Peisey Vallandry

Les Arcs ski area

Les Arcs is part of the large ‘Paradiski’ ski area and is the 2nd largest connected skiing area in the world. Paradiski has excellent facilities and with its huge variation in altitude (1,200m-3,250m) and with over 70% of the area being above 2000m, there is a multitude of different types of scenery and piste to explore. This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 18 ski resorts (the first 11 below in La Plagne and the other 7 in Les Arcs):

• Plagne Montalbert
• Plagne Bellecote
• Montchavin
• Les Coches
• Champagny en Vanoise
• Belle Plagne
• Plagne 1800
• Plagne Soleil
• Aime la Plagne
• Plagne Centre
• Plagne Villages
• Arc 1600
• Arc 1800
• Arc 1950
• Arc 2000
• Peisey Vallandry
• Villaroger
• Bourg St Maurice

Paradiski is linked by the Vanoise Express double-decker cable car (since 2003) which can transport nearly 200 people across the valley of Peisey-Nacroix in less than 4 minutes. It is the largest cable car in the world currently. Fun facts: the cabin is 380m from the ground at its highest point and travels at 45km/hour. It's quite a spectacular journey with stunning views.

The departure station is in Plan-Peisey at 1,612m of elevation. The arrival station is at 1,548m of elevation upstream to Montchavin. In winter, the cable car is accessible to skiers (and pedestrians, see below). On Montchavin side, the cable car arrives on a ski slope. You can't reach Montchavin by foot. It is advised to find a guide to find practicable paths via snowshoe.

Paradiski presents VertiGO thanks to a 1.70m² transparent glass plate in the floor (since 2015) of the lower level of both of the 2 cabins, passengers can enjoy the view in 3 dimensions, combining a 360° panorama of the legendary surrounding mountain peaks and a plunging view of the Ponthurin valley under your feet!

With 70% of the ski runs at heights of more than 2,000m, and one of the world’s most modern artificial snow systems, Paradiski guarantees top-quality snow conditions from December to April. With the peaks of Mont Blanc and Pierra Menta forming a dramatic panoramic background, Paradiski is also the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, a nature reserve of 53,000 hectares.

The greatest concentration of blue and red runs is above Arc 1800 down to the villages of Peisey and Vallandry. Situated at 1,600m, the resort is on the edge of a forest sheltered from the prevailing winds, on the sunny western slopes of the Massif of Les Arcs. The imposing view of Mont Blanc is its focal point.

There are 5 villages making up the Peisey Vallandry area - the first being Landry which lies at 780m and at the entrance to the valley. It also houses a TGV train station. Next is Peisey, an authentic stone and wood village at 1,300m, followed by Nancroix at 1450m, where you’ll also find the Nordic ski area, a special feature of the resort. Lastly, there are 2 skiing villages (and linked by the Vanoise Express cable car to Les Arcs). Plan Peisey is located next to the Vanoise Express cable car and Vallandry is located a little further away. Plan Peisey and Vallandry are small Alpine villages linked with the large Paradiski ski area so you really do get the best of both worlds – a vast ski area but intimate village life. Peisey-Vallandry has groomed, tree-lined slopes with a friendly feel. It’s uncrowded most of the time, allowing some great, fast cruising.

There are also wooded areas in the Les Arcs domain to head to when the weather isn’t so great - primarily above Peisey Vallandry, where the slopes are usually uncrowded.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):

Les Arcs/Peisey local area - 200km of pistes, 123 slopes:

Green slopes: 18
Blue slopes: 55
Red slopes: 42
Black slopes: 16

Peisey local area - 10 lifts (1 gondola, 5 chairlft, 2 draglift, 1 carpet), 25 slopes (3 green, 11 blue, 9 red, 2 black)

PEISEY VALLANDRY SKIING

PEISEY VALLANDRY BEGINNERS

There are 10 green slopes in Les Arcs:

• Vezaille, Millerette, Piste des Animaux in Arc 1600
• Step by step progression zone 1-3 steps (first slides, turns and runs) at Les Cabnes in Mille 8 in Arc 1800
• Low KL, Marais in Arc 2000
• Flocon, Cabri in Peisey Vallandry

Both resorts have good nursery slopes higher up on the tree-line accessed by a chairlift. Cabri or Flocon are two protected areas with a small ski tow in the upper area of Peisey-Vallandry. The Cabri area is accessible from the Peisey chairlift (61) at Plan Peisey, and the Flocon slopes can be reached via the Vallandry chairlift (74) at Vallandry. The Pre Jeannot dedicated children’s snow area is located at Plan Peisey. Complete beginners start at the bottom and then move up to a dedicated area at the top of the chairlift. Although it’s graded blue The Forêt run down to Vallandry is gentle enough to be a green! There’s is one green run in the Peisey/Les Arcs domain - but it’s 7km long, and in the forest!

