Ski in Peisey-Vallandry

Where to ski in Peisey-Vallandry?

This charming village resort is a vibrant destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It is connected to La Plagne and Les Arcs by the Vanoise Express, one of the world's most renowned cable cars. Together, these three resorts make up Paradiski, the second-largest interconnected ski area in the world.

When staying in Peisey-Vallandry, you have the option to choose between two ski areas, each requiring a different ski pass. The Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry area is ideal for a weekend or a short stay. In contrast, the Paradiski area, which also includes La Plagne, offers a vast range of slopes that will enhance your chalet holiday experience.

The essentials about Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry:

• 200km of downhill

• 123 runs, including 10 green, 55 blue, 42 red and 16 black

• 1st resort in Savoie with the Flocon Vert label

What you need to know about Paradiski:

• The 2nd largest linked ski area in the world

• 3 resorts in the French Alps: Peisey-Vallandry, Les Arcs, and LA Plagne

• From 1200 to 3250 metres in altitude, and 70% of the area above 2000 metres

• 2 equipped glaciers at over 3000 metres

• 264 runs

• 425 km of downhill runs

• 153 km of Nordic ski itineraries

• 17 new snow sports facilities, including 2 snow parks, 5 boardercross, 2 Boarder Gliss, 1 waterslide, 3 luge runs and 1 halfpipe

• The cable car, the Vanoise Express, links Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry to La Plagne in 4 minutes at a speed of 45km/h and a height of 380 metres

• 130 ski lifts

Skiing for everyone

The variety of slope configurations in the area is so extensive that skiers can occasionally find it a challenge to navigate. Whether beginners, intermediates, or advanced skiers, everyone is catered to!

Beginners can rejoice: the Peisey-Vallandry ski area has opened a section specifically designed for novice skiers. This learning area, located in Vallandry, is divided into three zones: First Glides, First Turns, and First Descents, all of which are connected to the scenic slope known as the Forêt des Pitchouns. This zone is separated from the rest of the ski area to provide a safe and tranquil environment for learning and development. You can easily access it via the new 10-seater gondola, which has replaced the previous Vallandry chairlift.

Another pleasant surprise is that you can traverse the entire area using only blue runs. No matter your skiing level, you will surely find enjoyment.

Experienced skiers shouldn't miss the longest run in the area: the Aiguille Rouge. This legendary descent spans 7 kilometres and boasts an impressive altitude difference of 2,000 metres, beginning at the Varet glacier. You'll start on a black run at an altitude of 3,226 metres and continue on a red run until you reach the village of Villaroger at 1,200 metres. It's truly a memorable experience!

Some of Peisey-Vallandry's must-see trails:

• The blue Belvédère 1, 2 and 3 runs through the forest

• The red runs: Ours, Myrtilles, Aigle and Morey are all delightful to ski down in the morning

• The black slopes Ecureuils and Bosses are pretty manageable (and relatively flat, contrary to what the name of the latter suggests)

With children

The domain is full of ideas and activities in the snow to delight your children. Whether on skis or snowshoes, the little adventurers will have to behave themselves!

To enjoy learning to ski, head to the new beginners' area in Vallandry. This area is designed for novice skiers and connects to the children's favourite slope, the Forêt des Pitchouns. Featuring 15 fun modules, this area helps young skiers quickly build confidence while learning how to turn and stop safely.

During the school holidays, feel free to ask the instructors at the ESF (French ski school) for assistance. They offer a variety of activities tailored to the needs of children and teenagers, including the Piou-Piou Club, trapper courses, freestyle skiing, slalom, snowshoeing, biathlon, igloo building, and yeti orienteering. Forget traditional ski lessons; your children will be eager for more!

Since Paradiski combines the infrastructure of La Plagne and Les Arcs, be sure to explore the fun areas in both holiday resorts. From the scenic Cabanes piste to the toboggan runs complete with music and sound, not to mention the excitement of the Colorado luge and the adventure in the Buffalo kids zone, your children will have an unforgettable experience.

Other snow sports version

The site offers a variety of snowboards, boardercross, and other exciting alternative riding facilities. Both beginners and experienced mountain riders will have a great time here.

Les Arcs and La Plagne are two premier freestyle destinations in Paradiski. In Les Arcs, you can enjoy classic features like the Apocalypse Park snowpark, which caters to all skill levels. Additionally, there are unique attractions such as the Water Slide, where you can attempt to cross a swimming pool on skis or a snowboard. Another exciting option is the Toboggan, which includes a landing on a big airbag.

In La Plagne, you can also try another Snowpark worthy of the name with four zones representing different levels of difficulty: a Big Airbag and a Petit Park with a half-pipe. You can also try out Europe's longest Funslope, with 1.6km of banked turns, tunnels and bridges. And if you're looking for something entertaining, head to the bobsleigh run for a speed sledge or bob raft ride you won't soon forget!

Version free-ride

Peisey-Vallandry may seem like a small resort within Paradiski, but that's only if you count the downhill slopes, as it's a gigantic off-piste area!

On the side of Aiguille Grive, powder enthusiasts can discover numerous skiing itineraries to enjoy. The Carroz Blanc route is the most accessible, starting from the Arc Valley and following a forest path in Nancroix.

More challenging, the Aiguille Grive route offers several options: descents on the west side to the resort of Peisey-Vallandry or a passage through the Entreporte pass to the chapel of Notre-Dame des Vernettes before finishing in the valley. 

For the more experienced, the North Face of Bellecôte offers some exciting surprises. Once again, several options, each more technical than the last, are easily accessible from the Vanoise Express.

When it comes to free-riding, it is highly recommended to go with a guide, especially if you are a first-time rider or unfamiliar with the resort. Be sure to bring the necessary safety equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. You can hire this equipment from Manon, a guide specialising in off-piste skiing in Peisey-Vallandry.

Nordic version

The Peisey-Vallandry resort boasts a top-notch Nordic site, offering more than just cross-country skiing. Winter mountain enthusiasts will find their joy here.

Located in the commune of Peisey-Nancroix, the Pont Baudin Centre offers a myriad of activities that will enchant young and old alike. In addition to its 43 km of trails (3 green, 4 blue, 2 red, and 3 black) dedicated to cross-country skiing, both for classic and skating, the site offers the public its biathlon stadium, featuring an approved shooting range. 

The centre also organises snowshoe hikes and themed walks in the powder snow, on the fauna trail or the valley's heritage.

For a complete change of scenery, consider going on a reindeer ride! This is one of the most fantastic experiences offered at the centre. You can also safely practice ski-joring on a dedicated 600-meter track, where a galloping horse pulls you. Additionally, a team of 6 to 8 sledge dogs awaits you for an outing lasting between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours in the powdery snow. Peisey-Vallandry truly allows you to experience a winter wonderland in France!