The pitch is simple. Two big, high resorts that would each make a fine holiday are joined into a single area you can roam on one pass. The Vanoise Express, a double decker cable car, ferries skiers over the valley in a few minutes, so by mid morning you can ski terrain that was an hour's drive away. The combined area sits high, much of it above 2,000 meters, which makes Paradiski one of the more snow sure choices in France.
La Plagne and Les Arcs play to different strengths. La Plagne is a constellation of villages spread across a sunny, rolling basin, gentle and brilliant for beginners and families. Les Arcs is steeper and more dramatic, falling toward Bourg Saint Maurice with serious tree skiing and long vertical for stronger skiers. Peisey Vallandry sits between them, a quieter, prettier base right by the cable car. The honest tradeoff is character: these are efficient, purpose built resorts, not historic towns.
The resorts compared
You join Paradiski from one of three bases. Here is how they compare, with who each one suits.
| Resort | Best for | Character | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Plagne | Families and beginners | Sunny, rolling, many villages | The gentler, more spread out half, superb for first timers and mixed groups. |
| Les Arcs | Intermediates and experts | Steeper, dramatic, tree lined | The more thrilling half, with long vertical and the best tree skiing in the area. |
| Peisey Vallandry | Quiet bases, cable car access | Smaller, prettier, traditional feel | The calm middle ground right by the Vanoise Express, our pick for a peaceful base. |
Torn between the two big resorts? Read our head to head, La Plagne vs Les Arcs, for a clear pick by group type.
Who the region suits
Paradiski is at its best for groups with a spread of abilities who do not want to compromise. Beginners and children get the wide, forgiving slopes of La Plagne and Peisey. Intermediates get endless blue and red mileage on both sides. Strong skiers get the steeps and the tree runs of Les Arcs, plus off piste that rewards a guide. Non skiers have less to do here than in a historic town, so a pure non skier may prefer Megeve or an Italian resort.
Pass and logistics
One Paradiski pass covers both resorts and the Vanoise Express. If you plan to stay mostly on one side, the cheaper single resort pass for La Plagne or Les Arcs often makes more sense, with the option to upgrade for a day on the full area. Expect a day pass for the full Paradiski area in the region of $70 to $80. Lock in your pass and ski hire early through our lift pass partner and ski hire partner for the best rates.
Access is straightforward. The nearest airports are Geneva, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble, with Geneva the most common at roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour transfer. Bourg Saint Maurice has a train station with direct seasonal services, and a funicular runs up to Les Arcs. Arrange a door to door ride with our transfer partner, and read ski transfers explained if you are weighing the options.
When to go
Paradiski's altitude makes it reliable from mid December to mid April. Peak snow and atmosphere come in February, which is also the busiest and priciest stretch. January is quieter with good cover, and late March into April brings sunny spring skiing on slopes that hold their snow thanks to the height. For the best value and space, target January or the weeks either side of the February school holidays.
If you want this trip priced by specialists, tell us your dates and budget below and we will route your brief to the right operators.
Common questions
What is Paradiski?
Paradiski is a single linked ski area in the French Alps that joins La Plagne and Les Arcs, along with Peisey Vallandry, by the Vanoise Express cable car. Together they offer around 425 km of pistes on one pass.
Is Paradiski good for beginners?
Yes, especially on the La Plagne side, which has wide, gentle, sunny slopes and excellent ski schools. Peisey Vallandry is also calm and beginner friendly. Les Arcs suits improving and confident skiers better.
La Plagne or Les Arcs, which should I choose?
Choose La Plagne for families, beginners and sunny cruising, and Les Arcs for steeper terrain, tree skiing and long vertical. Either way the Paradiski pass lets you ski both. See our full La Plagne vs Les Arcs comparison.
How much is a Paradiski lift pass?
A full area day pass is typically in the region of $70 to $80. If you plan to stay mostly on one side, a single resort pass for La Plagne or Les Arcs is cheaper, with the option to upgrade for a day.
Is Paradiski snow sure?
It is one of the more reliable French areas because much of the skiing sits above 2,000 meters. The season runs dependably from mid December to mid April, with spring snow holding well on the higher slopes.
How do I get to Paradiski?
Geneva, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble are the nearest airports, with Geneva most common at roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour transfer. Bourg Saint Maurice has a train station, and a funicular climbs to Les Arcs.
Plan your trip with specialists
Tell us your dates and budget and we will route your brief to vetted chalet companies and tour operators. They come back with tailored proposals on flights, transfers, lift passes and lessons. Free to you, no obligation.