Peisey-Vallandry – The little island in the Paradiski ski region Peisey-Vallandry (1600 m)

The small ski area of Peisey-Vallandry, although directly connected to the huge ski region of Paradiski on both sides, exists as a ski network in its own right. 3 small villages and 2 modern ski centres combine to accommodate any holidaymakers looking for relaxed lodgings, coupled with easy access to a virtually endless network of ski slopes. The infrastructure of the area is specifically designed to ensure its visitors have all their needs fully catered for, and can enjoy a trouble-free ski holiday.

The original village of Peisey (Peisey-Nancroix), at 1350m above sea level, and the hamlet of Le Villaret are both linked to the “Plan Peisey” ski centre (at 1600m) by the “Lonzagne” cable car, which is free to use. There is also a free shuttle bus available between the villages of Peisey and Nancroix, taking visitors to the “Pont Baudin” cross-country skiing centre. The area’s second ski centre, “Vallandry”, is at the same altitude as “Plan Peisey”, and is located just a few hundred metres away.

The excellent facilities at these two ski centres are the perfect recipe for a successful ski holiday. Practically all of the chalets and holiday homes are within 550m of the ski runs, and 3 chairlifts ferry visitors up into the ski area at 2280m, where they will find a total of 29 ski runs, encompassing all difficulty levels.

A variety of runs whichever way you look

The ski runs of Peisey-Vallandry are southward facing, on wooded slopes bathed in sunlight. The network boasts 3 specified kid’s areas, as well as 2 separate practice zones. These practice zones, named “Cabri” and “Flocon”, are each equipped with their own drag lift, as well as being themselves easily accessible via the “Peisey 61” and “Vallandry 74” chairlifts. Snowboarders will find a “Boardercross” zone by the “2300 66” lift, and more experienced skiers will find a slalom run by the “Peisey 61” lift and a deep powder run by the “Derby 69” lift.

This chairlift also allows access to the full extent of the Les Arcs ski area, with its total ski run length of 200km. Les Arcs offers the full range of alpine sports, with 3 large practice areas, 2 slalom runs, 1 “Boardercross” run, and 9 deep powder runs. However, it also hosts some more unique facilities, such as the “L’Apocolypse Park” freestyle zone for snowboarders, and an avalanche training centre, where skiers are trained in how to search for avalanche victims, and educated on the risks of backcountry skiing.

When it comes to choosing a run back down to Peisey-Vallandry, skiers have the choice of several picturesque routes, winding through the area’s delightful woodland landscape. A particular highlight is the 7km “La Forêt” run, which is one of the longest beginner-level ski runs in Europe.

Holidaymakers who choose to make use of the La Plagne area as well as the Les Arcs area have double the choice of ski runs. Since they were combined in 2003, La Plagne and Les Arcs are completely interconnected, and together form the XXL ski region of Paradiski, with an impressive total ski run length of 425km. It’s particularly easy for skiers staying in Peisey-Vallandry to get around the Paradiski area, as the “Vanoise Express” serves the village directly. The “Vanoise Express” is the world’s largest double-decker gondola, and provides a direct link between Les Arcs and La Plagne.

Cross-country paradise

Fans of the Nordic tradition will also find themselves well at home in Peisey-Villandry. Near the village of Nancroix, at an altitude of 1450m, visitors will find the Nordic centre of “Pont Baudin”, one of the largest and most beautiful cross-country skiing areas in the Tarentaise region, with over 40km of routes to explore. As well as cross-country ski routes, “Pont Baudin” also offers a charming walk to the famous frozen waterfalls, snowshoe routes, a biathlon area, a playground, and the opportunity to head out onto to the snow on a sled pulled by donkeys, horses or dogs. A free shuttle bus runs between Nancroix/Pont Baudin and the resort at Peisey.

For a well-earned rest after a day enjoying all the wintry activities, Peisey-Vallandry offers a range of spas, restaurants, bars and a disco.