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10 reasons why Paradiski is one of the best ski areas
Discover the 2nd largest ski area in France, Paradiski.
Peisey‑Vallandry combines authentic Alpine village charm with exceptional access to one of the world’s largest ski areas.
Set among forests, it offers scenic, sheltered skiing and easy connections across Paradiski, which offers 425km of slopes, via the Vanoise Express.
Access to vast 425km Paradiski ski area from central location
Beautiful tree-lined skiing ideal for visibility and bad weather days
A collection of charming, family-friendly villages with authentic Alpine feel
Excellent intermediate terrain with long cruising blue and red runs
Easy link between Les Arcs and La Plagne via cable car
Quiet atmosphere with limited nightlife compared to larger resorts
Learn about Peisey-Vallandry beyond the basics, from the skiing to the activities and places to explore around the resort.
Traditional Alpine villages with authentic charm and relaxed atmosphere
Base yourself in Plan-Peisey or Vallandry
Ideal for families and those wanting quieter base with big skiing
Peisey‑Vallandry is made up of several villages, with Plan Peisey (1650m) and Vallandry (1600m) forming the main ski bases. The historic village of Peisey itself sits at 1320m and is worth a visit to soak up the authentic atmosphere. It feels like a true Alpine village, with traditional stone buildings and a strong sense of heritage. Peisey-Nancroix at 1450m is another beautiful hamlet (you can take the small ‘yoghurt pot’ Lonzagne lift down to it).
Plan-Peisey and Vallandry both have easy access into the ski area, creating a well-connected but still intimate feel across the resort. It’s a place that feels lived in year-round, rather than purpose-built, which adds to its character.
The resort has a calm and welcoming feel, making it particularly popular with families and mixed groups. It’s noticeably quieter than neighbouring resorts like Les Arcs, yet still close enough to enjoy everything the wider area offers.
Everything is easy to reach, with pedestrian-friendly areas, local shops and simple access to ski school and lifts, helping make your stay straightforward and stress-free.
Set on the edge of a forest of larch, Swiss pin and fir trees, the setting is a big part of the appeal. The surroundings are picturesque, with views towards Mont Blanc and the Vanoise National Park.
Its position is also one of its biggest strengths, sitting right at the heart of Paradiski with direct access to both Les Arcs and La Plagne via the Vanoise Express.
Central location in Paradiski with links to Les Arcs and La Plagne
Strong intermediate focus with wide, scenic cruising terrain
Tree-lined slopes offer great conditions in poor weather
Peisey‑Vallandry works well for beginners, particularly once you progress beyond your first turns. There are nursery areas and dedicated beginner zones, including protected slopes accessed by chairlift.
The progression is natural, with gentle blue runs like Forêt offering a confidence-building next step. You can explore a surprising amount of the wider area on easier pistes, making it a reassuring place to learn.
This is where Peisey‑Vallandry really stands out. The surrounding slopes are full of long blue and red runs, many winding through forest, creating some of the most enjoyable cruising skiing in Paradiski. A particular favourite of ours is Rhodos, a blue run that comes of an easier red, Bellette, in the area between Peisey-Vallandry and Arc 1800. It joins us Plan Bois and Poney to take you back to resort.
The lower slopes between 1,600m and 1,800m are particularly good for mixed abilities, with a choice of routes and plenty of variety. You can also travel further across the ski area, exploring both Les Arcs and La Plagne with ease.
Advanced skiers have access to more challenging terrain across the wider area, particularly around the Aiguille Rouge in Les Arcs.
There are steep descents, off-piste opportunities and natural ungroomed runs for those looking to push themselves. The long Aiguille Rouge descent, with serious vertical drop, is a standout for experienced skiers.
There are several fun zones across the area, including beginner-friendly forest zones and more advanced snowparks.
The Pitchouns Forest is a highlight for families, while larger parks and themed fun slopes in Les Arcs provide more variety and freestyle opportunities.
Peisey‑Vallandry also offers one of the standout Nordic areas in the region. With around 43km of trails in the Nancroix valley, it’s perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and quieter days away from the main slopes.
The scenic setting makes this a real highlight, especially if you want to experience a different side of the mountains.
Wide range of activities on offer in the resort
Strong family appeal with unique and memorable experiences
Mix of active and relaxed options beyond skiing
Peisey‑Vallandry offers plenty for families beyond skiing. There are sledging areas and gentle forest trails that make it easy for children to explore.
Special activities like rides on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, and dog sledding, both of which take place in the nearby Nordic area just beyond Peisey-Nancroix, add an element that is sure to make magical memories. These experiences give the resort a slightly different feel compared to larger, more commercial destinations.