Skiers can enjoy the whole Paradiski area using just blue pistes to get going (again) gently.

PEISEY VALLANDRY INTERMEDIATES

Paradiski has extensive intermediate slopes with big lift networks. The lower half of the mountainside (1600m-1800m) is great for mixed ability groups with a choice of routes through the trees. For the more cautious intermediate, there’s plenty of blue cruising.

PEISEY VALLANDRY EXPERTS

For the more expert, the toughest descents are beneath the Aiguille Rouge in Les Arcs. Indeed, Les Arcs has lots to offer experts with some genuinely challenging runs and lots of off-piste potential. 

There is also the option to take part or try out ski touring in Les Arcs.

PEISEY VALLANDRY SNOWBOARDING

Les Arcs is a hotspot for snowboarders, offering excellent freeride slopes. For beginners and intermediates, there are plenty of wide-open pistes, especially at Vallandry and Arc 1800. Most lifts in the area are chairs and gondolas, and the terrain park has a snowboard-friendly draglift.

PEISEY VALLANDRY RESORT RUNS

Returning to Peisey Vallandry is easy, either on the transverse pistes from Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 or via the Arc 2000 Valley from the top of the Transarc gondola, then taking the Grand Renard piste towards Peisey Vallandry via the Derby chairlift.

THE “NATURE” RUNS

These are eight runs secured and marked by the ski patrol, but where no grooming has been done in order to ensure the runs’ natural qualities.  These runs - Crêtes, Dou de l’Homme, Lanches, Robert Blanc, Génépi, Bois de l’Ours, Les 2 Têtes and Malgovert – have been specially adapted for good skiers. So you can learn to ski safely in “off-piste style”, but within the patrolled ski area.

Not to be missed when you visit Paradiski!

The 360-degree panorama of La Grande Rochette at La Plagne.

The Aiguille Rouge descent, an epic 7km non-stop run from the glacier at 3226m all the way to Villaroger at 1200m. It’s one of the steepest drops in Europe! Once at the top, climb up the observation point and see the views towards the Swiss, Italian and French Alps right to the Jura mountain range. A view like none other!

Peisey Vallandry nordic area

The Nordic site, located at Pont Baudin at the top of the valley, is one of the key elements that make Peisey-Vallandry so special and unique. The site is dedicated to all Nordic sports, from walking to snowshoeing, dog sledding and reindeer rides, with a special emphasis on Nordic skiing. Whether skating or classic, depending on your level of ability, you can challenge yourself on the 43km of pistes. All the way down the Rosuel valley, in a fantastic setting of dense forests, snow-covered peaks and slopes, with the Vanoise as a backdrop.

In order to contribute to the upkeep of the pistes (daily grooming, staking, securing), the ski pass is compulsory for Nordic skiing. The pass is not required for snowshoeing however.

Access: by shuttle bus via the Nordic Express (linking Arc 1800 to the Peisey-Vallandry Nordic site) or by combining the La Lonzagne televillage and the circuit 3 shuttle bus to the Peisey-Vallandry Nordic site. Free transport.

Peisey Vallandry ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Peisey Vallandry ski hire and/or Peisey Vallandry lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

We offer different types of lift pass to pre-book. By choosing the 'Essential Pass' for instance, you gain unlimited access to the vast Paradiski area and can explore endless slopes while enjoying unique experiences. This ski pass offers a wide range of benefits: 13 express lanes*, discounts on activities, advantages in mountain restaurants, Aiguille Rouge Fast Track at €4 (instead of €8), discounts on Zipline, First Tracks, luges, swimming pool (included once for the duration of the Pass)...Included in your 6 day+ pass: free extra ½ day afternoon preceding your stay with every pass.

*Grizzly / Peisey / Derby / Vallandry / Villards / Comborcière / Mont Blanc / Carreley / Vagère / Arpette / Bois de l’Ours / Marmottes / Varet

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

Peisey Vallandry group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 4 years to 12 years in Peisey Vallandry with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 10 years+. 

