Peisey Vallandry

Les Arcs ski area

Les Arcs is part of the large ‘Paradiski’ ski area and is the 2nd largest connected skiing area in the world. Paradiski has excellent facilities and with its huge variation in altitude (1,200m-3,250m) and with over 70% of the area being above 2000m, there is a multitude of different types of scenery and piste to explore. This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 18 ski resorts (the first 11 below in La Plagne and the other 7 in Les Arcs):

• Plagne Montalbert
• Plagne Bellecote
• Montchavin
• Les Coches
• Champagny en Vanoise
• Belle Plagne
• Plagne 1800
• Plagne Soleil
• Aime la Plagne
• Plagne Centre
• Plagne Villages
• Arc 1600
• Arc 1800
• Arc 1950
• Arc 2000
• Peisey Vallandry
• Villaroger
• Bourg St Maurice

Paradiski is linked by the Vanoise Express double-decker cable car (since 2003) which can transport nearly 200 people across the valley of Peisey-Nacroix in less than 4 minutes. It is the largest cable car in the world currently. Fun facts: the cabin is 380m from the ground at its highest point and travels at 45km/hour. It's quite a spectacular journey with stunning views.

The departure station is in Plan-Peisey at 1,612m of elevation. The arrival station is at 1,548m of elevation upstream to Montchavin. In winter, the cable car is accessible to skiers (and pedestrians, see below). On Montchavin side, the cable car arrives on a ski slope. You can't reach Montchavin by foot. It is advised to find a guide to find practicable paths via snowshoe.

Paradiski presents VertiGO thanks to a 1.70m² transparent glass plate in the floor (since 2015) of the lower level of both of the 2 cabins, passengers can enjoy the view in 3 dimensions, combining a 360° panorama of the legendary surrounding mountain peaks and a plunging view of the Ponthurin valley under your feet!

With 70% of the ski runs at heights of more than 2,000m, and one of the world’s most modern artificial snow systems, Paradiski guarantees top-quality snow conditions from December to April. With the peaks of Mont Blanc and Pierra Menta forming a dramatic panoramic background, Paradiski is also the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, a nature reserve of 53,000 hectares.

The greatest concentration of blue and red runs is above Arc 1800 down to the villages of Peisey and Vallandry. Situated at 1,600m, the resort is on the edge of a forest sheltered from the prevailing winds, on the sunny western slopes of the Massif of Les Arcs. The imposing view of Mont Blanc is its focal point.

There are 5 villages making up the Peisey Vallandry area - the first being Landry which lies at 780m and at the entrance to the valley. It also houses a TGV train station. Next is Peisey, an authentic stone and wood village at 1,300m, followed by Nancroix at 1450m, where you’ll also find the Nordic ski area, a special feature of the resort. Lastly, there are 2 skiing villages (and linked by the Vanoise Express cable car to Les Arcs). Plan Peisey is located next to the Vanoise Express cable car and Vallandry is located a little further away. Plan Peisey and Vallandry are small Alpine villages linked with the large Paradiski ski area so you really do get the best of both worlds – a vast ski area but intimate village life. Peisey-Vallandry has groomed, tree-lined slopes with a friendly feel. It’s uncrowded most of the time, allowing some great, fast cruising.

There are also wooded areas in the Les Arcs domain to head to when the weather isn’t so great - primarily above Peisey Vallandry, where the slopes are usually uncrowded.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (24/25):

Les Arcs/Peisey local area - 200km of pistes, 123 slopes:

Green slopes: 18
Blue slopes: 55
Red slopes: 42
Black slopes: 16

Peisey Vallandry skiing info

Beginners
There are 10 green slopes in Les Arcs:

• Vezaille, Millerette, Piste des Animaux in Arc 1600
• Step by step progression zone 1-3 steps (first slides, turns and runs) at Les Cabnes in Mille 8 in Arc 1800
• Low KL, Marais in Arc 2000
• Flocon, Cabri in Peisey Vallandry

Both resorts have good nursery slopes higher up on the tree-line accessed by a chairlift. Cabri or Flocon are two protected areas with a small ski tow in the upper area of Peisey-Vallandry. The 'Cabri' area is accessible from the Peisey chairlift (61) at Plan Peisey, and the 'Flocon' slopes can be reached via the Vallandry chairlift (74) at Vallandry. The 'Pre Jeannot' dedicated children’s snow area is located at Plan Peisey. Complete beginners start at the bottom and then move up to a dedicated area at the top of the chairlift. Although it’s graded blue, the Forêt run down to Vallandry is gentle enough to be a green! There is one green run in the Peisey/Les Arcs domain - but it’s 7km long, and in the forest!

