Les Arcs

Les Arcs Ski Resort

With seven different resort bases to choose from, 200km of local slopes and double that when the rest of the Paradiski is included, it is clear why Les Arcs is a perennial favourite amongst British skiers and snowboarders.

There’s a huge range of runs, from long cruising reds and blues, to steep blacks and some fine tree-lined runs – a bit of a rarity in this part of the French Alps. A lot of money has been invested in the lift system and it is now pretty slick, with few slow chairs remaining. Keen intermediates upwards should purchase the Paradiski lift pass upgrade to access a further 225km of slopes at neighbouring La Plagne, linked via the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car.

Each of the village bases offers something different. The traditional villages of Peisey, Vallandry and Villaroger bookend the four purpose-built resort bases – roughly named after the height at which they are located – 1600, 1800, 1950 (the newest) and 2000, all of which offer a huge number of good value apartments and are traffic-free.

Ski Club Freshtracks have two peak experience instruction holidays heading out to the resort this season and once again the Ski Club’s Instructor-led Guiding Service is set to return between 22nd December and 13th April. 

Why not also join the Ski Club’s Les Arcs Facebook Group, a community for more than 100 like-minded skiers and snowboarders – they’ll be more than happy to help with any questions you may have!

What's New for 2019/20?

This winter there will be a brand new après-ski hub in Les Arcs as the famous La Folie Douce opens on Saturday 14th December. Located at the top of the Villards gondola, in Arc 1800, it will be accessible by both skiers and pedestrians and will be a fantastic addition to the already vibrant Les Arcs 1800 après-ski scene.

On the infrastructure front, the funicular which takes skiers from the foot of the valley in Bourg Saint Maurice to the Les Arcs ski area has had major renovations for the new season. A new metal structure will cover the station in Bourg Saint Maurice offering a waiting area for passengers and new screens and information desks will provide information for passengers.

Our Les Arcs Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Les Arcs Skiing and Snowboarding

The terrain is very varied and unlike many big French resorts, there are some great tree-lined runs to head to in a snowstorm – our favourites are the routes served by the Grizzly chairlift. On a sunny day the Arc 2000 bowl provides some great cruising, whilst the Aiguille Rouge offers some good challenges for advanced and expert skiers, including the epic descent all the way from 3226m down to the small hamlet of Villaroger down at 1200m. Add in the La Plagne ski area and you have access to the world’s second largest linked ski area.

• Total Pistes: 200 km (425km in the Paradiski)
• Blue: 52%
• Red: 35%
• Black: 13%
• Lifts: 47 (122 in Linked Ski Area)
• Altitude: 1200m – 3226m

For Beginners

Each of the main Les Arcs villages have a good beginner area and a number of free lifts for learners to use. Just note that here no green runs are marked on the trail map – this is not because everywhere is steeper, but just because the resort only use blue/red/black markers. Progression on to longer runs is good, including the winding Forêt trail down to Vallandry and the gentle blues in the Arc 2000 bowl.

For Intermediates

Les Arcs is an excellent area for intermediates – most of the terrain is accessible and not too steep. If the weather is bad then head to the trees above Vallandry, but otherwise the entire area is within reach. All but the very top of the epic descent to Villaroger is within most intermediate’s grasp, just catch the Lanchettes chair from Arc 2000 and start from the top of there. Keen intermediates should purchase the Paradiski upgrade to also explore La Plagne.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

The best of the terrain lies above the Arc 2000 bowl, off the Varet Gondola or from the top of the Aiguille Rouge. If the snow is fresh head to the ‘natur’ runs marked on the piste map as these will have been left unpisted – just watch out for any moguls that have been half covered by the new snow as these runs can build some pretty big bumps. Purchasing the Paradiski lift pass upgrade will only increase your options, especially for off piste.

Les Arcs Piste Map

The Les Arcs piste map can be downloaded here. The wider Paradiski piste map can be downloaded here.

Les Arcs Ski Pass Prices

There are two options – either buy the local Les Arcs pass or upgrade to also cover the Paradiski. We’d recommend the latter for confident intermediates upwards. A season pass covering Les Arcs costs €976 whilst the entire Paradiski pass costs €1070 for an adult. Note that these prices are lowest early and late in the season but may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Les Arcs Season Dates

• Les Arcs: 21st December 2019 – 25th April 2020

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Les Arcs Resort

Each resort town brings its own atmosphere. 1600 and 1800 are the biggest and most lively, with accommodation mostly in the form of good value apartment blocks. The new Mille 8 development at 1800 has made a big difference for families, making this our top choice if you’re heading to Les Arcs with little ones. 1950 is the newest village having been built fifteen years ago and 2000 has great access to the bowl for skiing above. Peisey and Vallandry offer slightly more traditional accommodation and more chalets, all in a quieter, wooded setting.

For Families

Les Arcs is a great choice for families wanting convenience, especially as much of the accommodation is in ski-in-ski-out, self-catering apartments. The new Mille 8 area at 1800 is a great innovation and it has an excellent leisure pool at the base as well as skiing and tobogganing. Arc 1950 has a family-friendly layout and also has a good programme of kids' activities. Family chalet holidays are mostly available in Peisey and Vallandry.

For Après

The Les Arcs après scene focuses on the legendary L’Arpette Restaurant, which is packed as the lifts close – it has to have one of the finest sunset views anywhere in the Alps. Back in resort, 1800 is the liveliest of the villages and Red Hot Saloon or Chez Boubou are the places to head to if you’re staying there. Après in the other villages is much more laid back, but some decent bars and happy hours can still be found.

How to get to Les Arcs

Chambéry is the closest airport to Les Arcs and private transfers are the best option – the drive takes around an hour and a half. Geneva is further away, with the drive taking around two and a half hours.

A great option is to travel by train, catching the Eurostar to the town of Bourg St Maurice in the valley before grabbing a quick bus transfer up to the resort, or the funicular to Arc 1600. Check out the Ski Club’s Guide to travelling to resort by train.

• Chambéry airport: 1.5 hours (driving)
• Geneva airport: 2.5 hours
• Snowtrain from London: 8-10 hours
• Calais: approximately 11 hours driving (615 miles)

Les Arcs Contact Details

• Website: www.lesarcs.com
• Email: Contact via an online form
• Telephone: +33 04 79 07 12 57
• Facebook: @lesarcs
• Instagram: @lesarcs
• Twitter: @LesArcs