Train Like a Biathlete with Peisey-Vallandry’s Renovated Nordic Site 

Peisey-Vallandry’s Nordic ski area, which lies at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park, is celebrating after redesigning and renovating its welcome centre with a new dining area, where skiers and walkers can relax and enjoy a meal.

The site, part of Paradiski, which connects 425km of slopes in the Tarentaise Valley of France between Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne, is well-known thanks to rising star Èric Perrot, who competes in the Biathlon World Cup and belongs to Peisey-Vallandry club. 

The Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It is treated as a race, with contestants skiing through a cross-country trail whose distance is divided into shooting rounds.

The Nordic ski area has 43km of runs for beginners and experts, as well as target shooting. The building also has new facilities, including ski lockers, boot dryers and a workshop. 

Paradiski is a purpose-built multi-level resorts for ski lovers and celebrates its 20th anniversary this winter season 2023/2024. Skiing is possible up to an altitude of 3250m and it links together a number of pistes with over 238 slopes, four snowparks and two half pipes.

Sahra Ronc, head of communications & marketing from the Peisey-Vallandry tourist office, said it replaced the Vallandry chairlift with a 10-seater gondola lift, the Vallandry Gondola, a couple of years ago, which has solar panels for sustainably-sourced energy and recycles heat produced by the motors. It plans for 25% of the electricity used within the ski area to be generated from renewable sources by 2030. 

“At the top of the Gondola, you will find the new Mountain Animal Museum (free entry), showcasing 30 species of local fauna and cultivating education about local biodiversity for children and adults alike. There’s also a panoramic viewing area overlooking the newly designed beginners ski area. This area is dedicated to skiers and snowboarders who are at the start of their snow journey; you’ll find a ‘First Rides’ and a ‘First Turns’ area to practise and to learn on before hitting the more challenging slopes,” she said.  

“Pedestrians and skiers alike can also enjoy a relaxing moment on the new terrace furnished with comfortable recycled plastic furniture. 40 seats are available for the comfort of customers. This free access area also offers toilets and free wifi.” 

For those who don’t want to carry their own picnic with them there is a self-service vending machine in the museum selling Beaufort cheese, saucisson de chèvre, accompanied with utensils. 

The Gondola is not the only new feature in the resort. B.O.B (Beautiful Organic Break), is a new café located at 2700 meters of altitude, at the top of the Varet 40 Gondola, serving traditional Savoyard cuisine promoting local produce. The café has a panoramic terrace, to enjoy the beautiful mountains. 

At the top of the Carreley chairlift, at the foot of the “Col des Frettes“, the ski area also has another panoramic wooden terrace. This space of relaxation and picnic at 2,300m of altitude is the perfect place to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding summits; Mont Blanc, Roignaix, Roche de Mio and the Pierra Menta.

As an alternative to skiing, Ronc said visitors can enjoy exploring the resort villages on E-Scoot mountain scooters, The Arcs Zip Line, or an evening snowshoe session with a trapper guide, followed by dinner at local favourite La Table d’Emma, French/Asian-inspired cuisine in Peisey-Nancroix. The ski area is open until April 27, 2024.

Not-to-be-missed in summer time is the traditional mountain festival Fête Peisey-Vallandry, where everyone dresses up in local costume on August 15. 

For more information visit www.peisey-vallandry.com; or www.paradiski.com

More on the Nordic ski area here: peisey-vallandry.com