Skiers can enjoy the whole Paradiski area using just blue pistes to get going (again) gently.

Intermediates
Paradiski has extensive intermediate slopes with big lift networks. The lower half of the mountainside (1,600m-1,800m) is great for mixed ability groups with a choice of routes through the trees. For the more cautious intermediate, there’s plenty of blue cruising.

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
For the more expert, the toughest descents are beneath the Aiguille Rouge in Les Arcs. Indeed, Les Arcs has lots to offer experts with some genuinely challenging runs and lots of off-piste potential. 

There is also the option to take part or try out ski touring in Les Arcs.

These are eight runs secured and marked by the ski patrol, but where no grooming has been done in order to ensure the runs’ natural qualities.  These runs - Crêtes, Dou de l’Homme, Lanches, Robert Blanc, Génépi, Bois de l’Ours, Les 2 Têtes and Malgovert – have been specially adapted for very good skiers. So you can learn to ski safely in “off-piste style”, but within the patrolled ski area.

The Aiguille Rouge descent, an epic 7km non-stop run from the glacier at 3,226m all the way to Villaroger at 1,200m. It’s one of the steepest drops in Europe! Once at the top, climb up the observation point and see the views towards the Swiss, Italian and French Alps right to the Jura mountain range. A view like none other!

Snowboarders
Les Arcs is a hotspot for snowboarders, offering excellent freeride slopes. For beginners and intermediates, there are plenty of wide-open pistes, especially at Vallandry and Arc 1800. Most lifts in the area are chairs and gondolas, and the terrain park has a snowboard-friendly draglift.

Resort runs
Returning to Peisey Vallandry is easy, either on the transverse pistes from Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 or via the Arc 2000 Valley from the top of the Transarc gondola, then taking the Grand Renard piste towards Peisey Vallandry via the Derby chairlift.

Mountain fun zones

You will find the snowpark SPARK between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 and is served by a snowboarder-friendly J-bar lift. For years now this has been one of the most advanced parks in the French Alps and is on a par with the main park at Avoriaz which is highly rated. If you're after snowcross runs, you will find them below 'Col de la Chal' at Arc 2000 or above Plan-Peisey.

Snowpark access:
From Arc 1600, take the Cachettes chairlift then join the Belvédère piste to reach the SnowPark chairlift. 
From Arc 1800, take the Vagère chairlift and follow the Arpette.
From Arc 2000, you have to go downhill to Arc 1950 to catch the Bois de l’Ours chairlift then go back down on the other side towards Arc 1600. You then have a choice of several pistes of different levels to get to the Snowpark.

Nordic skiing

The Nordic site, located at 'Pont Baudin' at the top of the valley, is one of the key elements that make Peisey-Vallandry so special and unique. The site is dedicated to all Nordic sports, from walking to snowshoeing, dog sledding and reindeer rides, with a special emphasis on Nordic skiing. Whether skating or classic, depending on your level of ability, you can challenge yourself on the 43km of pistes. All the way down the Rosuel valley, in a fantastic setting of dense forests, snow-covered peaks and slopes, with the Vanoise as a backdrop.

In order to contribute to the upkeep of the pistes (daily grooming, staking, securing), the ski pass is compulsory for Nordic skiing. The pass is not required for snowshoeing, however.

Access: by shuttle bus via the Nordic Express (linking Arc 1800 to the Peisey-Vallandry Nordic site) or by combining the La Lonzagne televillage and the circuit 3 shuttle bus to the Peisey-Vallandry Nordic site. Free transport.

