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Paradiski Ski Holidays
The Paradiski ski area is one of the world's most expansive and diverse interlinked winter sports destinations.
This massive French Alpine domain offers an almost inexhaustible playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Nestled within the picturesque Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of the French Alps, Paradiski represents the pinnacle of large-scale, high-altitude skiing, seamlessly blending purpose-built convenience with traditional Savoyard charm.
The sheer scale of Paradiski is what sets it apart. It is classified as one of the largest interconnected ski areas globally, a distinction made possible by a remarkable feat of engineering: the Vanoise Express. This double-decker cable car is the essential artery of the domain, transporting up to 200 people between the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry sector and the La Plagne sector. Crossing just under 2km over the Ponturin valley in a mere 4 minutes, the Vanoise Express transforms two enormous, independent resorts into a single, cohesive, 425km skiing powerhouse.
Access to this colossal domain is surprisingly straightforward, benefiting from excellent transport links. Skiers can easily reach the area from international airports at Lyon, Geneva, and Chambéry. The nearest major train stations, Bourg St Maurice (for Les Arcs) and Aime (for La Plagne), are served by TGV and Eurostar connections, providing an efficient and environmentally conscious travel option right to the foot of the mountains.
Paradiski is one of the world's largest ski areas and totally accessible, offering blue runs from top to bottom!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain Facts
The domain boasts an impressive 425km of interconnected slopes, all managed by a modern and efficient network of approximately 160 lifts. The terrain spans a remarkable vertical range, with skiing available from a comfortable base altitude of 1,250m all the way up to challenging heights of 3,250m, encompassing two distinct glaciers.
The variety of the slopes ensures there’s something for everyone, but the pinnacle of the Les Arcs sector, the Aiguille Rouge, at 3,226m, provides one of the domain's most iconic challenges: a demanding 7km black/red run that drops a colossal 2,000 vertical metres back down to the valley floor. The run offers breathtaking views and a true leg-burner of a descent.
Snow conditions in Paradiski
Paradiski's high-altitude profile ensures an outstanding and dependable snow record throughout the season. Over 70% of the ski area is situated above 2,000m, a crucial factor that allows the resorts to typically enjoy quality snow coverage from December right through to the end of April.
The high annual average snowfall total is bolstered by true high-altitude skiing on the Bellecôte and La Chiaupe glaciers. These glacial sectors are vital, providing a reliable guarantee of good conditions, particularly during the shoulder seasons and ensuring that high-quality snow is accessible even later in spring.
Skiing in Paradiski
The vast terrain of Paradiski is meticulously curated to cater to all abilities, from first-timers just clicking into their bindings to seasoned powder hounds seeking steep lines. For beginners, the area is exceptionally welcoming to novices. You'll find purpose-built beginner zones and wide, gentle nursery slopes widespread, particularly around La Plagne’s purpose-built villages. In some of these areas, they've even installed free mini-lifts, which help make the initial learning process affordable and pressure-free.
For intermediates, Paradiski is a dream destination. The mountain is defined by its extensive, wide-open, and immaculately well-groomed 'motorway' runs. These slopes offer perfect conditions for high-speed cruising and mileage accumulation, allowing intermediate skiers to explore vast distances across the connected resorts without the feeling of constantly repeating runs.
For advanced skiers and experts, the challenge is undoubtedly present. In addition to demanding black runs, the domain is rich in unpisted 'Natur' itineraries - marked but ungroomed trails that offer an accessible, relatively safe taste of off-piste skiing. Furthermore, the sheer scale of the terrain means a vast amount of lift-accessible off-piste potential. While the opportunities for deep snow are immense, venturing into this uncontrolled terrain is best done with a qualified guide for maximum safety and enjoyment. Finally, for those who prefer a horizontal glide, approximately 150km of cross-country skiing tracks are meticulously maintained throughout the domain, winding through scenic forests and high-altitude plateaus.
Ready to book your dream ski holiday? Call 0203 011 1222 to chat.
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Snowboarding in Paradiski
Snowboarders will find the diverse topography of Paradiski ideally suited to their sport. The terrain transitions seamlessly from open, high-altitude bowls to exciting tree-lined runs, offering a diverse riding experience.
The area is also a major hub for freestyle enthusiasts, featuring four dedicated snow parks (such as the one above Belle Plagne), each offering features of varying difficulty to suit progression. Adding to the fun are four boardercross descents, including one that hosts a weekly competition, and several fun zones, including a particularly engaging and long funslope, which ranks among the largest in Europe.
Accommodation in Paradiski
Paradiski’s resorts offer a variety of accommodation options, ensuring every taste and budget is met. Options range from luxury hotels to comfortable apartments; every village has a distinct character. To make things easier, we’ve put together a selection of our favourites.
All Accommodation in Paradiski Ski Area
Things to do in Paradiski
Après-ski in Paradiski
The après-ski scene in Paradiski reflects the diversity of its resorts. La Plagne generally offers a more relaxed, low-key atmosphere across its 10 villages, focusing on friendly local bars. Les Arcs, however, is typically known for a more energetic and vibrant nightlife.
Some popular spots across the domain capture this variety:
- Luna Bar (La Plagne) is a fun, family-friendly spot known for its happy hours, arcade games, and darts.
- L'Estaminet (La Plagne) is a relaxed bar, popular with locals, perfect for unwinding and watching sports.
- Les Cocottes (Les Arcs) is a slopeside venue famous for its lively party atmosphere, often hosting live DJ sets and themed events.
- Coin du Feu (Les Arcs) is a traditional, cosy bar ideal for an early, comfortable après-ski session.
- La Tête Inn (Belle Plagne) is a charming log cabin-style bar, providing a lively atmosphere, happy hour deals, live music, and the welcoming tradition of free bread and pâté.
Facilities in Paradiski
Paradiski’s infrastructure is designed to enhance the overall holiday experience. It utilises modern technology and offers a wealth of non-skiing activities.
Lift Passes are easily managed and purchasable online, with options for home delivery or collection at sales offices and terminals. The excellent 'Paradiski YUGE' app guides the on-mountain experience, acting as a digital companion and providing essential information like live lift queue times, GPS tracking, and up-to-the-minute weather updates.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the domain offers numerous unique activities: the thrill of the bobsleigh track in La Plagne, peaceful dog sledging excursions, the captivating atmosphere of an Igloo Village visit, and various exciting Luge runs.
Shopping and dining are well catered for, with resorts offering everything from technical sportswear to local artisanal produce. The culinary scene ranges from quick, self-service mountain restaurants to sophisticated, full-service dining establishments that proudly serve traditional Savoyard specialities like fondue and raclette, alongside high-quality international cuisine.
Facilities for children in Paradiski
Paradiski is a superb choice for a family ski holiday, focusing on convenience and child safety. Arc 1950 Le Village is a prime example of this philosophy, being a completely pedestrianised, child-friendly resort with seamless, ski-in, ski-out access.
Reputable ski and snowboard schools like Evolution 2 offer lessons tailored for all ages and abilities, starting from toddlers in dedicated areas. The pedestrian centres also provide daily entertainment, games, and play equipment to keep younger visitors engaged off the slopes.
Why choose a ski holiday to Paradiski with Erna Low?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package
Ride the incredible Vanoise Express cable car to explore both Les Arcs and La Plagne and enjoy high-altitude, snow-sure terrain.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
