Peisey-Vallandry Information

Apres-ski

Although much of Peisey-Vallandry is rather quiet in the evenings, the large number of international guests in Plan Peisey can often make it much livelier. Bars here, such as Au Planté du Bâton (tel: +33 479 079 277), serve cocktails and vinchaud (mulled wine) through to 0200, while Le Solan (tel: +33 479 0 71 506) sometimes has karaoke sessions.

In Vallandry, the sunny terrace at Le Bistrot Savoyard (tel: +33 479 042 099) opposite the Vallandry chairlift base is a popular hangout at the end of the ski day; while Jimmy's Bar (www.jimmysapresski.nl) is a favourite for its DJ sessions until the early hours.

Eating out

Restaurants in Peisey-Vallandry are varied in location and style, with a good mix of establishments ranging from simple crêperies to more refined purveyors of local Savoyard cuisine.

As with the bars of Peisey-Vallandry (which often double up as restaurants) be wary that establishments are scattered between the resort's different hamlets, so some at least are likely to be a bus or taxi ride away from your accommodation.

Among the Savoyard specialists, Le Fontana (tel: +33 4 7906 9891) in Vallandry and L'Ancolie in Nancroix (tel: +33 479 079 320; www.restaurant-lancolie-nancroix.com) have a reputation for a gourmet standard of French regional cooking.

For an inexpensive bite to eat, there are several pizzerias that deliver, including the popular Le Refugepizz in Plan Peisey (tel: +33 479 065 258). On the slopes, Les 3 Saveurs (tel: +33 674 290 111) serves simple sandwiches and snacks to peckish skiers.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Most of the off-slope activities take place outdoors, and include numerous snowshoeing routes and cleared winter hiking paths around the village and national park – maps and advice are available at the tourist office. Visitors can also go on a guided snowshoe hike with the ski school (tel: +33 479 079 377).

Dog sledding (tel: +33 479 554 233) and horse-drawn sleigh rides (tel: +33 4 7907 9088) are further possibilities. In the wider region, there's a bobsleigh run at La Plagne and a great toboggan run at Les Arcs. For the more adventurous, ice climbing is available (tel: +33 610 094900), which takes climbers of all ability levels to a choice of waterfalls up to 200m (656ft) in height.

Indoor activities include half a dozen spas – such as the Nuxe spa in the Club Med village (tel: +33 479 040 750) at Plan Peisey. There's also a visiting massage service (tel: +33 612 653 452) available. .

Family fun

Peisey-Vallandry is well suited to families, as the resort's strong community ethos and environmental focus provides a good backdrop for quality family time.

Facilities for younger children encompass a choice of non-ski nurseries, such as the Tom Pouce Nursery (tel: +33 479 0 79 772) in Vallandry, and the Chat Botté Nursery (tel: +33 479 079 164) in Plan Peisey. The ESF Ski School (tel: +33 479 079 377; www.esf-peiseyvallandry.com) teaches children aged three and up.

Those with teens demanding attention may be a little stretched unless staying in one of the all-inclusive complexes, such as the Club Med village. This complex welcomes children from four months old and hosts special teenage activity programmes for children aged 11 and older.

Retail therapy

Although not a prime shopping destination, Peisey-Vallandry has the holiday essentials covered with a selection of ski shops, souvenir outlets and chemists spread throughout the villages. Most of the individual hamlets have their own boulangerie, while there are mini-supermarkets or specialist food producers in Vallandry, Plan Peisey and Peisey.

Gift shopping is limited, but the accurately named Souvenirs & Co. (tel: +33 479 227 478) at Plan Peisey is packed with regional gifts and decorative items.

Splashing out

The ESF's (tel: +33 479 079 265; www.esf-peiseyvallandry.com) Nordic sports division provides a rare opportunity for visitors to try the exciting sport of biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting in the resort's Nordic park. Anyone 14 years or older can take part and tuition, a rifle and ammunition are included.

Hotels

Peisey-Vallandry has accommodation options to cover most budgets. In the smaller, traditional villages, there are basic family-run hotels, gîtes and apartments for rent; but over the past decade, numerous luxury chalets and apartment complexes have opened higher up the slopes. The latest arrivals are large, 4-star residences that combine apartment accommodation with luxury hotel facilities.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap