Christmas is just around the corner so it is time to look out some gifts for Santa to bring. The resorts of la Plagne and les Arcs now have some 40 years history behind them. Time for a couple of generations of skiers and snowboarders to discover the best the off-piste has to offer.
Thanks to Regis Rolland and the Apocalypse Snow series of movies les Arcs is already known as an exceptional freeride spot but the reputation of la Plagne is more a family domain of blue motorway pistes and chalet bars selling Vin Chaud. In the 70s Vallençent opened up the North Face of the Bellecôte, with its daunting 45°couloirs that stretch beyond imagination. The unification of the two resorts into the Soviet sounding Paradiski domain by the Vanoise Express has opened up new possibilities to a third generation of freeriders.
Didier Givois, high mountain guide and photographer of some repute has captured the Paradiski backcountry in his book: Les clés de Paradiski. Each page features information in English and French covering the history and best off-piste runs and this is combined with superb photographs of an exceptional playground.
You can order the book through the French branch of Amazon Amazon.fr Your UK or US account details should work fine.
If you are in Chambéry this weekend (13 novembre) Didier is presenting his book between 3 and 6pm at the : librairie Decitre, 75 rue Sommeiller, 73000