If you’re an off-piste junkie, you will not be disappointed by the Paradiski region. Situated in the South East of France, in the heart of the Alps, Paradiski incorporates the famed skiing destinations of Les Arcs and La Plagne and is home to some of the most breath-taking off-piste skiing available in the entire world.
Although the mainstream resorts in the region are popular and can become crowded in peak season, there are dozens of off-piste hidden gems and a vast off-piste area to explore too. The beauty of off-piste is true adventure, away from the beaten track where you can really experience the thrill of skiing and the beauty of the surrounding area. Off-piste is more risky, but that’s all part of the fun. With unmarked slopes and unpatrolled areas, you have the power to choose where you ski, how you read the slopes and where you explore – total exhilarating freedom!
The lack of lifts and guides does mean you’ll have to do a spot of hiking, but for untouched snow and more powder, this is perfect. This article is full of hidden off-piste gems, vast off-piste glaciers and helpful safety information for heading off-piste at Paradiski…
Off the Beaten Track
There are hundreds of incredible off-piste opportunities in the Paradiski area and the glaciers are at the heart of it all. From the incredible Bellecote Glacier at La Plagne you can make your way back down the slopes through the beautiful off-piste woodland.
In Les Arcs, the Glacier du Varet close to the Aiguille Rouge is the perfect place to begin your exhilarating off-piste decent though the enormous off-piste area of the mountain’s Northern face towards the village of Villaroger. This particular area is one of the most pristine areas of Paradiski, with much of the area still a restricted nature reserve.
Hidden Gems
For hidden Paradiski off-piste gems, it is well worth taking some time to investigate the back of Mt St Jaques. You can reach this area using the Arpette chair and from this spot you can make the most of some truly spectacular, secluded off-piste excitement!
Our ski-fiends have recommended heading for “Happy Valley” (around 30mins from the Roche de Mio). Once you’ve made your ascent via the Carella chair, you’ll need to hike along a ridge with breath-taking scenery, negotiate through a couloir, clamber between two little peaks and then – voila! – you’ll be met by vast kilometres of rolling snow fields and slopes. After you hit the snow, bear right and you’ll ultimately find you are on a track that leads to a restaurant sun terrace – the perfect way to end an incredible off-piste experience! (Just don’t tell anyone else about it – it’s our little secret!)
Off-piste For Beginners
If you’re a newbie on the slopes but long to experience the thrill of off-piste without the risk there are plenty of runs you can try. Why not head to Les Arcs and try your new-found skills out on the gentle off-piste which runs alongside the blue Les Bauches piste from the top of Dos Rond?
