Les Arcs Ski Holidays

Why choose Les Arcs

For the 2018/2019 season, Les Arcs underwent a significant transformation by relocating mud and stones to replace the previous back run, Comborciere, with a brand new red run. The new run spans over 2km just below Arcs 1950 and aims to provide a more enjoyable and less intimidating skiing experience for both beginners and returning visitors. The bumpy terrain has been smoothed out, making way for a thrilling slope that caters to a wide range of skill levels.

Les Arcs is part of the expansive Paradiski area, which is seamlessly connected to the neighbouring La Plagne ski area. The combined ski area offers an impressive variety of slopes, ensuring there is something suitable for everyone, from novices to experts. You can find heart-stoppingly steep, ungroomed black runs as well as easy cruising runs. With approximately 70% of Paradiski’s pistes located above 2,000m, you can expect excellent snow coverage throughout the season. With an altitude range of 1,200m to 3,250m and a staggering 425km of pistes, Les Arcs and Paradiski promise an exceptional skiing holiday experience.

Les Arcs comprises four main villages: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 2000, and Arc 1950. The numerical designations represent the approximate altitudes of each village. Additionally, there are two smaller villages, Vallandry and Plan Peisey, which are conveniently located for accessing the link to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express.

Skiing in Les Arcs

Beginners skiing

Every village in Les Arcs features a designated “Ski Tranquil” area, complemented by a free lift service on weekends. For a convenient and enjoyable experience, you can take the Villards Gondola, covering a distance of 600m, to reach the Mille 8 zone. At the top, you’ll find Le Lodge, an excellent spot to pause and grab a bite or drink. Adjacent to it is a gentle green run, serviced by a covered Magic Carpet lift, which becomes a particular delight in the evenings when it’s illuminated. From there, the natural progression leads to the Cabanes piste.

Intermediate skiing

One of Les Arcs’ greatest assets lies in its remarkable variety of skiing and snowboarding options for intermediates. The mountain is abundant with blue runs, making it an ideal choice for groups with varying skill levels. Most of the blue runs are appropriately classified, although there are a few that lean towards the more challenging side. The red runs offer thrilling experiences and are spread across the ski area, providing enjoyable diversity. Don’t miss the delightful woodland runs around Villaroger and the descent to Plain Peisey. With over 80% of the runs in Les Arcs classified as blue or red slopes, you’ll truly be spoiled for choice in this resort.

Advanced skiing

Expert skiers and boarders will find plenty of challenges, both on and off-piste, in Les Arcs. Many of the black runs are left ungroomed as the season progresses, creating extensive mogul fields. However, the real allure for powder enthusiasts lies in the abundance of off-piste skiing available, with snow that lasts much longer compared to more renowned off-piste destinations like Chamonix, where fresh tracks disappear within hours. Additionally, there is a satisfying selection of black runs on the Aiguille Rouge, although they may not be lengthy, they are certainly worth experiencing.

Snowboarding

Situated between 1600 and 1800, there is an exceptional Terrain Park called The Apocalypse, easily accessible via a boarder-friendly J Bar drag lift. Renowned as one of the most progressive parks in the Alps, it has long been considered on par with the esteemed park in Avoriaz. For enthusiasts of snow cross runs, there are also options available under Col de la Chal, providing an exhilarating experience for those seeking fast-paced action.

Ski accommodation in Les Arcs

Les Arcs offers an excellent range of accommodation, from traditional catered ski chalets to high-quality hotels and self-catered apartments. Ski Line features one of the widest chalet selections in the resort, predominantly in Arcs 2000, Vallandry and Plan Peisey, with a limited number also available in the traditional village of Villaroger across the ridge from Arc 2000. Many chalets in Arcs 2000 are apartment-style and often include facilities such as indoor pools, with some even offering in-house childcare, making it easy to find a property suited to different group sizes and budgets.

Each base village has its own appeal. Les Arcs 1600 and 1800 are lively with great views, while Arcs 1950 is a premium ski-in ski-out village known for some of the best self-catered apartments in the Alps. Peisey Vallandry is another popular choice thanks to its convenient position by the Vanoise Express link to La Plagne.

For hassle-free all-inclusive stays, Club Med offers two well-located hotels Club Med Les Arcs Panorama and Club Med Peisey-Vallandry, providing excellent value and comprehensive packages ideal for families and groups.

Après ski in Les Arcs

Les Arcs 1800 takes centre stage when it comes to après-ski activities, making it the prime destination for those seeking a lively party scene! Here, you’ll discover a variety of bars and clubs to suit every taste, whether you desire a relaxed drink after the final runs or want to dance into the early hours alongside fellow party enthusiasts.

The après-ski festivities kick off around the main square at Villards and extend to the two clubs located at the Charvet end of the resort. With so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to settle on just one favourite, but Chez Boubou certainly earns its claim to that title. Over at Place des Villards, revellers will find the Red Hot Saloon, the largest bar in the resort. It’s worth stopping by to enjoy fantastic live music in the evenings, and for sports enthusiasts, they showcase events on a massive TV screen. If you’re seeking delicious food in a friendly atmosphere throughout the day head to Bar King Mad.

For the diehard partygoers, make your way to Apokalypse, the largest and most popular club in Les Arcs. Spanning three floors, this establishment delivers the classic Euro beats that keep the energy flowing until 4 am.

Restaurants

Les Arcs’ dining establishments can sometimes lack inspiration, but fear not, as there are notable exceptions that are definitely worth discovering. The restaurant selection has seen significant improvements over the years, providing a much wider array of options. On the mountain, there’s a gem called Le Bulle Café, also known as The Bubble.

This place boasts a vast terrace, often featuring live music, and an alluring transparent igloo, making it the perfect spot to relish their incredibly affordable, generously sized pizzas, ideal for sharing between two. Alternatively, you can enjoy their delectable sandwiches and snacks or indulge in one of their magnificent seafood platters, a true feast for the senses! You’ll find Le Bulle just before the base of the Arcabulle chairlift above Arc 2000.

For those venturing off the mountain, The Savoy awaits. Don’t be deterred by the name, this traditional French brasserie resides in Arc 2000, offering a restaurant and a separate bar where food and drinks are served until midnight. Their extensive menu features mouthwatering steaks, tender escalope de veau, and succulent lamb shank, alongside beloved Savoyard classics like fondue and tartiflette.

Vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with special dietary requirements need not worry either. Most restaurants offer vegetarian options on their menus, with some gradually incorporating vegan choices as well. We recommend contacting any restaurant you plan to visit in advance if you have dietary requirements.

Activities off the slopes in Les Arcs

Apart from the fantastic Mille 8, which offers an array of activities suitable for both children and adults, such as an indoor leisure pool and outdoor tobogganing, Les Arcs resort boasts additional recreational options, with two bowling alleys, a cinema, and electric snowmobile racing for kids at Les Arcs 2000.