Paradiski - Off-Piste
Paradiski is famed for its off piste, and indeed there is a book all about the various itineraries. We would advise you to only go with a recognised guide and use avalanche tranceivers. Accidents and avalanches are all too common.
Areas we like:
On Montchavin side a really nice off piste is the Face Nord de Bellecote, which usually takes a couple of hours. Simple bits of off piste are available between the snaking slopes both in La Plagne coming down towards Montchavin. Also some nice bits between the snaking Les Bauches blue run.
On Les Arcs side the main Off-Piste is off Aiguille Rouge and Aiguille Grise into the National Reserve of the Vanoise. You need a guide. There is also some nice tree skiing in Les Arcs.
Ski Guides.
We would recommend Bruno Charpiot as a local guide. He lives in Les Arcs 1800, but will come across on the first Vanoise if you wish to ski La Plagne side or meet you in Les Arcs, if you prefer to ski that side. In 2012 his rates were 160/320 euros for half/full day of guiding. He is young, very friendly and knows the area extremely well. He will find the good snow and go at whatever pace you like. He can supply avalanche transmitters. In summer he does mountain guiding, and in winter as well as ski guiding has a passion for ice-climbing (see his web site).
Tel: 06 77 71 81 30
If he is not available we have use Spirit in Les Arcs 1950. They are friendly and will do a half-day guiding for about 260 euros, and a full day for 420 euros.
SPIRIT 1950 - Ecole de ski
Le Jardin de la Cascade
73700 Arc 1950
Téléphone : +33 (0)4 79 04 25 72
Fax : +33 (0)4 79 04 25 75
The Daily Telegraph (January 7th 2012) recommends the Reflex Ski School:
“this small, friendly, independent ski school offers off-piste groups at two levels – “Off-piste Experience”, for seasoned powder hounds who want to escape crowded slopes for a peaceful, exciting and unforgettable moment, and “Trip Experience” for which the minimum standard is a confident red run skier who want to discover local sweet spots with a bit of off-piste practise. Up to eight per group: 55 euros including safety equipment.
Web address:reflex-skischool.com
Tel No:0033613808056.
Ski de Fond / Cross-country Skiing.
There is about 16km of cross country skiing accessible from Montchavin. You can pick up a plan from the tourist office, if you have not received one with this pack.
