Les Arcs Ski Resort, France

Overview of Les Arcs

Les Arcs forms part of the Paradiski ski area which also includes La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry. Lovers of Les Arcs may have many superlatives to describe it, but one that everyone will agree on is definitely 'unique'. This applies to everything from the unique design of the four high-altitude villages, Arcs 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000, to the resort’s eco-credentials. These include a funicular linking Arc 1600 to the town of Bourg Saint Maurice at the bottom of the mountain.

Described as a 'time-capsule of imaginative Modernist Seventies architecture', Les Arcs accommodation includes sloping corridors, staggered balconies and buildings that curve in sympathy with the mountains. Arc 1950, built only a few years ago by American company Intrawest, has been described as an alpine Disneyland. Overall, it offer great access to the skiing pretty much wherever you are staying.

Les Arcs skiing too is pretty unique for its unusually well-proportioned mix of slopes and varied terrain, plus it's easy to reach off-piste, making it a perfect option for a mixed ability group ski holiday. If you’re after nightlife, Arc 1800 bucks the trend with plenty of parties to choose from, but you will also find a good choice of bars in all the villages.

3 Things We Love About Les Arcs

1. Extensive skiing - One half of the vast Paradiski area, with 425km of piste linked by the fast Vanoise Express chairlift.
2. Almost unrivalled variety of runs - Known for everything from wooded beginner runs to high-altitude skiing, variety is the key to the enduring popularity of Les Arcs.
3. Good option for freeskiers and snowboarders with its large, with plenty of jumps and rails.

Skiing and Boarding in Les Arcs

Everyone from beginners to free-riders sing the praises of Les Arcs. The quality of the pistes, as well as the snow and lift system, are hard to beat.

Les Arcs forms part of the Paradiski ski area which also includes La Plagne, Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger. On its own, Les Arcs is made up of 128 pistes: 64 blue pistes, 44 red pistes, 3 green pistes, and 17 black pistes, all linked by 54 ski lifts. With a Paradiski lift pass you also have access to another 132 pistes in La Plagne.

The local area pass is ideal for beginners as it covers a huge range of terrain and provides ample area to explore. Intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the complete freedom over the entire area offered by the full area pass.

Beginner

• There are excellent beginner areas around the St Jacques chairlift (free lift, no lift pass needed) a short walk from the centre of Arc 2000.
• In Arc 1800, there are nice and easy short runs around the Dahu lift.
• The Vallée de L’Arc, which runs underneath the Pre St Esprit chairlift in Arc 2000, provides a nice long gradual blue run to practice turns.

Intermediate

• Head over to Valandry where there is a good selection of blues and reds, a great area for really stepping up your abilities.
• Also find some nice reds around Arc 1800: two favourites include Froide Fontaine and Carreley.
• In Arc 2000, take the Lanchettes chairlift and enjoy a nice long route with a mixture of blues and reds all the way down to Villaroger at 1200 metres.
• Also from Arc 2000, take the Comborciere chairlift and make your way over to Arolles red run, a great treelined red run which goes down into Arc 1600.
• From Arc 1800, take the Transarc gondolas all the way to the top station and the enjoy the long ski down the Grand Renard, Reches, and Renard runs all the way down into Vallandry.

Advanced/Off Piste

• For a bit of adrenaline, have a go on the steepest run in resort, the Robert Blanc, a challenging and bumpy black run accessed from the Aiguille Rouge gondola in Arc 2000. This is the longest and considered the most technically challenging mogul run in the Paradiski area.
• For some great off-piste skiing, find deep powder in the open bowl left of the Transarc cable cars in Arc 1800.
• Explore the Grand Col off-piste playground accessible from the Grand Col chairlift.
• Accessible from the top of the Vagere chairlift in Arc 1800, find nice off-piste areas to the side of the Golf and Vagere red runs.
• For some great tree skiing, head up the Derby chairlift between Arc 1800 and Vallandry and explore the forest underneath.

Park

• Have a go in the Apocalipse Snowpark (located between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 and accessed from the Arpette chairlift). This park is always adapting and having new features introduced.
• Head over to La Plagne for another good snowpark.

Additional Tips

• For one long run, do the 7km run all the way from top of the glacier down to Villaroger.
• Head to some of the sunny picnic spots in resort: at the top of the Comborciere chairlift in Arc 1950, at the top of the 2300 chairlift in Peisey-Vallandry, and at the mid section between Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 next to the big Les Arcs sign (take lifts Carreley, Arpette, or Bois De L'Ours). This last picnic spot is very popular so can get quite busy.

