My summer bucket list

I’m eager to show you how beautiful the Tarentaise valley of France is in summer. Paradiski is not just a winter option; it’s a summer getaway too – a calm alternative to a crowded beach or a busy city – and it has lots to offer! Here are my top 5 things I’ll be getting involved in this summer season.

1: Mountain bike trailing (Enduro): Just as you have ski runs in winter, the mountains offer trails for summer access. The summer season is shorter than the winter – just two months, July and August – but when the chairlifts open, you can get to an altitude of 2000 metres and more if you like. Adult day lift passes for La Plagne are 15 euros and they’re 20 euros for Les Arcs. A Paradiski pass (all areas) will cost 35 euros. I’m lucky as I can swap my winter ski pass for a summer one (which I’m happy to say is free!).

Each resort in Paradiski will offer rental options for mountain bikes and electrical bikes (E-bikes). If you want peace of mind that you’re on the right track, you can arrange lesson(s) through the village rental shops; these are coordinated by local instructors who have handy tips at hand and will guide you through each bump and bend, focused on your ability.

Evolution 2 is a commendable company based in Montchavin and Peisey-Vallandry. Offering guided bike tours, aswell as the rental of E-bikes and E-scooters for an alternative way around the mountains. They’ll endeavour to make your experience one to remember.

2: Tandem paragliding – Les Arcs: Ecole de Parapente des Arcs offers flights in tandem with an instructor. My husband did this last summer, so it’s my turn. A 20-minute flight costs 110 euros; for 40 minutes, it’s 150 euros – either way, you’ll get the most spectacular bird’s-eye views over the mountains. Gift vouchers are available as a treat for loved ones or friends. And if you’re brave enough to watch your child take off, tandems are allowed from the age of 5 years old (eeek).

3: Mountain cart – Plagne Centre: This looks great fun to try out, starting at the top of the Colorado chairlift in La Plagne, with a descent of 1500 metres. Accessible to children over 10 years old or at least 1m30 in height, this activity is available every day except Saturdays. The cost is 15 euros per person.

4: La base de loisirs (Le plan d’eau): Based between Aime and Bourg St Maurice, this outdoor leisure resort caters for all, welcoming you with free parking to multiple activities for all the family. Choose from supervised swimming in the outdoor mountain lake, an adventure rope-park, inflatable water-balls, a harnessed trampoline to practise your spins, barbecue areas and a relaxed bar and café.

5: Whitewater rafting - Landry H2o sports: Situated In the Landry valley on the Isère River, this is a great set-up with comfortable and clean amenities. This base consists of a large outdoor space with a restaurant and plentiful seating, giving you the chance to unwind after your day’s adventure. Children are permitted from 8 years old and a basic package will cost 49 euros per person. There are various options to check out depending on ages and how far you want to push yourself.

A bright and spacious place to eat and unwind after rafting.

A quick guide to Bourg-St-Maurice

Nestled amongst the big player French ski resorts, ‘The Big Smoke ’ (as referred to by seasonaires) inhabits a population of just under 7,000. You’ll find typical French architecture along a cobbled alley of small independent restaurants, bars, and shops. From local handmade pottery and arts and soaps to funky interior boutiques, gifts, designer clothes and a barbershop, it’s a feel good place to potter around.

Saturday’s summer market hosts fresh fruit, vegetables, local charcuterie and cheeses, with select clothes and shoe stalls. It’s not massive but worth getting up for. When you’re done, grab shade in either of the bars opposite, both ideally located to cool off.

Pause Coffee & Kürtös has been very welcomed in the town with its contemporary cafe vibe. You can ask for a soya late without getting a weird look. Light bites, awesome salad bowls, cakes and their tasty Kürtös are on offer (with a takeaway option).

The best sun trap is Le Tonneau (the biggest terrace in town).

The traditional Savoyard dishes are Tartiflette (potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions), Crozet pasta (cooked with local cheese or with diots – a meaty and flavourful sausage), Raclette (a semi-hard cheese heated at your table; the melted cheese is scraped onto a selection of cured meats, boiled potatoes with salad and cornechons) and Fondue (served from the pan). A mixture of three Savoyard cheeses and white wine are melted together to a yummy gooey consistency – with chunks of bread to dip. These dishes are reasonably priced and probably found on the plat du jour menus.

Coopérative Laitière de Haute Tarentaise is a museum dedicated to Beaufort cheese. I know! The love of cheese here is immense. It’s a good visit, but be prepared for long queues at peak seasons. You can take home excellent local produce.

Bourg Saint Maurice station is ideally located amongst all this. This convenient link will connect to any town or city in Europe, with a direct train to London during winter (we hope)! watch this space. Please sign the petition to save the ski train #savetheskitrain.

Set beside the town and along the river (accessible with pushchairs) are tree-lined paths with a cycle route (and a pump track for all ages).

There are many places to stay in and around the area. Hotel Base Camp Lodge is a brand-new hotel. This trendy hub is built on the old army barracks. You can visit for drinks, lunch or dinner. Its large space is a great hangout for families.

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Paradiski

In 2003 La Plagne, Les Arc and Peisey-vallandry united and became Paradiski, the largest ski area in the world. With an impressive 425 km of skiing, this domain is linked by the Vanoise Express, a double-decker cable car that crosses 380 meters above the ground. The views are panoramic over the Ponturin valley, with a clear sight of Mont Blanc (weather permitting).

Paradiski Facts

You can cross the entire ski area on blue runs, ideal for beginners

Half of the runs are reds or blacks, and an El-Dorado for advanced skiers

Many alternative forms of skiing are proposed across the resort

The area also includes cross-country runs and ski touring trails

An affordable option for airport transfers is Ben’s Bus. This shared shuttle bus picks up from Grenoble, Geneva and Lyon airports.

Here is the updated 2024 Piste Map