Situated in the heart of Savoy in the French Alps, Paradiski represents one of the largest skiable areas in France. Spread over 265 miles (425 km), it links together three resorts—Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey Vallandry—using the largest cable car in the world, the Vanoise Express. This "skier's paradise" offers infinite variety, with altitudes ranging from 1,200 m to 3,250 m, from bunny slopes for beginners to challening black courses for experts, and stunning panoramas of the parade of alpine summits (Mont Blanc, Pierra Menta, etc.) with two glaciers to boot.
Throughout the Paradiski domain, close attention is paid to the environment and the buildings, equipment and activities are as eco-friendly as they are fun-friendly.
Ski season runs from December to April and travelers can reach the Paradiski domain via TGV or the Lyon and Geneva airports.
Les Arcs & Bourg Saint Maurice
Les Arcs comprises four ski stations, each at different altitudes, all conveniently connected by shuttle bus, so that skiers can enjoy the range of activities both on and off the snow:
- Arc 1600: The original heart of the Arcs, where the architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape.
- Arc 1800: The ideal spot for nightlife lovers.
- Arc 1950: In the lap of luxury, visitors are guaranteed picturesque views and charming accommodations, whether traveling as a family or with friends.
- Arc 2000: The summit of the Arcs, with easy access to the Aiguille Rouge (the Red Needle) at 3,226 m and one of the longest courses in Europe—7 km to Villaroger without once needing to wait for a ski lift.
Once on the mountain, visitors can sample activities of both the heart-pounding (water skiing, speedriding, dog sledding, tobogganing) and the nerve-soothing variety (saunas, volcanic cave, massages, whirlpools at the Deep Nature Spa).
Just a 10-minute funicular ride away from the ski stations is the mountain city of St. Maurice, where travelers can find more shopping and easy connections to Paris, London, Brussels and Amsterdam by TGV.
La Plagne
La Plagne puts the mountains at your feet with its range of accommodations and activities. It is composed of 6 high-altitude destinations between 1,800 m and 2,100 m (Plagne 1800, Plagne Centre, Aime la Plagne, Plagne Villages/Plagne Soleil, Plagne-Bellecôte, Belle-Plagne) and 4 traditional ski villages (Champagny en Vanoise, Plagne-Montalbert, Montchavin and Les Coches). The different destinations are easily accessed through the Aime la Plagne, Landry, or Moûtiers TGV stations.
La Plagne is home to the only Olympic bobsled course in France, and while it's open to the public to enjoy, it will also host the professional European and World Cups in December.
Other highlights include the 22 m Ice Tower (one-of-a-kind in the world), an igloo hotel and the Mix Mountain event the last week in January, that brings together 10 of the top DJs around the world.
Peisey Vallandry
Known as the "smallest of the greats," this resort harbors five quaint villages nestled in the mountainside above the Tarentaise valley: Peisey, Nancroix, Landry, Vallandry and Plan-Peisey, accessible via the Landry TGV station.
Inhabited year-round, these hamlets have kept the authentic spirit of the Alps and offer visitors a familial glimpse into traditional mountain life. The smaller scale means more personal attention and greater harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Snowshoeing, sleigh rides, or ice climbing followed by an evening Tai-Chi class or a sauna session make up an idyllic retreat for those seeking to enjoy life's simple pleasures.