Paradiski: The Ultimate Guide to the World's Second Largest Ski Area
Imagine a territory of 14,390 hectares where snow and skiing reign supreme, where peaks touch the Mont-Blanc and every turn offers a new panorama. Welcome to Paradiski. Born in 2003 from the visionary union between the domains of La Plagne, Les Arcs, and Peisey-Vallandry, this area is much more than just a ski resort: it is a white odyssey, a land of contrasts stretching from 1,200 to 3,250 metres in altitude.
"Passionate about skiing and mountain, we renovated a chalet in Plagne 1800 to offer our guests privileged access to the 425 km of the legendary Paradiski ski area. Through this guide, we share our secrets for traversing the mountain ranges and enjoying the most beautiful panoramas between La Plagne and Les Arcs. Welcome to our mountain refuge, Aude & Sébastien."
For our guests in Plagne 1800, Paradiski is not just a name on a lift pass; it is a winter garden of dizzying dimensions. With 425 kilometres of interconnected runs, 264 slopes for all levels, and state-of-the-art lift infrastructure, this domain is one of the finest ski areas in Europe. This comprehensive guide has been designed to help you decode the immensity and extract the very best from your stay in the heart of the Tarentaise.
Enjoy an unforgettable Paradiski experience starting from our high-end chalets.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PARADISKI SKI AREA
- 2nd largest in the world
- 425 km of slopes
- 2 peaks @ 3000m
- 35 black runs
- 66 red runs
- 124 blue runs
La Plagne: Immensity with Eleven Faces
Welcome to our backyard. As the family owners of chalets in Plagne 1800, we have explored every corner of this exceptional domain. La Plagne is not just a resort; it is an archipelago of eleven villages, each with its own altitude, architecture, and above all, skiing identity. What stands out here is the versatility: in just a few minutes, we move from the protective forests, just above the typical chalets of Montalbert to the eternal snows of the glacier at over 3,000 metres.
For our guests, our base camp in Plagne 1800 serves as the ideal anchor point to radiate out across these contrasting sectors.
1. Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800 Sector: The Historical and Strategic Heart
Plagne Centre is the essential crossroads. This is where the story began in 1961. For the skier, this is a sector of efficiency. The Funiplagne propels you to the summit of Grande Rochette (2505 m) in record time. From there, the view of Mont Blanc is breathtaking. The Plagne Centre snow front is impressive, with its many restaurants, bars, and ski schools.
Favourite slopes: Don't miss the descent to the large chalets for rent in Plagne 1800 via the Loup Garou blue run, the natural path back to the chalet at the end of the day. For the sporty ones, the Jean-Luc Crétier Slalom Stadium allows for night skiing under the floodlights. Every Thursday, you can also take part in the Flèche and Chamois competitions organised by the ESF!
For a unique activity, try the Colorado Luge from the top of the Colorado chairlift: a frantic three-wheeled descent that always delights our teenagers.
2. Montalbert Sector: Nature and Forest Skiing
Located at an altitude of 1350 m, Montalbert is the hidden gem for fans of skiing "among the pines." This is the sector we prefer on "white-out" days because visibility remains excellent thanks to the density of the forest. The runs here are fluid, such as the Le Gentil blue run.
Expert's pick: A stay in La Plagne is incomplete without lunch at Le Forperet. This is an old sheepfold converted into a mountain restaurant where the Savoyard family who runs the place serves an unforgettable tartiflette or reblochonade, often using products from their own farm.
3. La Roche Sector: Between Adrenaline and Tradition
This sector is technically fascinating. This is where France's only Bobsleigh Track is located—a vestige of the 1992 Olympics that will be used again for the 2030 Olympic Games. Go France! For skiers, the Cornegidouille run is a treat for wide carving turns.
For lunch, Chalet de la Roche offers a magnificent terrace and very high-level Italian/Savoyard cuisine, perfect for a long break in the sun.
Owner's secret: In the evening, take part in the Superluge Derby. This is a sledge descent with a 450-metre vertical drop between Aime La Plagne and La Roche, supervised by Oxygène instructors, often ending in a festive atmosphere.
4. Plagne-Bellecôte and Belle-Plagne Sector: The Dynamic Hub
Plagne-Bellecôte (1930 m) is the hub towards the glacier via the brand-new Roche de Mio gondola, which passes through the Col de Forcle.
Belle-Plagne (2050 m), with its wood and slate chalets, offers a cosier atmosphere.
Tactical advice: At the end of the day, the "Bellecôte bowl" can become congested. My local secret: if you are tired, take the free shuttle that connects Bellecôte to Plagne 1800 in just 3 minutes. It runs every 10 minutes and drops you off just above the chalet at the "Rond Point" stop.
Picnic Break: A large, free heated room welcomes you with a magnificent panorama at Roche de Mio to enjoy your family picnics.