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Peisey Vallandry private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF Peisey Vallandry for private lessons - 0033 4 79 07 93 77

Peisey Vallandry childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 9 months-11 years (non-skiers)

2 daycare centres in Peisey-Vallandry:

• Tom Pouce, on Vallandry's snow front,
• Le Chat Botté, on Plan-Peisey's snow front.

Tom Pouce

Reservation with the ESF. Located at the foot of the slopes, just a stone’s throw from the ESF, the 'Tom Pouce' daycare is accessible both on foot and by ski for 18 months to 11 years. The daycare is managed in accordance with the operating authorisations issued by the Maternal and Child Protection Service (PMI). Open 9am-5pm, closed on Saturdays.

Please contact Tom Pouce direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 07 93 77

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Le Chat Botte (French school holidays only)

Reservation with the ESF. For children 18 months to 4 years and 5-11 years. The children's center is located at Plan-Peisey in Les Mélézes building, close to the 'Télévillage' chairlift and the ESF. day or half-day, with or without lunch, with or without escort to ESF ski lessons. Open 9am-5pm, closed on Saturdays.. Outside activities are proposed for children.

Please contact Le Chat Botte direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 79 07 91 64

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in Peisey Vallandry and Les Arcs

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Mille8 in Arc 1800

• Carreley 6-seater high-speed chair lift,
• Le Lodge with slope-side restaurant and dance floor,
• Golf simulator,
• 900m sledge run with an illuminated tunnel,
• A freestyle run,
• Cabane ski run through forest,
• Footpath walk,
• Dedicated children's area,
• Served by Villards gondola,
• 3800m² indoor aquatic centre directly on the piste with breath-taking views over Mont Blanc with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, waterfalls, slide, water play area for children and grottos. A wellness and fitness centre with saunas, steam baths, and a gym. 
  

Access to Mille8 is included with the following ski and pedestrian lift passes of any duration: Les Arcs, Peisey- Vallandry, Paradiski Unlimited. The aquatic centre, restaurant and luge are available at a supplement.

Sledging in Arc 2000
3km long, the Luge 2000 offers you many challenging turns, alternating fast parts and pure skiing. Track with raised bends, alternating fast and sliding parts, thrills guaranteed. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Reserved access from 10 years old and 1m25 minimum.

Sledging in Arc 1800 at Mille8
From 3 years old. Choose your vehicle and helmet in the boutique. Choose from the Speedy model for the more adventurous or the Roquette or Big Bus models with room for an adult and a small child. Then take the Villards gondola to get to the start of the toboggan track and set off on a 900m downhill run alternating banked turns with forest sectors. Also a light snow and illuminated tunnel. For children between 3 and 7 years old, the presence of a responsible adult in pairs on the sled is mandatory. From the age of 8 years old, children can sled alone but must remain under the supervision of an adult who takes full responsibility.

Sledging in Peisey Vallandry
Small protected sledging area for young children. Helmet mandatory.

Reindeer rides
The reindeer will guide their guests through the gates of the Vanoise National Park. A highly original activity to share with the whole family, in an absolutely magical Lapland atmosphere! Unique in Savoie, this service is truly exclusive to Peisey-Vallandry. And in the interests of personalisation, Francis adapts to his customers’ wishes by offering tailor-made outings to celebrate birthdays or weddings.

E-Mountain scooters
From 12 years old. Uphill, downhill, hilly and snowy roads, the E-mountain Scoot goes everywhere!

The Giants of Malgovert (outdoor playground on the slopes)
In Arc 1600, in the heart of the Mont Blanc blue run, there is a mysterious, unspoilt forest. Inside are now three giants that rise from the ground, wooden giants over 7m tall. Carved in the image of the majestic silhouettes of the mountains, they will invite you to climb them in every imaginable way: from outside to inside, from top to bottom, from right to left, and much more! Inside these giant wooden mazes, you'll find countless surprises: walls to climb, secret doors to discover, platforms perched in the trees, a giant Mikado to unravel, footbridges that defy balance, and even rope nests to rest in.  Access: only on skis via the Mont Blanc chairlift on the Mont Blanc blue run at Arc 1600.

Le Balcon sur la Vanoise
Balcon sur la Vanoise is the ideal place to escape from everyday life and take in the grandeur of the Bellecôte, Aliet and Aiguille Rousse ranges. It's not unusual to come across a bearded vulture in flight! As well as picnic tables, the Balcon sur la Vanoise panoramic terrace offers binoculars for observation and a photo terminal so you can capture your memories before retrieving them via the Paradiski YUGE application. The balcony was enlarged in 2023. Access: only on skis from the 2300 chairlift at Peisey-Vallandry.

