December 2003 saw the opening of the Vanoise Express – an awe-inspiring feat of engineering and France’s first ever double-decker cable car. It transports 2000 people per hour from Montchavin (La Plagne) to Peisey Nacroix (Les Arcs), a link which consequently created one of the finest ski areas in France – Paradiski.

The area is made up of 17 villages, 425km of linked pistes and 2 glaciers spanning altitudes between 1250m and 3417m. To say there is ‘something for everyone’ within Paradiski is a huge understatement. The skiing is good for beginners, great for intermediates and perfect for experts. Whether it be the long, tree lined blue runs into Les Arcs 1600, the family friendly ski-in ski-out village of Les Arc 1950 or the adrenaline fuelled off-piste Mecca that is the Bellecôte glacier, there are hundreds of features within this ski area that keeps its many British visitors returning year on year.

In the summer, Paradiski remains an attractive destination. The cycling route from Bourg Sainte Maurice to Les Arcs 1950 was the section of the 1996 Tour de France which famously ‘broke’ champion Miguel Indurain, and many flock to the area in the summer months to test their mettle.

Away from cycling, there are two 18-hole golf courses, many tennis courts, an 800m2 aquatic centre in Les Arcs 1800 and miles of fantastic hiking trails to enjoy.

Key information:

• Altitude: 1250m – 3417m
• 425km of piste
• 2h30m from Geneva, 1h20m from Chambery
• Directly linked with Bourg Saint Maurice
• Bourg serviced by the Eurostar from London