Steep & Deep Runs in the Paradiski
The best area for steep and deep runs is the Bellecote glacier. Whilst there are not many runs up there, the ones that are, are well worth the trek and if there is fresh snow then there is plenty more to enjoy in between the pistes.
Share this page
Off the back of the Grand Rochette and Les Verdons there are plenty of steeps to enjoy and again there is easily accessible off piste when the snow is deep.
Head up to Le Biolley and down the blacks Les Étroits, Morbleu, Les Coqs and the Palsembleu. If you were to get Les Étroits and the Morbleu first tracks you may find yourself walking out at the bottom as they both come out on a track that follows the river along the valley floor to the Adrets chair.
Advanced Runs in La Plagne
Even though La Plagne has a reputation for being a soft resort in terms of piste skiing there is plenty to keep an advanced skier occupied.
The first place to go if conditions allow is the Glacier de la Chiaupe or the Bellecôte glacier as it is more commonly known. There are a couple of great blacks up there Le Rochu and the Bellecôte that are definitely worth trying in any snow conditions. The mogul field at the top of the Traversee chair lift, which has been replaced this year and is now a four-man, can be seen from miles away the moguls are that big and the field itself is about 200m long – a real leg burner.
If you like the bumps there is a piste called Ski des Bosses which means 'ski the moguls' and is always in perfect condition also there are big bumps on the Verdon Sud. The other good area for advanced skiers is just above Aime La Plagne, Le Biolley at 2350m. There are several different blacks with Les Étroits being the longest and the most challenging. There are a couple of short but steep blacks in Montchavin/Les Coches as well. There are 16 black runs in the La Plagne resort.
Advanced Runs in Les Arcs
For advanced skiing in Les Arcs, head to the Aiguille Rouge cable car and the genuinely challenging skiing to be found on the Varet glacier, high above Arcs 2000. It is up here that you'll find the longest run in resort, the breathtaking black run that goes all the way down to Villaroger - 7km long and over 2000m of vertical drop! The black and red runs and the bounteous off-piste possibilities in this area will keep even the most energetic skier or boarder entertained for days. However, to make the most of the terrain up here a mountain guide is recommended as the area is glaciated and there are also some expansive cliff faces to be avoided.
If speed is your thing then the Aiguille Rouge/Varet area is also home to Les Arcs "Kilometre Lancé" or "Flying Kilometre" piste. Whilst you can't do this piste on your own unsupervised, it is possible to put yourself against the clock through the Les Arcs Club des Sports who will also provide you with all the necessary safety equipment. You will often see the pro speed skiers in their futuristic space suits training on this piste, attaining pant wetting speeds of over 200km/h!
Those of you with springs in your legs will no doubt love pounding the bumps of the Dou de l'Homme piste or perhaps explore the fabulous off-piste throught the Nancroix forest.
