village ambience as well as guests looking for a late-night option in the form of Le Saloon.

Peisey-Vallandry

With Peisey, Vallandry and Plagne Peisey all in close proximity, this trio of villages can be grouped together under the umbrella ‘Peisey-Vallandry’. More picturesque and less purpose-built, Peisey-Vallandry has a more authentic and charming feel to it. The chalets are built at an altitude of 1,600 metres, it is a good choice for young families and those looking to explore both Les Arcs and La Plagne with ease. It is also home to the charming Club Med Peisey-Vallandry, a family-focussed hotel which is split into large chalets rather than one big hotel and so offering plenty of warm ambience.

Après ski and nightlife:

Whilst many families might make a bee-line for the Paradiski thanks to the easy ski access which it offers, for older families, groups of friends and couples, there are a few après ski bars and late night options which stand out.

La Folie Douce Les Arcs, Arc 1800

Launched for winter 2019, the introduction of a Folie Douce to the Paradiski seriously improved its après ski credentials. Located on the slopes of Arc 1800, La Folie Douce is the most well-known après ski brand in the world. Famous for its meticulously choreographed dance shows, talented live musicians and general debauchery, it is one of the most fun ways to spend an afternoon in the Alps. Importantly La Folie Douce is accessible on skis, snowboard or by foot from the Gondola de Villards.

Le Saloon, Belle Plagne

As the name alludes to, this is a bar with a wild-west theme to it. With happy hour prices to incentivise visitors for après ski, Le Saloon tends to pick up as the evening progresses. It comes alive with a DJ and there’s even a ‘disco bus’ to pick you up from the other areas of the resort to get you to Le Saloon safely to carry on the partying. This is La Plagne’s closest thing to a late-night club.

Le Bonnet, Plagne Bellecôte

A slopeside après ski bar in the Plagne Bellecôte area, Le Bonnet is a popular spot. It offers a good mix of crowd-friendly eats, a large terrace for sunny afternoons and ski films playing inside on the big screens. The staff are friendly, the drinks are relatively reasonably priced and it’s a great place to finish an afternoon’s skiing with a burger and a beer.

Whistler’s Dream, Arc 2000

In an otherwise quiet corner of the Paradiski area, Whistler’s Dream is a laid back bar that is popular with the seasonnaires in the resort thanks in part to its favourable happy hour prices. From 4:00pm until late this bar is relatively inexpensive, often busy and with live music or (a) DJ in the evenings. It’s by no means smart but it certainly does the trick for many and is a good bet if you are in search of somewhere showing live sport. 

Red Hot Saloon, Arc 1800

After La Folie Douce closes its doors in the late afternoon, many will head back to their chalet, hotel or apartment for a bite to eat before venturing out to Red Hot Saloon. With a fun atmosphere, live bands, food served until 10:00pm and DJs playing into the early hours, it’s a spot where many pop in for an hour or two but end up staying all night. The chicken wings are a popular snack to accompany the drinks at this English-heavy drinking spot.

Dining out:

Hotel Carlina:
Hotel Carlina is a four star hotel located by the piste in Belle Plagne. The food served at the restaurant here is worth making a detour for. With a beautiful south facing terrace it’s a great lunch spot as well as a good choice for dinner if staying nearby. Locally sourced ingredients dominate the menu with a nod toward seasonality. 

La Table de Lys:
In Arc 1950, La Table de Lys has an impressive wine list, classic Savoyarde cuisine with inventive twists and a cosy and warm ambience. Refined dining meets comfortable seating to create a great spot for lunch or dinner.

Union, Montalbert:
In La Plagne Montalbert, Union can be found a little off the beaten track. It is very much worth a visit. With gourmet dining and a diverse range of dishes that breaks away from the typical Alpine fare of fondue and raclette, Union is highly regarded. With Michelin Starred Phil Howard overseeing the kitchen the tasting menu is a real treat and very reasonably priced for fine dining in the mountains. Expect beautiful local ingredients including truffles, chanterelles and ewe’s curd that contribute towards divine plates of food.

Mountain restaurants:

La Fruitière:
Whilst La Folie Douce might be more renowned for its lively afternoon entertainment, those in the know also appreciate that the adjoining restaurants are often some of the best spots for a long mountain lunch accompanied by plenty of chilled rosé wine. La Fruitière combines authentic regional dishes with innovative twists to offer indulgent delights including lobster gratin and foie gras, alongside daily specials and seasonal options. La Folie Douce Les Arcs is also home to a modern self-service restaurant with chic chalet-esque styling, and a quick snack restaurant with burgers, waffles and rapid eats on the menu.

Le 360:
Worth a visit when staying in the Paradiski for the view alone, Le 360 has two options for lunch: the lower floor is a simple self-service restaurant, whilst on the upper it is table service. This glass cube restaurant is located by the Montalbert Gondola at an altitude of 1,970 metres and serves pastas, pizzas, rotisserie chicken, burgers and these are accompanied by a 360 degree view.

Le Hors Piste:
For a cheap eat on the mountain, Le Hors Piste is spot on. Sat alongside the main piste in Belle Plagne, this is a stripped back pizzeria with accompanying salads and light bites.

Non-ski activities

There are a wide array of activities for non-skiers and skiers in need of a break. As a favourite with families there’s a great choice including escape rooms, sledding across most of the resorts, the olympic bobsled, airboarding and tubing. Some ideas for non-skiers are below:

Bowling, Belle Plagne: at Le Bowling Bar, there’s a range of beers to enjoy, tapas and bowling lanes, ideal for an early evening activity with a bite to eat in Belle Plagne.

La Piscine, Arc 1800: spread across 3,800 square metres, this swimming complex is described as an ‘aquafun’ centre. With a covered swimming pool it is another good option for snowy days with children. There is a whirlpool, cave, massage jets, children’s splash pad, river and water slide, this provides ample entertainment for a few hours.

Cinema: in Bourg Saint Maurice the cinema is reached by car or bus. Showing films in French and in their native language this is a good choice for a snowy afternoon or a mid-week break from skiing for anyone with tired ski legs. There is also a cinema in Plagne Centre and Montchavin.

Dog sledding: with four to eight dogs harnessed up, relax and enjoy the ride as you are taken on a tour or discovery walk with journeys typically lasting between 45 minutes to one hour. Located between Arc 1950 and Arc 1600 stop at ‘Le Platteau’ on the shuttle service with rides typically for one adult and two children, two adults and one child, or two adults. 

Ski-doos and snowmobiling: in much of La Plagne there is the option to ski-doo or snowmobile. There’s Snow Panthers in Plagne Centre, Snowmobiling in Montchavin and Ski-doos Peb Evasion in Plagne Bellecôte.

Parapenting: gain a different perspective of the mountains and take to the sky. There are numerous launch points for parapenting as well as a range of companies which offer parapenting in the Paradiski area. Take in the views of Mont Blanc and the beautiful mountain scenery. 

Cross-country skiing: the Paradiski area is one of the best choices for those looking to try cross-country skiing. There are five kilometre tracks in both Arc 2000 and Arc 1800, meanwhile there’s an impressive Nordic site at Peisey-Vallandry with 44 kilometres of tracks.

The Paradiski is such a large ski area and with such a diverse range of villages, activities, restaurants, bars and amenities that it would be impossible to sum it up easily, but hopefully this guide has helped aid you in getting to grips with what can sometimes be seen as a complex range of villages. Do get in touch if you would like to start planning your holiday to the Paradiski.