5. Glacier Sector: The High-Altitude Sanctuary
Ascending to the Chiaupe Glacier at 3250 m is a sensory experience. The snow quality is exceptional there, even in spring. The Combe red run is a classic for good skiers. You can then continue onto the Dérochoirs black run and directly reach the Coches-Montchavin sector.
Field expertise: Having lunch at Le 3200 offers a breathtaking panoramic view. It is more demanding, more mineral skiing that requires good physical condition but rewards you with high-mountain landscapes found nowhere else in the domain.
6. Coches-Montchavin Sector: The Paradiski Balcony
This is where the magic of the Vanoise Express happens—the giant cable car that connects us to Les Arcs. The sector is very wooded and charming.
The hidden gem: The restaurant Le Sauget. It is a place out of time, authentic, where the service is an institution. Don't forget to say hello to the laying hens and visit their unusual toilets—it’s a local curiosity!
Mythic slope: The Mont Blanc blue run, which is aptly named, offering a head-on view of the giant of the Alps throughout the entire descent.
Also worth discovering
Les Arcs: Sporting Spirit and the Avant-Garde
Crossing over to Les Arcs is a true day-long expedition that we recommend to our guests from the second or third day of their stay. If La Plagne is the protective "Grand Dame," Les Arcs is her sporty and daring cousin. Known for its architecture listed as 20th-century heritage and its challenging slopes, the resort offers impressive verticality. The domain is divided into several altitude levels, each with its own signature.
1. Arc 1600 and 1800 Sector: Convivial and Festive Skiing
Arc 1800 is the centre of gravity for Les Arcs. This is where you will find the largest beginner and progression areas, but also the best après-ski spots like La Folie Douce.
Key runs: The Forêt blue run towards 1600 passes in front of the famous pointed chalets of Arc 1600. For experts, the Cachette run at 1600 is a true leg-test from the moment the lifts open.
2. Arc 2000 and Arc 1950 Sector: Luxury and High Altitude
Tipping over behind the ridge, you arrive in a spectacular natural cirque. Arc 1950 is arguably the most luxurious village in the Alps, entirely pedestrianised. Arc 2000, more functional, is the home base for fans of "big skiing."
The lunch spot: Le Chalet de l'Arc in the heart of the slopes. It is a converted former mountain sheepfold—a building of stone and raw wood that seems to have always been part of the landscape. Inside, the fireplace crackles and the atmosphere is cosy.
Playground: The Arcabulle chairlift serves a multitude of very wide red and blue runs, ideal for high-speed carving on snow that is often very cold and well-preserved.
3. Aiguille Rouge Sector: The Roof of the World
Culminating at 3,226m, this is the highest point of the domain. The cable car ride up is a journey in itself. At the summit, a panoramic footbridge allows you to admire the Italian, Swiss, and French Alps.
The technical challenge: This is where the legendary Aiguille Rouge Black Run begins. It is demanding, often mogul-filled at the top, and requires solid technique. It is the "holy grail" for skiers staying at our chalets who want to test themselves on the Les Arcs domain.
4. Villaroger Sector: The Infinite Descent
This is the natural extension of the Aiguille Rouge. Linking the summit of the Aiguille down to the village of Villaroger represents 7 kilometres of skiing and 2,000 metres of vertical drop without taking a single lift. It is one of the longest descents in Europe.
The authentic experience: Once at the bottom, you leave the "resort" atmosphere behind to find a real Savoyard village. I recommend having lunch at La Ferme or Le Monu'. The cuisine is rustic, the portions generous, and the calm absolute before heading back for the long return journey to La Plagne.
5. Peisey-Vallandry Sector: The Sunny Balcony
This is the junction point with the Vanoise Express. Peisey-Vallandry is often our guests' favourite sector for its balcony runs, which are very sunny in the afternoon, and its stunning view of the Bellecôte peak (opposite, on the La Plagne side).
The gastronomic address: L'Ancolie in Nancroix. Accessible via a short shuttle ride or on skis for those in the know, it offers some of the best value for money in the valley for refined local cuisine.
Whether you are a die-hard skier or a lover of wide-open spaces, Paradiski offers a richness that few domains in the world can match. At Chalet Dakota, we take pleasure in sharing these secrets with you so that your stay is much more than just a ski week, but a true Alpine immersion.
The Folie Douce in Arc 1800 is more than just a giant "dancefloor." From 1:30 PM, the atmosphere shifts into cabaret mode with live singers, dancers, and musicians. It is the perfect spot to experience Paradiski through an artistic and festive lens.
Paradiski: The Ideal Refuge for Families and Tribes
As the owners of Chalet Dakota in La Plagne 1800, we have seen that Paradiski is not just a giant domain; it is an ecosystem designed for passing down the passion for skiing and sharing moments between generations.
A Serene Village at the Heart of a Giant Ski Area
Choosing La Plagne 1800 is a strategic move for families. Unlike some resort centres that can feel overcrowded, this wooded village offers Olympian calm while remaining connected to the heart of the action. Here, you avoid the stress of the crowds. Children can learn the joys of skiing in a reassuring setting, while parents enjoy rapid access to the 425 km of slopes. It is this balance between the "mountain chalet" atmosphere in the forest and the sheer power of Paradiski that captivates our guests.
