Les Arcs is a ski resort located in Savoie, France, in the Tarentaise Valley near the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice. As part of the vast Paradiski ski area, which also includes La Plagne, Peisey-Vallandry and Les Arcs offers 425 km of diverse skiing opportunities.
Les Arcs ski resort - Paradiski area
Les Arcs is a purpose-built resort and part of the Paradiski area, linked to La Plagne with mostly apartment based accommodation in high rise blocks. Les Arcs consists of four linked resort villages with a combined ski area that is one of the greatest in the French Alps. There are three main villages - Arcs 1800, Arcs 1600 & Arcs 2000 plus the recent addition of Arcs 1950 - all the villages are linked by road and Arcs 1600 connects with the valley town of Bourg St Maurice by funiculare railway.
Each village has created its own identity to attract a specific type of clientele:
Visitors looking for calm and authenticity will opt for Bourg-Saint-Maurice, located 7 minutes by funicular from the family resort Arc 1600.
More festive and modern, Arc 1800 is aimed more at a trendy clientele, seduced by its many shops, restaurants and open nightlife venues
More luxurious, Arc 1950 will please French and foreign clients looking for top-of-the-range services and a magical atmosphere.
More sporty, Arc 2000 offers hardcore skiers direct access to the ski slopes.
Les Arcs itself has 200 kilometres of ski runs, including the eight-kilometre Aiguille Rouge (Red Needle), which takes you from the highest peak in the resort at 3,226 metres to the hamlet of Villaroger at 1,200 metres.
With its 425 km of slopes, the Paradiski area (Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry & La Plagne) is a unique and limitless playground for all snow sports enthusiasts. The three resorts are linked by the largest cable car in the world: The Vanoise Express.
Les Arcs skiing
The skiing here is great for all standards of skiers and snowboarders and most areas have easy and difficult alternative pistes making it a good choice for mixed ability groups. For experts, there are some good off piste areas and some challenging black runs from the Aiguille Rouge whilst for beginners there are a number of dedicated beginner areas in each of the villages. Linked to La Plagne to create the Paradiski domain, it has more than 400km of pistes on offer. A high percentage of the runs are above 2000m in height making it snow secure although many runs are west facing so not as great as they could be in times of poor snow cover.
For off-piste check out the Grand Col, the area under the Derby chairlift, or, for the more adventurous try the run from the Aiguille Grive. For more relaxing freeriding you could try the trails below the Peisey-Vallandry lifts.
Les Arcs Snowpark
The Apocalypse Snowpark is made for everybody whether they’re snowboarders or skiers. 7.5 hectares, 3 lines.
Whether you’re an expert, intermediate or a beginner, there is something for all tastes: woops, a jump and a mini-pipe for beginners. Contests and other events are regularly held in the park to the great delight of those watching.
The Big Air Bag to try out your tricks and enjoy a soft landing.
The water Slide: a 30-metre run up and a fifteen-metre pool to cross on skis or a snowboard. The aim of the game is to cross the swimming pool without getting wet, but the most entertaining part is watching the best falls! Opening scheduled for March depending on weather conditions.
Les Arcs apres ski
All the villages have a choice of alternatives varying from noisy to tranquil with many offering live music and late night opening but the liveliest place is Arcs 1800. Après ski can be rather low-key in 1600, 1950 and 2000 but in Les Arcs 1800 there is a more lively scene. When you’re finished for the day we suggest stopping by L’Arpette restaurant for live music, DJ’s and a great terrace to enjoy stunning views across the valley.
Les Arcs ski resort