With the first snow of the season falling in the French Alpes this week ourminds are turning to ski holidays. And if you fancy trying somewheredifferent this winter, why not think about Paradiski?
The Paradiski region, created in 2003 with the installation of the Vanoiseexpress cable car linking La Plagne and Les Arcs, is Frances latest superresort. The region boasts 425km of pistes and more than 160 lifts so theskiing is varied enough that there is something for everyone.
The thing that makes this resort something rather special though is the waythat the accommodation is organised. Unlike most resorts with one of twocentralised towns, La Plagnes hotels, chalets and apartments are scatteredamong a selection of villages, each with its own unique feel.
Choose Plagne Bellecote for a high altitude, functional apartment, or Arc1800 for nightlife. Travelling with children? Theres a club med in Aime2000 with ski school on the doorstep. Or, if you are looking for a ski-inski-out chocolate box chalet, look no further than Les Coches.
With the creation of the Vanoise Express lift, Les Coches, a previouslysleep alpine resort has found itself re-located to the heart of one of thebiggest ski areas in Europe. Amazingly though, apart from the creation of anew high speed ski lift, it has barely changed. Friendly, welcoming ownerrun chalets perch on the hillside above a pedestrian town centre. Pick up abaguette from the local bakery, stop for a drink in one of the many cafes,or try the traditional Tartiflette in one of the restaurants.
Its unlikely to be long before the big tour operators realise itspotential and move into Les Coches, so dont leave it too long to visit.