Peisey Vallandry ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Peisey Vallandry ski hire and/or Peisey Vallandry lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

We offer different types of lift pass to pre-book. 

By choosing the 'Essential Pass' for instance, you gain unlimited access to the vast Paradiski area and can explore endless slopes while enjoying unique experiences. This ski pass offers a wide range of benefits:

• 14 express lanes*,
• Discounts on activities,
• Advantages in selected mountain restaurants,
• Aiguille Rouge Fast Track at €4.50 (instead of €9),
• Discounts on Zipline,
• First Tracks and luges,
• One free entry to the swimming pool in Arc 1800,
• One free Accrobranche session (treetop adventure course in Arc 1800),
• One free entry to the ice cave (Grotte de Glace) in the Village Igloo,
• 15% discount on snowshoeing, Yooner and Snake Glisse with selected ESF,
• Plus, included in your 6 day+ pass: free extra ½ day afternoon preceding your stay (from 12h30) with every Essential pass.

*Mont Blanc / Villards / Vagère / Carreley / Transarc / Arpette / Comborcière / Bois de l’Ours / Marmottes / Varet / Grizzly / Peisey / Vallandry / Villaroger.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

Peisey Vallandry group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 4 years to 12 years in Peisey Vallandry with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 10 years+. 

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Peisey Vallandry private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF Peisey Vallandry for private lessons - 0033 4 79 07 93 77

Peisey Vallandry childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 9 months-11 years (non-skiers)

2 daycare centres in Peisey-Vallandry:

• Tom Pouce, on Vallandry's snow front,
• Le Chat Botté, on Plan-Peisey's snow front.

Tom Pouce

Reservation with the ESF. Located at the foot of the slopes, just a stone’s throw from the ESF, the 'Tom Pouce' daycare is accessible both on foot and by ski for 18 months to 11 years. The daycare is managed in accordance with the operating authorisations issued by the Maternal and Child Protection Service (PMI). Open 9am-5pm, closed on Saturdays.

Please contact Tom Pouce direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 07 93 77

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Le Chat Botte (French school holidays only)

Reservation with the ESF. For children 18 months to 4 years and 5-11 years. The children's center is located at Plan-Peisey in Les Mélézes building, close to the 'Télévillage' chairlift and the ESF. day or half-day, with or without lunch, with or without escort to ESF ski lessons. Open 9am-5pm, closed on Saturdays.. Outside activities are proposed for children.

Please contact Le Chat Botte direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 07 91 64

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in Peisey Vallandry and Les Arcs

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Mille8 - Arc 1800
Located just above Arc 1800, Mille8 in an experience unlike any other for young as for old. Consisting of an aquatic centre and snow sports areas such as a tubing run, a fun trail course for all abilities, a beginners' area, discovery trail and a children’s practice area.

All of Mille8's developments were completed in 2016, with the new Carreley 6-seater high-speed chair lift and lodge with slope-side restaurant (La Folie Douce), golf simulator and dance floor. With Mille8, Les Arcs has completely reinvented ‘apres-ski’. Mille8 is served by the dedicated Villards gondola (new at the time) and remains accessible every day until at least 7.30pm.

LA LUGE- choose your toboggan/helmet (Speedy model for the more adventurous or the Roquette or Big Bus models with room for an adult and a small child), hop on the Villards gondola (accessible to pedestrians/skiers) and get ready for the adrenaline-fuelled ride down 900m of twists and turns with a dash through the illuminated tunnel at the finish line. Open from 2pm-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm on Thursdays. From 3yrs old.

LES CABANES - a beautiful ski run winding its way through the forest with wooden cabins, lights, and sound. Don't miss out on the Giant Xylophone. Open from 9.15am-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm on Thursdays. Stop off at les Cabanes to enjoy the majestic view over Mont-Blanc and the valley!

LE SLALOM - compete with friends and video it!

LES PINGOUINS - a dedicated environment for children to progress and play, featuring igloos, a sledging area and a magic carpet. FREE access. Open from 9am-5pm. Access is FREE.