Top activities to experience in Peisey Vallandry and Les Arcs

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Star gazing
A planetarium for indoor star gazing - converting a room into a planetarium around 6m in diameter, enjoy a 1-hour sky-watching session for up to 20 people.

Swimming
Aquatic centre at Mille8 in Arc 1800.

Paragliding
With skis, or as a pedestrian later on in the season.

Ice climbing
Experience the thrills of ice climbing.

Museum of animals and Mont Blanc view
This unique museum and its 30 species of fauna is a place of discovery and awareness. During their stroll, visitors are advised to listen carefully for the Jays or Song Thrush singing. Located on the ski area at Sommet Vallandry via gondola.

This is where you can also admire the Mont Blanc at the top of the new 10-seater Vallandry gondola at an altitude of 2,138m! The panoramic terrace offers a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. Made by local company Altibois, the outdoor furniture on the terrace has been designed for optimum comfort. You can have lunch on one of the removable picnic tables available, before taking a refreshing nap in a rocking chair. Distributors of local products from the Peisey-Nancroix cheese factory offer sandwiches, yoghurts, Beaufort AOP and Savoyard charcuterie: something to delight the gourmets! A drinks dispenser is also available, featuring coffee and tea roasted in Bourg-Saint-Maurice by L'Or Vert. In case of bad weather, the indoor living space also offers a choice retreat with a picnic and relaxation room to take shelter, as well as a Museum of Mountain Animals.

The Aiguille Rouge Illuminated Mural
The 500m² of Varet's gondola garage gives way to an extraordinary experience at altitude. An unexpected passage reveals a triptych of universes in which the visitor is invited to wander, listen and contemplate twirling light murales around the seasons. Located at Sommet Varet.

Les Arcs news

What's new for the 24/25 season:

• This winter, the Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry ski area will see the relaunch of the emblematic link between the Arc 1800 resort and the summits. The metamorphosis of Transarc, which began in December 2023, is now complete. The reinvented, high-performance cabins will be more spacious, faster and with a lower consumption of electricity, in line with current ecological standards. A mineral gallery will welcome visitors at the mid-station,
• Villaroger is getting ready to welcome a new gondola in December 2025 which will replace Replat and Plan des Violettes chairlifts. The cabins of the new gondola (TC10 Villaroger) will have 10 seats and ski holders and will go from the bottom of Replat (1,200m) to the bottom of Droset (2,120 m) in just 6min 45, making the journey shorter by about 10 min,
• In Les Arcs, Les Minis Ski Run (formerly Les Cabanes themed run) going from top to bottom of Les Villards gondola in the Arc 1800 sector allows beginner skiers of all ages to discover the joys of skiing whilst arousing their curiosity about the natural world around them. At the start of the run, budding skiers, adventurers and explorers are invited to step through a giant magnifying glass to explore the fascinating world of the tiny mountain creatures. This symbolic door takes them into a world peopled with giant animals that are usually almost invisible to the naked eye! All the way down the run, skiers of all ages can discover different insects and giant ants. There are wood cabins along the way for a recreational break. 

Historic news 23/24:

• Transarc is beginning its metamorphosis - by 2024, the ski lift company aims to recreate the emblematic link between Arc 1800 and the mountain peaks.
  - PHASE 1: to facilitate and improve access to the ski slopes from Arc 1800, from December 2022 escalators and a lift will take skiers quickly and easily to the bottom of Transarc gondola. A new reception, advice and sales area will also be opening at the bottom of the slopes. Inside, there will be a display about the water cycle with fun interactive teaching aids to raise awareness of the importance of this essential natural resource.
  - PHASE 2: for December 2024, the new Transarc gondola will be operational. The 10-seat cabins will be modern and comfortable and will take skiers to Col de la Chal, 2600 m. above sea level, in just 13 mins, compared to 20 mins today. Discovery areas that will combine original viewpoints of the natural surroundings, exploration, curiosity and thrills, are to be developed at the midway station and at the top of this new lift. As part of the lift company’s strategy to reduce energy consumption, this project will reduce the lift’s consumption by 10% and allow it to produce its own electricity from 600m2 of photovoltaic panels integrated into the structure of the building.