For those wanting something more active, you can try snowshoeing, ski touring or even paragliding. For a challenge, you can also try electric fat bikes and e-scooters on snow.
If you prefer a slower pace, the surroundings offer plenty of options. Scenic walking trails, forest routes and panoramic viewpoints make it easy to enjoy the landscape without skis. A particularly special walk is to the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Vernettes, a beautiful little chapel is the most amazing surroundings. It’s a 9km round trip with a 400m altitude gain, but it’s well worth the effort. The chapel has a fountain and in the 18th century its waters were believed to have healing powers.
You can also visit attractions like the mountain animal museum, which is at the top of the Vallandry cable car and celebrates more than thirty Alpine species, or take in views of Mont Blanc from high-altitude terraces.
Good selection of restaurants across villages and slopes
Relaxed après-ski with optional livelier venues nearby
Well-equipped resort with essentials for self-catered stays
Restaurants are spread across the different villages, offering a mix of traditional Savoyard cuisine and casual dining.
You’ll find everything from cosy village restaurants to mountain eateries with panoramic views, making it easy to vary your evenings throughout the week.
Après-ski here is relaxed rather than lively. There are a few bars to enjoy a drink after skiing, but the overall feel is low-key.
If you’re looking for something more energetic, nearby Les Arcs has the Folie Douce for afternoon après, while Peisey‑Vallandry remains calm and sociable.
The resort has all the essentials, including mini supermarkets, bakeries, sports shops and local produce stores. The patisserie in Vallandry had the most incredible lemon meringue tarts when we visited.
Everything is easy to access, making it a practical choice for self-catered holidays, with enough variety to cover most needs during your stay.
If you are driving, it’s worth stopping in the valley in Bourg Saint Maurice to do a big shop at one of the larger supermarkets there. Generally, there’ll be more variety of produce and it will offer good value too.
PEISEY VALLANDRY
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 10
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
PEISEY VALLANDRY
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 12
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
Yes, Peisey‑Vallandry is a solid choice for beginners, especially those who progress quickly. There are nursery slopes and protected beginner areas, with easy access to gentle blue runs through the forest. The layout allows you to gradually explore more of the mountain without feeling restricted, which helps build confidence over the week.
Peisey‑Vallandry is excellent for intermediates. It sits at the heart of Paradiski, giving access to hundreds of kilometres of blue and red runs. The tree-lined slopes make cruising especially enjoyable and offer great conditions even in poor weather, so you can ski comfortably throughout your stay.
Yes, advanced skiers have access to challenging terrain across the wider Paradiski area. Steeper runs and off-piste routes can be found around Les Arcs, including the Aiguille Rouge sector and you can easily head over to La Plagne for more variety. It’s a great base with the option of both technical descents and big mountain exploration.
Peisey‑Vallandry is part of Paradiski, which offers around 425km of pistes across Les Arcs and La Plagne. Its central location means you can easily explore both sides of the ski area, making it feel even larger over a full week.
Yes, the area has strong snow reliability thanks to its altitude and extensive snowmaking. Around 70% of the Paradiski ski area is above 2,000m, helping maintain good conditions throughout the season. The tree-lined slopes also help preserve snow and improve visibility.
Yes, Peisey‑Vallandry is very family-friendly. The relaxed atmosphere, safe village layout and easy access to ski school all make it a practical choice. There are also plenty of activities for children, from sledging to forest fun zones and unique experiences like reindeer sleigh rides.
Yes, lift passes can be pre-booked with us. You can either book a pass for just the Les Arcs side of the ski area or a Paradiski Essential pass that gives access to the full Paradiski area including La Plagne. If you're based in Peisey, it's worth considering the full pass as it's easy to take the Vanoise Express over to La Plagne and ski there for a day., The Essential pass also includes additional benefits like express lanes, activity discounts and even an extra half-day at the beginning of your stay, so even if you aren't planning to head to La Plagne, it's a good option. Pre-booking means you can avoid queues and because we send your passes out in the post before you travel, you can get straight onto the slopes when you arrive.
Yes, ski hire can be pre-booked with us. This helps make your arrival smoother and ensures your equipment is available, which is particularly useful for families or larger groups looking to maximise their ski time.
Yes, we have a great relationship with the ESF French ski school and we can arrange group lessons for children and adults. We can also book private lessons if you'd rather a more bespoke lesson structure. We recommend pre-booking especially during busy periods as groups fill up quickly, especially for the more popular morning lessons.
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