Where to Ski And Snowboard - Upgrades galore in Paradiski and Three Valleys

Upgrades galore in Paradiski and Three Valleys

7th November 2018, by Abi Butcher

Big updates to the Three Valleys and Paradiski. Pic: Les Menuires, by G.Lansard

Two of the biggest ski areas in France are boasting some significant updates to infrastructure this season, offering skiers and snowboarders even more convenience and fun.

Chalet specialist Ski Amis is heading into its 30th year, and offers quality catered chalets in the Three Valleys and Paradiski — all of which are in great locations close to the piste, many with hot tubs and saunas.

To celebrate both its anniversary and the updates, Ski Amis is offering some fantastic deals for skiers seeking direct access to the slopes.

Paradiski

In Les Arcs, the ancient double Comborcière chairlift from Pré St Esprit to above Arc 1600 has been replaced by a fast quad. Until now the only piste beneath was a black. But for 2018/19 there will also be a new red called “Piste du Secret” — because it was a popular off-piste run known to locals in the past.

Ski Amis is offering the premium-service Chalet Sermoz (above), sleeping 14 and situated right beside the Vanoise Express in Peisey Vallandry (Les Arcs), for the week of 15 December for only £5,500 or £399pp in a twin en-suite.

In La Plagne, the tediously slow quad Inversens chairlift up to Roche de Mio has been replaced by a fast six-pack with a hugely increased capacity of 3600 people an hour.

Ski Amis is offering 25% off Christmas ski holidays in Chalet Dolomites (above), a quirky chalet so well located in Montchavin (La Plagne) that you can watch your children learn to ski from the balcony. Prices start from just £499pp.

Three Valleys

In Méribel, a new six-pack called Legends, with heated seats, covers and a capacity of 3600 people per hour has replaced both the Plan de l’Homme and Roc de Fer chairs from resort level. The Cherferie drag lift above here has become another six-pack with a capacity of 2,400 people per hour. The stand-up Mont Vallon gondola cabins have been replaced by much more comfy eight-seaters.

In Val Thorens, there will be a new piste from the top of Cime de Caron, a new black run in the Boismint sector and four new marked itineraries for walking up the mountain on touring skis.

In Les Menuires, Ski Amis’ favourite family resort in the Three Valleys, the Bruyères gondola has been revamped with new eight-seater cabins and a reduced ride time. The Grange chair to Roc des 3 Marches has been upgraded to carry 2,600 people per hour compared with the existing 1,800. And the Roc des 3 Marches 1 gondola from resort level has been upgraded to carry 3,200 people per hour rather than 2,800. Other improvements include the terrain park being completely revamped, a new snowmaking reservoir on La Masse and several slopes being widened or made easier.

Ski Amis is offering ski holidays in Les Menuires in Chalet de Bruyères on 15 December from just £399pp or Chalet de Bettaix (above) from only £299pp. Or save up to 10% on Christmas week in Chalet de Bruyères, skiing from 22 December from just £739pp — family rooms and twins available. Or save up to 25% on Christmas week (beginning 22 December) in Chalet de Bettaix with prices from just £599.

In Courchevel, the old four-seater Grangettes gondola cabins from Courchevel Villages (1550) to 1850 have been replaced by smart new 10-seaters.

If you fancy skiing over new year, premium chalet Chalet Balkiss (above) in La Tania is adults only for the week beginning 29 December, indulge in canapes, cheeseboard, high-quality bed linen and complimentary bathrobes with easy access to the slopes for £1,059 per person in a double or twin en-suite — down from £1,359pp.

For more information and to book, visit skiamis.com