The collective name Paradiski refers to the joint domains of La Plagne and Les Arcs. Together, these areas make up the world’s third-biggest ski area. If you’re coming to La Plagne and you’re at early intermediate level or above, you should really invest in the full Paradiski lift pass which will also give you access to the massive Les Arcs domain, the second half of this gigantic area. Let’s take a look at some Paradiski lift and piste stats to see the appeal of the resorts side by side.

While the riding in La Plagne is undoubtedly geared more towards families, beginners and intermediates, the same definitely cannot be said in its neighbour. Sure, Les Arcs has some truly epic beginner areas (most notably around the plateau above Peisey and Plagne 1800) but there are some serious on-piste challenges here – possibly even more than you’ll find in La Plagne. If you’re undecided which resort would be best for you, take a look at our What is the difference between La Plagne and Paradiski or, for a more snowboard-specific view, try the La Plagne or Les Arcs for snowboarders feature.

Paradiski from above – a 3D flythrough

To get a better idea of the differing terrain on offer, have a look at the 3D flythrough video above that shows the entire Paradiski domain, travelling from the far reaches of La Plagne over to Les Arcs via the massive, double-decker Vanoise Express cable car (once the biggest cable car in the world).

Getting to Les Arcs from La Plagne

Getting to Les Arcs from La Plagne is easy and opens up a completely different aspect to this gargantuan ski area. There are distinct differences between La Plagne and Les Arcs – mostly in terms of the terrain on offer and the slightly more relaxed, less family-oriented vibe in Les Arcs. You’ll see this everywhere from the park to the pubs. Note, the Les Arcs park near Arc 1600 is one of the best in the Alps.

Les Arcs total stats

To get an idea of the riding in La Plagne’s sister resort, Les Arcs, have a look at the numbers below. Remember, this area is home to one of the most famous speed skiing pistes in the world (the famed Flying K) – plus one of the longest challenging combination black / red routes from the summit of Aiguille Rouge (3226m) down to Villaroger (1200m) – but it still has skiing and snowboarding for all levels of rider. The big difference here is the blacks are truly black – and longer too. Also worth noting – Les Arcs doesn’t rate runs green – instead, they only use blue, red, black in their piste grading.

Total km of pistes:	200km
Max alt:	3226m
Min alt:	1200m
Number of pistes:	105
Piste percentages:	52% beginner / 35% inter / 13% advanced
Number of lifts:	42
Number of villages:	7

La Plagne total stats

The La Plagne 360 site is pretty much totally dedicated to the resort of La Plagne and you’ll find details here of all La Plagne pistes and La Plagne lifts with detailed 360 videos, preview videos and in-depth run stats. We also have comprehensive information for all La Plagne villages. As an overview of La Plagne, below are the stats for this mammoth ski area.

Total km of pistes:	225km
Max alt:	3000m
Min alt:	1250m
Number of pistes:	132
Piste percentages:	61% beginner / 26% inter / 13% advanced
Number of lifts:	74
Number of villages:	11

Paradiski

Taken together, these two resorts make up one of the world’s best and most respected ski areas – and they complement each other incredibly well. No matter which resort you choose to stay in, getting between Les Arcs and La Plagne is easy and definitely worth the extra lift pass outlay. This is the world’s third-biggest ski area after all and, if you’re to get the best from this massive domain, the full Paradiski pass is the key (early intermediates and above). Just be sure to keep an eye on your time to ensure you don’t miss the return lifts. Getting from one end of the area (for example Champagny to Villaroger) is a serious hike. If you miss lifts and get stuck, you’ll be faced with a *very* costly taxi ride home.

The take out

From extensive beginner areas to massive off-piste adventures. Paradiski has everything you could possibly want from a ski or snowboard holiday. While the nightlife might not be quite as lively as other resorts in the area like Val or Méribel, the on-hill aprés bars still do a grand job of getting the party started (note Les Arcs now has a Folie Douce too). More than anything else though – no matter what level your riding is at, you’ll find something to suit your skills in Paradiski La Plagne Les Arcs.

See more of La Plagne

Our iRide YouTube channel has more great La Plagne videos. These edits were produced by the people behind La Plagne 360 and show all facets of the area.