Paradiski Turns 20!
© Les Arcs/Bourg Saint Maurice Tourisme, Aigal Studio
Vicky, November 2023
Two decades ago, the installation of the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car created a link between the two great ski resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne. Paradiski was born in the 2003/04 season, resulting in a total of 425km of marked skiing and 261 pistes, with 70% of the terrain at a snowsure altitdue of 2000m or higher.
The Vanoise Express - in figures
- 2 double-decker cable cars
- Room for up to 200 passengers per car
- 380m above the valley floor at its heighest point
- Span: 2 kilometres
- Pylons: 0
- Travelling speed: 12.5km/h
- Crossing time: 4 minutes
20 years on and other impressive ski lifts have followed in the footsteps of this pioneering piece of engineering. Whistler's Peak2Peak gonola broke new records, but the Vanoise Express was one of the first modern lifts to span serious heights without any pylons and connect two distinct ski mountains.
Look out for installations from French artist, Saype, this coming season, specially commissioned to celebrate the 20 year anniversary.
Image: andyparant.com
Paradiski's Resorts
From the ultra-modern, purpose-built ski hubs of Les Arcs and La Plagne, to the more traditional satellite villages such as Montchavin-Les Coches and Plagne Montalbert, Paradiski has a resort to suit all tastes. We feature holidays in three: Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne.
La Plagne
An intermediate skier's dream, La Plagne is made up of 10 satellite villages - all with easy access to the slopes - and has an increasing number of excllent places to stay. Two of the most recent developments are fantastic for self-catering and make a great choice for families.
Residence Manaka in Plagne Centre offers ski-in/ski-out accommodation in Plagne Centre at 1970m altitude. With a contemporary finish, you'll find all the comforts you need here for an enjoyable stay. Excellent facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, perfect for a spot of relaxation. The M'Bar and lounge will also offer a welcoming space for a drink with friends and family.
Image: foudimages
In Plagne Soleil (2050m), ski-in/ski-out Residence White Pearl Lodge & Spa features lovely spacious apartments and a beautiful spa, including an indoor/outdoor pool and dedciated children's pool. A really good choice for a family holiday.
Peisey Vallandry
Image: andyparant.com
The perfect choice if you want to fully explore Paradiski on both sides of the Vanoise Express. Peisey-Vallandry is another intermediate's heaven, the tree skiing is legendary, and our featured residence, L'Orée des Cimes, features good quality self-catering apartments, excellent on-site facilities and easy access to the slopes.
Les Arcs
Arc 1950 Le Village by andyparant.com
The four separate Les Arcs resorts - 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000 - lie just beyond Peisey-Vallandry. Also celebrating 20 years since its inception, the ever popular Arc 1950 Le Village has been a client favourite ever since. We love its ski-through village, chocolate box charm, amazing views of Mont Blanc and excellent quality apartments.
If you prefer a hotel experience, the Hotel Taj-I Mah is the only 5-star property in Les Arcs. Sitting at 2000m altitude in a brilliant ski-in/ski-out spot, the views are something to behold and rooms are spacious and modern. This hotel is ideal for keen skiers also looking for luxury, with its 400m2 spa, lounge bar and two great quality restaurants.
The Paradiski Ski Area
Skiers hungry for big mileage will love exploring the whole of the Paradiski area during their stay - for which an Essentiel (full area) pass is required. It's also easy to add on a full area day extension to your Classic Pass (Les Arcs-Peisey Vallandry) or La Plagne lift pass if you fancy exploring the whole area for one day during your holiday. Just remember not to miss the last lift home, as it's a long taxi ride down and back up!
If you're interested in booking Les Arcs or La Plagne this season contact us on 0131 243 8097 and our Ski Specialists will provide a tailor-made itinerary.