A real something for everyone resort, Les Arcs is a firm favourite at SkiYodl. Choose to stay in Peisey-Vallandry for a more authentic Alpine experience, or one of the higher altitude resorts at 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000m for slopeside accommodation
Get to know Les Arcs
Les Arcs is truly a ski area that has something for everyone. There are sprawling, wide open runs for beginners as well as easily accessed world class off-piste. The tree skiing, especially around Vallandry, is some of the best in the alps and allows you to get on the snow even when the weather isn't the best. There is a great skiing culture with many mountain restaurants serving incredible local cuisine while the nightlife of Arc 1800 is legendary. The star of the show, however, is the connection to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express gondola providing over 425km of piste to explore.
Why you might love it
Intermediates
Families
Tree lined skiing
At a glance
Ski area
Paradiski
Resort altitude
2000m
Piste range
1200–3226m
Lifts
130
Green runs
12
Blue runs
135
Red runs
77
Black runs
37
More about Les Arcs
Why we love Les Arcs
Les Arcs is a vibrant resort that's made up of a collection of hubs ranging from high altitude, self-contained villages, to historic old working towns. Les Arcs was one of the first purpose built resorts in France, meaning it's steeped in skiing history which can be felt all over the resort.
Arc 1600 and 1800 are larger and a little more sprawling but you’ll find more action here. Especially in 1800. Arc 1950 is the prettiest place to stay and completely ski in, ski out, traffic free and has a great off-the-slopes atmosphere. Arc 2000 is the highest village but linked with 1950 by a pedestrian gondola that runs until late. 2000 is again ski in, ski out and a step up on the luxury scale.
Arc 1600 and 1800 are larger and a little more sprawling but you’ll find more action here. Especially in 1800. Arc 1950 is the prettiest place to stay and completely ski in, ski out, traffic free and has a great off-the-slopes atmosphere. Arc 2000 is the highest village but linked with 1950 by a pedestrian gondola that runs until late. 2000 is again ski in, ski out and a step up on the luxury scale.
Skiing in Les Arcs
The ski area tops out at 3226m on the stunning Aiguille Rouge and stretches out over 200km of high altitude pistes to make this an incredible ski area with a great snow record. The link with La Plagne via the double decker gondola (Vanoise Express) opens up a further 225km of piste so far more than you could explore in a week.
The Les Arc area has wide, well groomed runs and at least partly tree lined. With 52% of the pistes being blue is serious cruising territory. But there are plenty for more advanced skiers to explore as well.
Après ski in Les Arcs
If you’re looking for après ski then Arc 1800 is the place to stay with live music at the Ambient Cafe or you have the Folie Douce (also accessible by foot) that runs a hectic on-mountain set until around 19:00 or slightly later on a Thursday.
You also have bowling, ice skating and a pool complex in 1800 if you fancy something a little more low key; Arc 1950 and 2000 also have a handful of decent bars for a more low key après scene, there’s also another ice rink up at 2000.
Getting to Les Arcs
Chambery is the closest airport to Les Arcs, around a 2.5 hour transfer up to the resort. Though flying into Geneva you get a much wider selection of flights and times and the transfer is only half an hour longer at 3 hours door to door.
Les Arcs can also be reached from the UK by train thanks to its link to the valley town of Bourg St Maurice and its funiculaire that links the railway station to Arc 1600 in just seven minutes.
Hidden gems
Best bite
It can be a little tricky to find, up in Arc 2000, but Le 2134 Rooftop takes the great views (that you can also get down in the bowl) and upgrades them with amazing food. Just try the Tuna Tataki.
Best Piste
If you’re an early riser and fancy a challenge, head straight up the Aiguille Rouge to the 3,226m summit and enjoy the 2,000 meters of vertical, leg burning descent to Villaroger at 1,200m.
Apres ski
It’s hard to look past the Folie Douce in Arc 1800. From acrobats to live music, Djs and table dancing on a daily basis. The best bit is it’s afternoon stuff meaning you can be home for dinner and not miss a thing.