Les Arcs events

Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:

• Folie Douce, events throughout the winter with a closing special on 20 April 2025 with an international DJ Outdoor festival with guest DJs. La Folie Douce also puts on evening events, with the Moonlight Diner (cabaret-style dinner with comedy, magic and music) and Unlimited Folie (Thursday evenings from January, famous international DJs),
• La Première Montée 7th December 2024: Ski touring in the Arc 2000 sector,
• Christmas Market in Bourg Saint Maurice 20th-22nd December 2024,
• Les Arcs Film Festival 14th-21st December 2024: a major cultural event, the festival aims to promote the diversity of European cinema and introduce many talents. This year, the spotlight
  will be on Iceland, a journey to the land of ice and volcanos, sublime landscapes and arid climates,
• Arc 1950 Freeride Week 18th-24th January 2025: a week of competition with the world’s
  top freeriders and rising stars,
• La Belle Aventure 8th March 2025: Ski touring at night, free and open to all,
• Les Arcs Star Trail 14th March 2025: Nighttime running race on a groomed run,
• La Course du Coeur 23rd March 2025: a race to raise public awareness of organ
  donation,
• Electronic Peak Festival 22nd-29th March 2025: Festival of house, disco and techno music with an original theme this year: “La Montagne Aquatique” (the Aquatic Mountain),
• Les Arcs Winter Festislack 3rd-6th April 2025: a renowned international slackline and highline event with the world’s top competitors in the discipline,
• John Doe Friendly Session 12th-13th April 2025: Snowboard event.

Apres-Ski, Bars & Restaurants

Restaurants can be found in the villages of Vallandry, Plan-Peisey, Peisey and Nancroix. 

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Arc 1800 for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2019, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018. Ski and pedestrian access by the Villards gondola for Les Arcs FD (free for pedestrians), La Folie Douce is on the left at the finish line. Last descent at 7pm (8pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Please check last lift times back to Peisey-Vallandry!

Why not try:

• 'Le Bistrot de la Poste' is a new restaurant located in Peisey, in the old post office building! Committed to cooking fresh, seasonal produce, everything is home-made, and the chef will adapt his menu according to the season,
• Comfortably seated in a heated bubble, up to 8 guests can gather at the 'EL56' restaurant for a gourmet interlude at the end of their day’s skiing. The transparent cocoon lets you gaze up at the
  starry sky and the falling snow,
• 'Aux Enfants Terribles' altitude restaurant at the top of Vallandry chairlift. Panoramic terrace. Accessible for pedestrians.

Amenities

Peisey-Vallandry has a mini-supermarket, farm produce shop, butcher, baker, post office, newsagents, tourist office, petrol station, chemist and cash point.

Getting to Peisey Vallandry, France

By Road

Driving distance from Calais to Peisey 615 miles 8hrs 50.

From Calais take the A26 motorway via Reims, Dijon and Maçon to Lyon A43/A430 to Albertville and then N90 via Moutiers in the direction of Les Arcs, following signs for Landry and Peisey              

By Rail

TGV Direct from Paris - Landry 7km - Shuttlebus +33 479 55 64 76 – Taxi +33 614 82 46 34. Eurostar from London – Bourg St Maurice.

Or Eurostar to Landry. Connection from Peisey-Vallandry train station (Landry) by fare paying shuttle or by taxi: Voyages Loyet: 0033 479 55 64 76.

Airports

Chambery Airport is 114km from Peisey (1 ¼ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com 

Grenoble is 183km from Peisey (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com 

Lyon Airport is 190km from Peisey (2 hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com 

Geneva Airport is 193km from Peisey (2 hours)
www.gva.ch 

Public shuttle bus transfers from the airport

Geneva Airport - Bourg St Maurice (http://www.gare-routiere.com/) 

Getting around Peisey-Vallandry

Free shuttles are available between Plan-Peisey, Vallandry, Peisey, Nancroix and the Nordic site. To navigate between Plan-Peisey/Vallandry and the village of Peisey, the « Télébenne » of Lonzagne is also available. It’s an experience that’s as unusual as it is practical, as you can travel standing up in a ‘skip’ or ‘basket’, all outdoors. There is also a free shuttle between Arc 1800 and Peisey-
Vallandry. And there’s another shuttle service throughout the winter, for a fee, between the Landry station and the upper levels of the resort if you come by train.

Electric car charging

As of 2024, charging points have been installed for electric vehicles, 2 in the village of Peisey opposite Place Roscanvel (Tourist Office and Post Office) and a further 4 are available in Plan-Peisey. This will be increased as time goes on.

Peisey Vallandry Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here. 

Peisey Vallandry Opening Dates

Peisey Vallandry ski area is open: 10/12/22 - 29/04/23