When skiing or snowboarding in any un-patrolled / un-pisted area, you should always have the correct equipment and employ the services of a qualified mountain guide. Skiing or snowboarding off-piste can result in injury or death even with a professional mountain guide or instructor. Our partner ski schools in Les Arcs, Evolution 2 and New Generation, offer off-piste lessons and guiding.

Activities in Les Arcs

Les Arcs benefits from an array of leisure options away from the skiing. Here are some fantastic possibilities.

• Helicopter rides - Take to the skies for a birds eye view of the Paradiski area.
• Igloo Village - Complete with an ice bar, restaurant, and even overnight accommodation options.
• Bowling - There are bowling alleys in both 1800 and 2000. Arc 1800: Arc 2000:
• Cinema - Great for the bad weather days or chilled evenings, located in Arc 1800.
• Tobogganing - There are sledge specific pistes cut out in both Arc 1800 and Arc 2000, with the Arc 2000 route offering a whole 3km descent. Arc 1800: Arc 2000:
• Tobogganing night adventure - A 4km tobogganing night time ascent, preceded by either just a aperitif or an evening meal as well.
• Ice Cave - In the Chiaupe glacier at the top of Bellecote (3,417m), the Grottes des Glaces ice cave has been dug out every winter since 2005.
• Dog Sledding - Explore the breathtaking mountain scenery in true Alpine style on a dog sledding tour of Les Arcs.
• Aqua Centre - Features a covered swimming pool with massage jets, whirlpools, bathing massage beds, and water slides for children. There is also a gym, saunas and steam rooms.
• Laser Game - Great for the bad weather days, indoor laser tag will definitely keep the kids entertained. Located in Arc 1800.
• Yooner Discovery - Offered 1 day per week in Arc 1800, try taking to the slopes on a modern version of a paret style sledge.
• Ski Touring Discovery - Offered 1 day per week in Arc 1800, try out the amazing sport of ski touring, where you hike up the mountain on a special type of ski in walk mode.

Après Ski in Les Arcs

• L'Arpette - An apres-ski bar on the mountain in Arc 1800 with great prices, a live DJ and tables to dance on. What better way to finish your day of skiing!
• La Folie Douce - No introduction needed. The famous venue for anyone after an afternoon of classic après. Located in Arc 1800.
• Red Rock Café - A fun apres ski bar in Arc 2000, serving yummy cocktails and with a nice sunny terrace.

Places to eat in Les Arcs

As in all ski resorts, especially in peak season (or when heavy snow brings everyone on the mountain!) it is best to book your restaurant in advance.

On the mountain

• Village Igloo - Enjoy a unique experience eating fondue inside an igloo and sitting on benches made out of snow. Located in Arc 2000.
• L'Arpette - Not only a fun apres bar, L'Arpette is a great restaurant too with a big variety of choices on the menu. Located in Arc 1800.
• Le 2134 - A rooftop restaurant serving traditional Savoyard dishes. Located in Arc 2000.
• La Folie Douce - Not just known for offering some of the greatest parties on the mountain, La Folie Douce's restaurant is also highly rated. Located in Arc 1800.
• Red Rock Café - Offering more of a laid-back dining atmosphere, their menu includes pizzas, pastas, and burgers. Located in Arc 2000.

In town

If you're staying in Arc 2000 or Arc 1950, remember it is very easy to get to between both these villages using the pedestrian lift or the free shuttle bus.

• Le Dream Spot - It's all about the cheese here. Perfect for affordable classics such as fondue and raclette in a warm alpine atmosphere. Located in Arc 1800.
• La Vache Rouge - Plenty of choice on the menu, including seafood, burgers, pasta and more. Located in Arc 1950.
• Le Chalet du Luigi - Italian-style cuisine with fresh tasty pizza featuring on the menu.
• L'Entrepot'es - Offering both indoor and outdoor terrace dining, this restaurant serves yummy tapas and traditional Savoyard dishes. Located in Arc 1800.
• La Marmite - A cosy restaurant with a great sun terrace, serving homemade Savoyard favourites. Located in 1800.
• La Bohème Arc - A friendly restaurant with a nice varied menu. Reservations can be made on their website. Located in Arc 1950.
• Monkey Coffee - Well priced and easy going food. Happy hour on drinks between 4-7pm. Located in 1950.

Family Features Les Arcs

Please also see the 'Activities' and 'Ski Schools' sections for a wealth of non-skiing and skiing options for families.

Depending on the age of your child, there are a few childcare options available in Les Arcs.

• Le mini Club Les Skimômes - Childcare centre for children from age 3 to 8 years, run by ESF.
• Yeti Club - Kids club and kindergarden for children from age 3 to 11 years, run by Evolution 2.
• Halte Garderie 2000 - Kindergarden for children from age 14 months to 6 years.
• Little Kids - Private babysitting service.
• Mamie Nounou - Private babysitting service.