LES SAPINS - starting at the top of the Villard gondola and winding through the forests, the Sapins footpath offers walkers a unique ambience and areas to relax, rest, or take in the exploits on nearby ski and toboggan runs. Open from 9.30am-5pm daily. Access is FREE.

LA PISCINE - a stunning 3800 square metre indoor aquatic centre directly on the piste with breath-taking views over Mont Blanc … An indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzis, whirlpools, waterfalls, slide, water play area for children and grottos. A wellness and fitness centre with saunas, steam baths, and a gym. For easy access, a covered walkway and elevator whisk clients directly from Arc 1800 to the LA PISCINE aquatic centre. Sunday-Friday from 11am-7pm (Saturday from 2pm). Late nights Tuesday and Thursday.

LA FOLIE DOUCE - is right in the centre of Mille8 slopes and a great place to meet up at this famous bar. It’s a restaurant, snack bar, a dance floor and an events location. Hop on the Villards gondola for access (accessible to pedestrians/skiers).

Sledging in Arc 2000
3km long, the Luge 2000 offers you many challenging turns, alternating fast parts and pure skiing. Track with raised bends, alternating fast and sliding parts, thrills guaranteed. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Reserved access from 10 years old and 1m25 minimum.

Sledging in Arc 1800 at Mille8
From 3 years old. Choose your vehicle and helmet in the boutique. Choose from the Speedy model for the more adventurous or the Roquette or Big Bus models with room for an adult and a small child. Then take the Villards gondola to get to the start of the toboggan track and set off on a 900m downhill run alternating banked turns with forest sectors. Also a light snow and illuminated tunnel. For children between 3 and 7 years old, the presence of a responsible adult in pairs on the sled is mandatory. From the age of 8 years old, children can sled alone but must remain under the supervision of an adult who takes full responsibility.

Sledging in Peisey Vallandry
Small protected sledging area for young children. Helmet mandatory.

Reindeer rides
The reindeer will guide their guests through the gates of the Vanoise National Park. A highly original activity to share with the whole family, in an absolutely magical Lapland atmosphere! Unique in Savoie, this service is truly exclusive to Peisey-Vallandry. And in the interests of personalisation, Francis adapts to his customers’ wishes by offering tailor-made outings to celebrate birthdays or weddings.

E-Mountain scooters
From 12 years old. Uphill, downhill, hilly and snowy roads, the E-mountain Scoot goes everywhere!

The Giants of Malgovert (outdoor playground on the slopes)
In Arc 1600, in the heart of the Mont Blanc blue run, there is a mysterious, unspoilt forest. Inside are now three giants that rise from the ground, wooden giants over 7m tall. Carved in the image of the majestic silhouettes of the mountains, they will invite you to climb them in every imaginable way: from outside to inside, from top to bottom, from right to left, and much more! Inside these giant wooden mazes, you'll find countless surprises: walls to climb, secret doors to discover, platforms perched in the trees, a giant Mikado to unravel, footbridges that defy balance, and even rope nests to rest in.  Access: only on skis via the Mont Blanc chairlift on the Mont Blanc blue run at Arc 1600.

Le Balcon sur la Vanoise
Balcon sur la Vanoise is the ideal place to escape from everyday life and take in the grandeur of the Bellecôte, Aliet and Aiguille Rousse ranges. It's not unusual to come across a bearded vulture in flight! As well as picnic tables, the Balcon sur la Vanoise panoramic terrace offers binoculars for observation and a photo terminal so you can capture your memories before retrieving them via the Paradiski YUGE application. The balcony was enlarged in 2023. Access: only on skis from the 2300 chairlift at Peisey-Vallandry.

Top activities to experience in Peisey Vallandry and Les Arcs

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Star gazing
A planetarium for indoor star gazing - converting a room into a planetarium around 6m in diameter, enjoy a 1-hour sky-watching session for up to 20 people.

Swimming
Aquatic centre at Mille8 in Arc 1800.

Paragliding
With skis, or as a pedestrian later on in the season.

