Paradiski

Paradiski exists because of one piece of engineering. Until December 2003, Les Arcs and La Plagne were two large ski areas either side of a deep valley, close enough to see one another and impossible to ski between. The Vanoise Express changed that: a double decker cable car carrying 200 people across the Ponturin valley in under four minutes, and with it the second largest linked ski area in France. What that means for a ski holiday is 425km of piste on one lift pass, an enormous range of terrain, and a choice of two quite different bases.

The Resorts of Paradiski

Two resorts, each a collection of villages rather than a single place.

Les Arcs

Les Arcs is really four villages stacked up the mountainside, from Arc 1600 with its funicular link down to Bourg Saint Maurice, through the wooded Arc 1800, to Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 high above. Arc 1950 is the newest and the most polished, purpose built in traditional style with everything within walking distance of the snow. Above it all sits the Aiguille Rouge at 3,226m, from which the descent to Villaroger runs some 7km with around 2,000m of vertical, one of the longest continuous drops in the Alps.

La Plagne

La Plagne is larger still, with six high altitude villages around Plagne Centre and Belle Plagne and a handful of traditional settlements in the valley below. The high villages put you straight onto the snow; the lower ones trade a lift ride for trees, character and a gentler feel. The Bellecôte glacier gives the resort its snow security, and the Olympic bobsleigh run from 1992 is still there and still open to anyone brave enough to book it.

Luxury Ski Chalets in Paradiski

The area's accommodation leans traditional in style and generous in scale, which suits the kind of trip people take here: big groups, extended families, a week of proper mileage. Ski in ski out is unusually easy to find, because most of the villages on both sides were built onto the piste rather than beside it, and the catered chalet is the default rather than the exception, with private chefs and hosts running the week. Self catered options are strong too, particularly in the valley villages. Browse our luxury catered chalets and ski in ski out chalets, see the large group properties that suit this area particularly well, view everything available using the button below, or widen the search to our full collection of luxury ski chalets in France.

Skiing Paradiski

425km of piste and 100km of cross country tracks served by 141 lifts, with the highest reaching 3,226m. The scale is the headline, but the useful thing about Paradiski is how varied it is: high, open, snow sure bowls at the top of both resorts, and long tree lined runs lower down that come into their own when the weather closes in, which is not something every high Tarentaise area can offer. Beginners are well served by dedicated areas in the villages on both sides. Intermediates have the run of it, and crossing the Vanoise Express to ski the other resort for a day is the classic outing. Experts have the Aiguille Rouge, the off piste above Arc 2000 and the Bellecôte glacier, plus a speed skiing track at Arc 2000 that is open to the public and considerably faster than it looks.

Getting to Paradiski

Chambéry is the closest airport at around two hours, with Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble all in the region of two and a half to three. The area's real advantage is the train: Bourg Saint Maurice sits at the foot of the valley with direct services from Paris and a seasonal one from London, and a funicular runs from the station up to Arc 1600 in about seven minutes, which is as close to stepping off a train onto a piste as the Alps gets. Our Ski Specialists will arrange the last leg whichever way you travel.

Paradiski Ski Holidays: Your Questions Answered

What is Paradiski?

Paradiski is the linked ski area formed by Les Arcs and La Plagne in the Tarentaise valley, joined since 2003 by the Vanoise Express cable car. It covers 425km of piste on a single lift pass and is the second largest linked area in France after the Three Valleys.

Les Arcs or La Plagne: which should I choose?

Les Arcs suits skiers who want altitude, the biggest vertical and the easiest arrival by train. La Plagne is larger, generally gentler and a long standing family favourite, with more choice of village character. Both sit on the same lift pass and the crossing takes minutes, so the decision shapes your evenings more than your skiing. Our Ski Specialists will talk it through for your group and dates.

Is one lift pass valid across the whole of Paradiski?

Yes. The Paradiski pass covers both resorts, every lift and the Vanoise Express itself. Single resort passes exist and suit beginners or short stays, but if you are here for a week the full pass is the point.

How big is the Paradiski ski area?

425km of linked piste served by 141 lifts, rising to 3,226m, which makes it the second largest ski area in France and one of the largest in the world. Both constituent resorts would count as major destinations on their own.

Can I book a catered chalet in Paradiski?

Yes, and it is the area's speciality. Catered chalets here typically come with a private chef and host, and the properties tend to be larger than average, which makes the area a strong choice for extended families and groups travelling together. See our luxury catered chalets for the current collection.