Non-alpine Skiing Activities in Peisey-Vallandry
Vanoise National Park
For for those who aren't into downhill skiing, it is worth knowing that the chalet sits in the Vanoise National Park.
There is a free shuttle bus that takes you from the chalets to the end of the valley and the heart of the National Park where you will find restaurants & cafe's - we recommend a stop at the Petit Hibou.
There are lots of sledging opportunities here:
Childrens Sledging
Using one of the sledges or toboggans available at the chalet, take the children sledging. There is a large sledge run or if you have small children you pull them safely around on a sledge away from traffic.
Horse Sleigh Rides
25 euros per person based on 4 sharing
Reindeer Sleigh Rides
Morning : Shorter tours. 35€ - 120€
Afternoon : Longer tours with stops, plus a snack. 50€ - 160€
Huskie Rides
3 people max, including at least one child under the age of 10. 45 minutes for 155€
Cross Country Skiing
At the end of the valley you'll also find ski de fond, 43 km of cross-country ski runs. If you've not done it before, although quite hard work it's great fun and it's much cheaper than a day on the downhill pistes. 20 euros will give you a day, including the equipment.
Massage in Peisey-Vallandry
After a hard day on the slopes, why not treat yourself to a massage in the comfort of the chalet. From Deep Tissue Massage to Reflexology, Alpine Hands have a range of relaxing treatments available to suit your needs.
Bryony will pay a visit at the start of your stay to answer any questions about the service and you can schedule an appointment then. Otherwise please get in touch and make a reservation. See her website for more details: www.alpinehands.com
Alternatively Massage Me also runs an excellent mobile massage service: www.massage-me.com
Swimming and Spa
The Lonzagne lift (also known as the Lobster Pots) is free and is designed to take pedestrians. Just a five minute walk from the chalets, it takes you up to the main resort of Plan Peisey. Here you will find the Vanoise Hotel with a pool and spa which is available to non residents. To get to there, take a free shuttle from the top of the Lonzagne lift, otherwise it's a short walk.
Alternatively head to L'Oree des Cimes where they offer a number of beauty and spa treatments. Again, a short walk from the top of the Lonzagne lift.
Take the Vanoise Express
Available to pedestrians as well as skiers, the Vanoise Express links Plan Peisey to the La Plagne side of the valley. You get some stunning views of the valley and there is a glass section of the floor so you can also see below you. On the other side there is a cafe you could also meet your skier friends for lunch. Don't miss the last one - it's a long walk back!
Explore Peisey Village
Seven minutes walk from the chalet is the pretty main street where you'll find Greg's Bar which has a pool table and gets lively later on. There's also a cheese shop, bakery and a small supermarket.
Meet Up with Friends
Non-skiers can meet up with their skiing friends for lunch at one of the restaurants and bars that are on the slopes, but also accessible on foot. Try Le Solan in Plan Peisey, right at the top of the Lonzagne pedestrian lift. On sunny days, sit outside by the piste to watch the skiers return. If it's cold head inside where you'll find sheepskin rugs to sit on.
A little further away is the British run Bar Mont Blanc in Vallandry which does good pizzas and is usually lively, especially at night. Otherwise La Vache is a good place to meet for lunch. Outside La Vache is a circular pulley system where children can ride around in circles on a sledge or skis. Both bars are a 10 minute walk from the Lonzagne lift, otherwise there is a free shuttle bus to take you there.
Lastly if you've never skied before, you should try Le Snack Bar which is at the top of the Peisey ski lift at an altitude of 2200 metres. You'll need to buy a pedestrian pass to take the lift up with the skiers and you'll get to experience what the pistes look like above the tree line. Wrap up warm and enjoy the views and good food.