Les Arcs

Les Arcs Ski Resort Guide

Les Arcs, located in the French Alps in the Savoie region, is part of the massive Paradiski area, which connects it with Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne to offer one of the largest ski areas in Europe. Les Arcs is known for its diverse terrain, excellent snow conditions, and a great mix of challenging runs, family-friendly areas, and off-piste opportunities. With its modern lift system, spectacular mountain views, and vibrant après-ski scene, Les Arcs offers a fantastic ski experience for all types of skiers and snowboarders.

1. Overview of Les Arcs Ski Resort

Les Arcs is a renowned ski resort that spans multiple altitudes and offers a wide variety of slopes, making it a great destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Located near the famous town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it’s easily accessible by car, train, or cable car. Les Arcs is known for its modern infrastructure, including high-speed lifts and snowmaking capabilities, ensuring top-quality skiing throughout the season.

• Location: Les Arcs is in the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the Paradiski ski area.
• Altitude: The resort has a wide range of altitudes, with the village of Arc 1600 sitting at 1,600 meters, and the highest point at Aiguille Rouge, which reaches 3,226 meters.
• Season: The ski season typically runs from December to April, with the best snow conditions from January to March.

2. Ski Terrain

Les Arcs is a paradise for skiers, offering an impressive variety of terrain for all levels. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs and extensive off-piste areas, there is something for everyone.

• Total Ski Runs: The Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry area offers 200 km of slopes, spread across 5 different altitudes and over 120 ski runs.
  • Beginner: Les Arcs is a great resort for beginners, with plenty of blue and green runs, especially in the Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 sectors, making it an ideal place to learn and build confidence.
  • Intermediate: The resort offers numerous red runs, with options across the different areas, especially near Arc 1800 and Arc 2000. Intermediate skiers can enjoy long, wide runs and plenty of varied terrain.
  • Advanced/Expert: For advanced skiers, Les Arcs offers a variety of black runs, such as the famous Aiguille Rouge descent, one of the longest and most challenging runs in the Alps. The Vallée de l’Arc area also features steep, technical terrain, ideal for expert skiers.
  • Snowboarding & Freestyle: Snowboarders will find a dedicated snowpark at Arc 1800, complete with jumps, rails, and a half-pipe. There are also several freeride areas and powder runs, especially in the Vanoise Express sector.

3. Ski Lifts

Les Arcs is known for its modern and efficient lift system, with numerous gondolas, chairlifts, and surface lifts spread across the resort. The ski lifts are interconnected with the Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne areas, providing access to the larger Paradiski area.

• Total Ski Lifts: The resort has 54 ski lifts, which includes:
  • Gondolas & Cable Cars: The Vanoise Express is a famous lift connecting Les Arcs with La Plagne, offering breathtaking views along the way. Additionally, the Arc 2000 Gondola and the Aiguille Rouge Cable Car give access to the higher peaks and some of the most challenging terrain.
  • Chairlifts: There are a variety of chairlifts serving the resort, including high-speed lifts, such as the Transarc lift from Arc 1600 to Arc 1800.
  • Surface Lifts: Beginners and intermediate skiers will find several surface lifts, especially around Arc 1600, where they can gain access to easier slopes.

4. Snowboarding and Freestyle

Les Arcs is a great destination for snowboarders, with a snowpark, excellent freeride terrain, and off-piste areas.

• Freeride & Off-Piste: The resort offers extensive off-piste terrain for those looking for powder runs. Aiguille Rouge is known for its deep powder, and there are many freeride zones around Arc 2000 and Les Arcs 1950.
• Snowboard Park: The Les Arcs Snowpark at Arc 1800 is a major draw for snowboarders, featuring rails, jumps, and a half-pipe. It is one of the largest parks in the Alps and provides features suitable for riders of all skill levels.

5. Other Winter Activities

Les Arcs isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding — it also offers a wide range of winter activities for visitors to enjoy.

• Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking: The resort features several snowshoeing trails that wind through the stunning mountain landscape, offering a peaceful way to explore the area.
• Ice Skating: There are ice skating rinks in Arc 1800 and Les Arcs 1950, perfect for a relaxing evening after skiing.
• Sledging & Tobogganing: Families can enjoy tobogganing and sledging at dedicated tracks, particularly in the Arc 1800 area.
• Heli-Skiing & Ski Touring: For more experienced skiers, Les Arcs offers heli-skiing and ski touring opportunities in the surrounding peaks, allowing access to untouched alpine terrain.

6. Après-Ski

Les Arcs offers a vibrant après-ski scene with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs for a lively atmosphere after a day on the slopes.

• Bars & Restaurants: Les Arcs has a range of options for après-ski, from cozy mountain restaurants to chic bars. Popular spots include La Folie Douce at Arc 1800, known for its lively parties and music, and Le Savoy for a quieter, traditional alpine atmosphere.
• Mountain Huts: Several mountain huts offer hearty alpine meals, such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette. La Bergerie is a favorite spot with stunning views and delicious mountain cuisine.
• Nightlife: Les Arcs has a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in Arc 1800, where clubs such as Le Club 73 and Le Ti’Neige provide entertainment into the early hours of the morning.

7. Accommodation

Les Arcs offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments, catering to all budgets.

• Luxury Hotels: For those seeking luxury, resorts like Les Arcs 1950 offer upscale apartments and hotels with ski-in/ski-out access and amenities such as spas and restaurants.
• Mid-Range Hotels & Apartments: There are also many mid-range accommodations, such as Hotel Arcadien in Arc 1600 and Les Granges du Soleil in Arc 1800, offering comfortable stays at reasonable prices.
• Chalets & Self-Catering: For a more private experience, there are chalet and self-catering options throughout the resort, including Chalet L’Ours Blanc and Residences Les Melezes.

8. How to Get There

Les Arcs is easily accessible by car, train, and air, making it a convenient destination for skiers and snowboarders.

• By Train: The nearest train station is in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, about 15 km from the resort. From there, visitors can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to reach their accommodation.
• By Car: Les Arcs is easily accessible by car, located about 2 hours from Chambery and 3 hours from Geneva. Free parking is available in various areas around the resort.
• By Air: The closest airports to Les Arcs are Chambery Airport (about 1.5 hours), Geneva Airport (around 2.5 hours), and Lyon-Saint Exupéry (approximately 3 hours by car).

9. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Les Arcs is from December to April, with peak conditions typically from January to March. However, early season and late season can offer fewer crowds and great deals on accommodations and lift passes.