It may not be one of the best-known ski resorts in the French Alps, but Peisey-Vallandry’s great location in the skiing world is becoming an open secret. Once something of a sleepy backwater, and still strongly connected to its traditional rural roots on the edge of the beautiful Vanoise National Park, the village was thrust into the spotlight when its two giant neighbours, the ski areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne, decided to create a lift to connect their areas right where it sits. They called their joint area, which Peisey-Vallandry now sits at the heart of, Paradiski.
Paradiski
One of France’s great ski areas, as well as one of the world’s three largest, Paradiski, with 425km of slopes, brings together what were already world-class ski areas in their own right, the huge ski regions of La Plagne and Les Arcs. The connection was made by the remarkable Vanoise Express double-decker cable car, which bridges the valley separating the two areas in just a matter of minutes.
The amount of skiing here is incredible. On both sides, there are over 200km of slopes with wonderful long runs and terrain to suit every ability level and every taste. Each side has glacier-crowned slopes above 3,200m and among the world’s greatest lift-served vertical descents of over 2,000 metres available.
And the sweet spot at the heart of it all is Peisey-Vallandry, located right by the Vanoise Express, meaning that skiers and snowboarders based here are in pole position each morning with a choice of heading out into either the La Plagne or Les Arcs slopes. You can argue that this is one of the best-located ski resorts on the planet!
Peisey-Vallandry
Peisey-Vallandry is made up of several smaller hamlets which have grown in size since Paradiski’s creation but remain friendly, intimate, and strongly connected to their traditional rural roots. There’s a good choice of cafes and restaurants without the raucous après-ski scene of some bigger resorts. Instead, you’ll enjoy a more authentic experience where you can relax and soak up that French ambience. The local Nancroix valley on the edge of the Vanoise National Park is a big draw for cross-country skiers and has its own Nordic centre where you can try this yourself, including the exciting option of biathlon.
The local slopes above Peisey-Vallandry are largely gentle and tree-lined, making them a great choice for families and novice skiers, although the many challenges the Paradiski region offers experienced skiers are only moments away too. The trees lining the pistes that provide shelter on bad weather days are also great for tree skiing when snow conditions are optimal.
Accommodation
Ski France has some stunning properties available, enabling you to make the most of your holiday in Paradiski.
The Residence Chalet Les Amis sits right at the heart of the beautiful Nancroix Valley and provides fabulous views of the Vanoise massif and all the area has to offer. It’s a recently renovated residence in a brilliant location near both the villages of Peisey-Vallandry and Peisey Nancroix and close to the Vallandry Express lift, which provides fast access to the heart of the Paradiski region, allowing you to choose whether you head into the Les Arcs or La Plagne sides of this amazing ski area each morning.
The residence itself is divided into five large, modern apartments, each of which can accommodate between 8 and 14 guests. These are spacious, light-filled, and very comfortable accommodations, each with a well-equipped kitchen. The Residence Chalet Les Amis has a shared wellness area with a sauna and Jacuzzi, and there’s a shared ski room too. It’s a brilliant base for your Paradiski adventure.
Alternatively, Ski France’s Chalet Ponturin, located right next door to Chalet Les Amis, is also perfectly positioned between Peisey-Nancroix and Peisey Vallandry at the heart of Paradiski but is also in a wonderful, quiet location with nature all around you, just a short distance from both villages. Chalet Ponturin is a beautifully refurbished duplex filled with light and sleeping 8-10 guests in four bedrooms, each with private bathrooms.
Along with a spacious living area, there’s a well-equipped kitchen and a large balcony with views stretching out to the Vanoise National Park. It shares the wellness area with a sauna and Jacuzzi located at Chalet Les Amis.
Each apartment features bedrooms with a dressing room, private bathroom, and high-quality welcome products. Their fully equipped kitchens include extra touches like Nespresso machines, juicers, and induction hobs along with high-spec refrigerators, freezers, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, washer/dryers, ironing boards, irons, filter coffee makers, kettles, and toasters.
Both properties have been designed and finished to a very high standard. With a modern design, plenty of space, and very comfortable, these self-catered apartments have bed linen, towels, and end-of-stay cleaning all included in your holiday package.
This is the winter for you to put yourself at the heart of Paradiski and discover just what a great location Peisey-Vallandry has found itself in!
