Organising a family skiing holiday means making the right choices from the outset: location, ease of travel, quality of accommodation, diversity of the ski area. In Peisey-Vallandry, in the heart of the Les Arcs ski area, everything comes together in a strategic location. Here, you are literally at the centre of the Paradiski playground, one of the largest linked ski areas in the Alps, shared with La Plagne.
This central location changes everything: it allows you to explore a new area every day without ever feeling like you are travelling against the flow of the station. For families, this logistical efficiency is a discreet but decisive luxury.
Peisey-Vallandry: a geographical location that opens up a world of possibilities
If you look closely at the map of the Paradiski ski area, Peisey-Vallandry appears to be a true point of balance between the different altitude centres of Les Arcs and the slopes of La Plagne. This centrality is not theoretical: it translates concretely into fluid and strategic mobility within the area.
From the Vallandry cable car, access to the Transarc allows you to quickly reach the high-altitude areas of Arc 2000. In just a few lifts, you can reach your ultimate goal: the Aiguille Rouge, rising to 3,226 metres. This iconic peak offers spectacular views of the Haute-Tarentaise and is the starting point for one of the most impressive descents in the French Alps.
The legendary descent to Villaroger has a vertical drop of over 2,000 metres to an altitude of 1,200 metres. The route starts on wide, rocky slopes at high altitude, before continuing with fast sections, technical passages and long, challenging curves. Then comes the forest transition: the trail gradually plunges into a more intimate wooded environment, offering a striking contrast between the high mountains and the atmosphere of a Savoyard village.
The experience is now enhanced by the new Villaroger gondola lift, a major piece of infrastructure that has completely modernised the return journey to higher altitudes. Faster, more comfortable and with greater capacity, it has improved traffic flow on this slope, which was long considered to be reserved for experts. This modernisation is a game-changer: the descent to Villaroger is no longer a logistical “expedition”, but a route that fits perfectly into the natural circuit of an ambitious day’s skiing. This south-facing slope, which often enjoys better exposure, also offers exceptional snow quality at the start of the season and in spring, reinforcing the tactical interest of this sector for those who know how to read the terrain.
Another key asset is the Vanoise Express. This spectacular cable car connects Les Arcs (Peisey-Vallandry) and La Plagne, crossing the Ponturin valley in just a few minutes, and is a unique strategic hub in Europe. Its impressive horizontal span of over 1.8 kilometres and high capacity mean you can enjoy a full day in La Plagne without weighing down your schedule.
Change slopes in the middle of the day, discover more open terrain, wide and panoramic runs particularly suited to family skiing, then return to Vallandry in the evening without any constraints: this freedom of movement is one of the major privileges of a holiday based in Peisey-Vallandry.
Sleep with your skis at your feet: the decisive advantage of the Emeraude Hotel
Located at the foot of the slopes, right next to the Vallandry cable car, the Emeraude Hotel offers true ski-in/ski-out access: in the morning, you can put on your skis in front of the hotel; in the evening, you can return to the hotel on skis, without any detours or constraints. For families, this arrangement radically changes the pace of their holiday. It eliminates shuttle transfers, avoids long walks in ski boots, which can often be difficult for younger children, and greatly simplifies the organisation of the day, especially when fatigue sets in at the end of the afternoon.
The location also offers great flexibility: while some extend their day on the slopes, others can return earlier to enjoy afternoon tea with a view of the mountains or relax in the pool or outdoor jacuzzi. This flexibility, rarely considered before departure, quickly becomes an essential comfort once you arrive.
The hotel offers several categories of rooms designed according to their orientation and views. The “Mont Blanc” rooms are undoubtedly the most memorable experience: opening the curtains in the early morning and seeing the highest peak in Western Europe immediately immerses guests in the powerful alpine atmosphere. This view creates a daily, almost ceremonial emotion that goes beyond the simple functionality of resort accommodation. Other categories offer views of the slopes or the valley, reinforcing the direct link with the ski area.