Museum of animals and Mont Blanc view
This unique museum and its 30 species of fauna is a place of discovery and awareness. During their stroll, visitors are advised to listen carefully for the Jays or Song Thrush singing. Located on the ski area at Sommet Vallandry via gondola.

This is where you can also admire the Mont Blanc at the top of the new 10-seater Vallandry gondola at an altitude of 2,138m! The panoramic terrace offers a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. Made by local company Altibois, the outdoor furniture on the terrace has been designed for optimum comfort. You can have lunch on one of the removable picnic tables available, before taking a refreshing nap in a rocking chair. Distributors of local products from the Peisey-Nancroix cheese factory offer sandwiches, yoghurts, Beaufort AOP and Savoyard charcuterie: something to delight the gourmets! A drinks dispenser is also available, featuring coffee and tea roasted in Bourg-Saint-Maurice by L'Or Vert. In case of bad weather, the indoor living space also offers a choice retreat with a picnic and relaxation room to take shelter, as well as a Museum of Mountain Animals.

The Aiguille Rouge Illuminated Mural
The 500m² of Varet's gondola garage gives way to an extraordinary experience at altitude. An unexpected passage reveals a triptych of universes in which the visitor is invited to wander, listen and contemplate twirling light murales around the seasons. Located at Sommet Varet.

Apres-Ski, Bars & Restaurants

Restaurants can be found in the villages of Vallandry, Plan-Peisey, Peisey and Nancroix. 

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Arc 1800 for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2019, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018. Ski and pedestrian access by the Villards gondola for Les Arcs FD (free for pedestrians), La Folie Douce is on the left at the finish line. Last descent at 7pm (8pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Please check last lift times back to Peisey-Vallandry!

Why not try:

• 'Le Bistrot de la Poste' is a new restaurant located in Peisey, in the old post office building! Committed to cooking fresh, seasonal produce, everything is home-made, and the chef will adapt his menu according to the season,
• Comfortably seated in a heated bubble, up to 8 guests can gather at the 'EL56' restaurant for a gourmet interlude at the end of their day’s skiing. The transparent cocoon lets you gaze up at the
  starry sky and the falling snow,
• 'Aux Enfants Terribles' altitude restaurant at the top of Vallandry chairlift. Panoramic terrace. Accessible for pedestrians.

Amenities

Peisey-Vallandry has a mini-supermarket, farm produce shop, butcher, baker, post office, newsagents, tourist office, petrol station, chemist and cash point.

Getting to Peisey Vallandry, France

By road:
Driving distance from Calais to Peisey 615 miles (approx. 8hrs 50).

From Calais take the A26 motorway via Reims, Dijon and Maçon to Lyon A43/A430 to Albertville and then N90 via Moutiers in the direction of Les Arcs, following signs for Landry and Peisey.            

By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest convenient train station to Les Arcs is 10 miles away in Bourg St Maurice. You can take the funicular railway from the train station to Les Arc 1600 if you wish. It only takes 7 minutes and runs every 20 minutes, starting at 07:30 and running until 20:00 (until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays). From Arc 1600 you can then hop on the free Les Arcs shuttle bus to take you onto Arc 1800 – the buses run from 07:30-19:40.

There’s another shuttle service throughout the winter, for a fee, between the Landry station and the upper levels of the resort if you come by train.

4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Les Arcs is roughly 73 miles, approximately 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Les Arcs is roughly 125 miles, approximately 2hrs 15
Geneva Airport to Les Arcs is roughly 124 miles, approximately 2hrs 20
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Les Arcs is roughly 126 miles, approximately 2hrs 20 mins

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.

Resort shuttle bus:
Free shuttles are available between Plan-Peisey, Vallandry, Peisey, Nancroix and the Nordic site. To navigate between Plan-Peisey/Vallandry and the village of Peisey, the Télébenne of Lonzagne is also available. It’s an experience that is as unusual as it is practical, as you can travel standing up in a ‘skip’ or ‘basket’, all outdoors. There is also a free shuttle between Arc 1800 and Peisey.

Peisey Vallandry Opening Dates

See resort opening information