Infrastructure for All Ages
The strength of the La Plagne domain lies in the progression of its slopes. There is something for every taste. Beginners and seniors appreciate the wide blue boulevards of the Rossa sector (Champagny), where the snow remains soft and the gradient constant. Speed enthusiasts naturally head towards the Glacier and the black runs of Bécoin. Parents with young children love the forest paths of the Montalbert or Coches-Montchavin sectors. The youngsters spend their afternoons on the Rider Nation modules at Dos Rond.
The "Tribe" Spirit of La Plagne and Les Arcs
Both the Les Arcs and La Plagne domains were built around family values. Here, you won't find flashy "bling-bling" (except perhaps at La Folie Douce in Arc 1800 ☺️). All generations ski in small groups and meet up for lunch on the slopes.
Plagne 1800, a Tribe Village at the Heart of a Giant Ski Domain
Choosing La Plagne 1800 is strategic for families and groups of friends. Unlike some resort centres that can be too dense, this wooded village offers peace and quiet while being perfectly linked to the action. You escape the stress of the crowds. Children can safely discover skiing, while parents benefit from quick access to the 425 km of runs. It is this mix of "mountain chalet" vibes in the woods and the magnitude of Paradiski that our guests love.
Find out more about: how to rent your private chalet for a large family in Plagne 1800.
Paradiski: Secrets for a Seamless Transfer to Les Arcs
Navigating the world's second-largest interconnected ski area requires a bit of expertise. As insiders, we are sharing our logistical tips to ensure your stay in our chalets is as smooth as possible.
The Vanoise Express: Your Bridge to Adventure
The Vanoise Express is the logistical jewel of Paradiski. This cable car connects La Plagne to Les Arcs in just 4 minutes. To make the most of your day, we recommend heading to the Arpette chairlift in Plagne Bellecôte as soon as it opens. This allows you to reach the Les Arcs side by 9:30 AM and enjoy optimal sunshine before heading back around 3:30 PM to avoid missing the lift connections.
👉 Discover our local secrets to enjoying the Paradiski ski area
Returning from Les Arcs: Managing Your Connection to Plagne 1800
Crossing the vastness of Paradiski to reach Les Arcs is a must-do experience, but returning to Chalet Dakota at the end of the day requires some logistical vigilance to ensure you don't miss the last connection.
What time should you start heading back?
For a calm and stress-free return, we advise leaving the Les Arcs slopes (Arc 1800 or 2000 sector) around 3:00 PM. This gives you the necessary margin to cross the Peisey-Vallandry sector and reach the Vanoise Express station before it closes (usually between 4:15 PM and 4:45 PM depending on the time of season).
Step-by-step route back to Chalet Dakota in Plagne 1800
Once you have crossed the valley via the Vanoise Express and arrived on the La Plagne side (Montchavin-Les Coches), follow this sequence to get back to the chalet:
- Gain altitude: Take the Lac Noir gondola or the Plan Bois chairlift in Les Coches, then follow up with the Bijolin chairlift to reach Dos Rond.
- Cross over to Bellecôte: Head towards the Crozats or Salla chairlifts. This is the key lift that brings you over to the Bellecôte side. From here, no more stress! Simply glide down the blue runs towards Plagne Bellecôte.
- The final leg to 1800: Once in Plagne Bellecôte, you can head back either by taking the Colosses chairlift or by using the free inter-resort shuttle (if you arrive after the lifts have closed).
- Back home: From the top of Colosses, follow the blue run down towards Plagne Centre, then head through the pines on the Loup Garou run. It brings you directly back to Rue de Constantine in Plagne 1800, just 150m from your ski-room.
In the event of a delay or an unforeseen closure of the Vanoise Express connection, taxis (approx. 45 min drive) can provide a transfer from Peisey-Vallandry, but planning ahead remains your best ally for enjoying the last of the sun on the slopes.
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Check availabilityExpérience Dakota: Your Premium Rentals in La Plagne 1800
Much more than an anonymous chalet rental in La Plagne, Expérience Dakota is first and foremost a passion project run by private owners who love La Plagne. We have purchased and renovated our collection of retreats in Plagne 1800 as genuine family homes, a world away from standard hotel experiences. Whether you choose the flagship Chalet Dakota — which can host up to 15 guests — or one of our other gems in the heart of Paradiski, you will stay in a place with soul, designed for creating lasting memories with family and friends.
As dedicated owners, our priority is the complete success of your alpine getaway. Unlike a standardised mountain chalet rental, we pride ourselves on offering direct, personalised support. From preparing for your arrival to sharing insider tips on the resort's best-kept secrets, we share our local expertise with you. Choosing an Expérience Dakota chalet means enjoying the 5-star comfort of a prestige property with the warmth and responsiveness of a direct owner-to-guest welcome.
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