Ski in Peisey-Vallandry

Where to ski in Peisey-Vallandry?

This charming village resort is a dynamic winter sports destination. The Vanoise Express, one of the most prominent cable cars in the world, links it to La Plagne and Les Arcs. Together, the three resorts form Paradiski, the second-largest linked area in the world.

When staying in Peisey-Vallandry, you can choose between two ski areas (and therefore two different ski passes): the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry area will be more than enough for a weekend or short stay, while Paradiski, which also includes La Plagne, will enchant your chalet holiday with its endless slopes. 

The essentials about Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry :

• 200 km 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:

• 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

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

• 130 ski lifts 

Skiing for everyone

The range of slope configurations and technicalities in the area is so vast that skiers will find it hard to find their way around. Beginners, intermediates or experienced skiers, no one has been forgotten!

Beginners should rejoice: the Peisey-Vallandry ski area has just opened a brand new area dedicated to novice skiers. This progress area has taken up residence in Vallandry and is organised into three zones: first glides, first turns and first descents, linked to the scenic slope, the Forêt des Pitchouns. This zone, isolated from the rest of the area, is designed to encourage learning in total safety in a serene setting. You can easily access it with the brand new 10-seater gondola, which has replaced the Vallandry chairlift.

Another pleasant surprise is the possibility to cross the whole area using only blue runs. You will undoubtedly find your pleasure, whatever your level of skiing. 

The more experienced skiers can't miss the longest run in the area: the Aiguille Rouge. This mythical descent stretches over 7 km with a difference in altitude of 2000 metres from the Varet glacier. You will go from a black run, at an altitude of 3226 meters, to a red one until the arrival in the village of Villaroger at 1200 meters. Memorable!

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

• the blue Belvedere 1, 2 and 3 runs through the forest

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

• the black slopes Ecureuils and Bosses are pretty affordable (and relatively flat, contrary to what the name of the latter may suggest)

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 learn to ski while having fun, go to the new Vallandry beginners' area. This area is open to all novice skiers and links up with the children's favourite slope: the Forêt des Pitchouns. Thanks to a series of 15 fun modules, the little ones will quickly gain confidence and learn how to negotiate turns and stop for a safe ride. 

During the school holidays, don't hesitate to ask the ESF (French ski school) instructors for help: they offer activities adapted to the needs of children and teenagers. Piou-Piou Club, trapper course, freestyle or slalom, snowshoeing or biathlon, igloo building or yeti orienteering. Forget the old-fashioned ski lessons, and your children will be asking for more!

And since Paradiski also combines the infrastructures of La Plagne and Les Arcs, don't miss the fun areas of these two holiday resorts. From the scenic Cabanes piste to the Toboggan runs with music and sound, not forgetting snooc in the Colorado luge and the chase in the Buffalo kids zone: your children will be at a loss. 

Other snow sports version

The site is rich in snowboards, boardercross, and other intense and creative alternative riding facilities. Beginners and experienced mountain riders alike will enjoy themselves here.

Les Arcs and La Plagne are the two authentic freestyle destinations in Paradiski. In Les Arcs, you will find classic facilities such as the Apocalypse Park snowpark, suitable for all levels, or more surprising ones such as the Water Slide, which consists of crossing a swimming pool on skis or snowboard. There is also the Toboggan with 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 and 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 sled 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!

It is on the side of the Aiguille Grive that powder lovers will find the maximum number of itineraries to ski down happily. The Carroz Blanc route is the most accessible, which descends from the Arc valley and follows a forest path in Nancroix. 

More difficult, 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 holds some pleasant surprises. Again, several options, each more technical than the other, are possible with easy access from the Vanoise Express. 

When it comes to free-riding, it is always recommended to go with a guide, especially if you are a first-timer or don't know the resort well. Also, remember to bring the necessary safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe). Equipment can be hired from Manon, the guide specialising in off-piste skiing in Peisey-Vallandry.

Nordic version

The resort of Peisey-Vallandry has a high-quality Nordic site, where cross-country skiing is far from being the only discipline practised. All lovers of the mountains in winter will find their happiness 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 alternative and skating, the site offers the public its biathlon stadium, with 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 scene, opt for a reindeer ride! This is one of the most fabulous experiences offered by the centre. You can also practice Ski-Joering in complete safety as a 600-metre track is dedicated to this sport pulled by a galloping horse. Finally, a 6 to 8 sled dogs team awaits you for an outing of 45 min to 1h30 in the powder snow. Peisey-Vallandry undeniably makes you live the white dream in France!