When it comes to dining, the Hôtel Emeraude structures the experience around options tailored to families’ schedules. The full and generous breakfast allows you to start your day of skiing with peace of mind. Half-board offers refined cuisine, rooted in a revisited mountain tradition, where dishes are designed to meet the energy needs of skiers while maintaining true gastronomic quality. The establishment offers the option of a picnic basket at a reasonable price (€12), which is particularly useful for days spent exploring the Aiguille Rouge or taking a trip on the Vanoise Express.
Educational experiences that give meaning to the stay
Several educational activities naturally punctuate the skiing days. The Mountain Animals Museum introduces younger children to mountain wildlife (chamois, ibex, birds of prey) by explaining how they have adapted to the altitude and harsh winter conditions.
At the Transarc intermediate station, the brand new Mineral Gallery offers a fun approach to Alpine geology, helping visitors understand how mountain ranges are formed, the structure of crystalline rocks and the glacial history of the Tarentaise Valley. These spaces, accessible directly from the ski lifts, transform a break at altitude into a real learning experience.
In addition, there are toboggan runs. At Arc 1800, the 900-metre-long Luge 1800 offers thrills and fun on a scenic route with sound and light effects. It is accessible to children aged 3 and above when accompanied by an adult, and is the perfect activity for a change of pace without leaving the heart of the resort. Higher up in the resort, the Luge 2000 at Arc 2000 offers a faster and more technical descent of nearly 3 km, with banked turns and more challenging sections, ideal for teenagers or parents looking for thrills.
The spectacular dimension of the holiday reaches its peak at the Aiguille Rouge, rising to 3,226 metres. Accessible by cable car from Arc 2000, this iconic summit offers much more than just a panoramic view. The panoramic walkways offer a sensory immersion in the high mountains, with unobstructed views of Mont Blanc, the peaks of the Vanoise and the entire Haute-Tarentaise region. Even non-skiers can reach this viewpoint, making the Aiguille Rouge a transgenerational experience.
One of the highlights not to be missed takes place at the arrival point of the Varet cable car, at the summit of Aiguille Rouge in Arc 2000, where a unique cultural spectacle unfolds: the luminous frescoes. Installed in the 500 m² cabin garage, this immersive creation transforms a technical space into a sensory art gallery where lights and sounds orchestrate a journey through the seasons. Access to this show, which is free or included in certain pedestrian and ski packages, is just a few steps away from the cable car exit, offering an original cultural break in the heart of the mountain world.
High-altitude breaks: the art of taking a break in Les Arcs
During a family skiing day in Les Arcs, certain stops become absolute musts, capable of transforming a simple outing on the slopes into a memorable experience.
Among them, the Igloo Bar offers an unusual interlude: housed in an ice structure, it allows you to enjoy a hot chocolate under the ice vault, in a cosy, almost polar atmosphere, particularly appreciated by children fascinated by the frosty world.
At lunchtime, a stop at Arc 1950 Le Village is a must; its colourful façades, architecture inspired by Savoyard villages and pedestrianised atmosphere really give the impression of being in a fairytale setting suspended at an altitude of 1,950 metres.
Younger children, meanwhile, can find adventure in the brand new play area Les Géants de Malgovert, a themed space designed as an immersive journey through monumental creatures inspired by the mountains, combining play, sliding and imagination.
For older visitors, the atmosphere changes with a move to La Folie Douce Les Arcs, a festive high-altitude venue where live music and artistic performances set the tone for outdoor après-ski.
To end the day on a spectacular note, head to the panoramic terraces equipped with high-altitude swings where you can literally swing above the alpine landscape. A simple yet breathtaking experience that sums up the spirit of Les Arcs: combining sport, excitement and creativity in a magnificent setting.
Finally, away from the hustle and bustle of the Alpine slopes, the Nordic area of Peisey-Vallandry stretches across the unspoilt Nancroix valley, the gateway to the Vanoise National Park. This exceptional site offers more than 40 kilometres of cross-country ski trails for both classic and skate skiing, accessible to beginners and experienced skiers alike. Families can also try snowshoeing, Nordic ski touring or discover the valley on guided outings focusing on wildlife and mountain heritage.
The offer is enhanced by original activities such as dog sledding, skijoring and, above all, an introduction to biathlon, with a shooting range equipped with laser rifles that combine physical effort and precision in complete safety. A fun and educational way to approach this Olympic discipline in a remarkable natural setting.
