People often use the names interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. La Plagne is one resort with its own lift system, villages and pistes. Paradiski is the wider linked domain created when the Vanoise Express cable car connected La Plagne to Les Arcs in 2003. Together, the two resorts form one of the biggest ski areas in the world.

If you’re trying to decide what pass to buy or whether you can ski both sides in one week, this page will help you make sense of it.

Although La Plagne and Les Arcs sit inside the same linked domain, they each have their own personality.

• Advanced terrain in Les Arcs: Les Arcs often appeals to confident skiers and snowboarders thanks to steeper pistes and more challenging terrain.
• Vibrant nightlife in Les Arcs: Les Arcs is generally the livelier option after skiing, with more obvious après and nightlife hotspots. There’s a reason Folie Douce chose to open in Les Arcs rather than La Plagne.

That doesn’t mean La Plagne is “easy only”. It simply has more mellow riding overall, with plenty of progression-friendly pistes, plus serious options when you want them. It also places more focus on family-oriented ski experiences.

From La Plagne, getting to Les Arcs is straightforward thanks to the Vanoise Express, but it’s worth planning your day so you don’t waste time.

• Access through a Paradiski pass: You’ll need a Paradiski lift pass to ski both resorts. A La Plagne-only pass won’t cover the crossing.
• Journey time: Factor in around 45 minutes depending on where you start and your ability level.
• Best route: Ride down into the Montchavin sector, then take the Vanoise Express across to the Peisey-Vallandry side of Les Arcs.

If you want the full step-by-step, use this route guide: Getting to Les Arcs from La Plagne.

Paradiski is the umbrella name for the combined ski areas of La Plagne and Les Arcs. The magic is that you can move between two very different mountains without changing resort base.

• La Plagne’s easy terrain: More gentle, confidence-building pistes that suit beginners, families and intermediates. You’ll still find challenges too, especially beyond the uplift and in the La Plagne off-piste routes.
• Les Arcs’ steeper options: More naturally steep terrain in places, with long descents and a slightly more “big mountain” feel.
• The best of contrasts: You can do mellow cruisers one day, then go hunting for steeper terrain the next without committing to taking two different holidays in two separate resorts.

Given you’re reading this, La Plagne is probably the resort you’re choosing (or have chosen) to stay in, ride in and buy a local lift pass for.

Paradiski is what you get when you add Les Arcs into the mix via a Paradiski pass and the Vanoise Express.

If your group is early intermediate or above and you’re skiing for a full week, Paradiski can be a brilliant upgrade if you’ll genuinely spend time over the valley. If not, La Plagne alone is massive and keeps logistics simpler.

If you’re weighing up La Plagne-only vs Paradiski, these guides help you choose the right timing, terrain and trip style without overthinking it.
 

Ability level

• La Plagne for beginners
• La Plagne for intermediates
• La Plagne for advanced riders

Useful route and map pages

• La Plagne to Les Arcs route guide
• La Plagne piste map
• Les Arcs piste map
• Paradiski piste map

When to visit

• La Plagne month-by-month guide
• La Plagne in December
• La Plagne in January
• La Plagne in February
• La Plagne in March
• La Plagne in April