Les Arcs ski and snowboard resort
Les Arcs first opened its doors in 1968 and rapidly became one of the top French winter skiing resorts. Les Arcs is split into many separate satellite villages at varying altitudes and Les Arcs has developed into what is now a high quality skiing, snowboarding and telemarking destination. Now linked with the skiing area of La Plagne by cable car the skiing and snowboarding area now rivals the largest in Europe.
Skiing, snowboarding and telemark enthusiasts will find the terrain varied and challenging although there is plenty of scope for the beginner to gain confidence on wide open gentle slopes. The famous flying kilometre is a landmark above Les Arcs 2000 and regularly holds international speed skiing events.
Skiing, snowboarding and telemark enthusiasts will find the terrain varied and challenging although there is plenty of scope for the beginner to gain confidence on wide open gentle slopes. The famous flying kilometre is a landmark above Les Arcs 2000 and regularly holds international speed skiing events.
Les Arcs resort ski lift system
Les Arcs now forms part of the Paradaski skiing and snowboarding region that is directly linked to La Plagne by cable car across a deep valley gorge. This has given the winter sports holidaymaker a huge choice that rivals the largest alpine resorts in terms of skiable area.
The full lift pass covers the whole Paradaski area. Nearby resorts such as Val d’Isère and Tignes are accessible for a day trip and are available as a one day extension to the lift pass. A qualified ski instructor, snowboard teacher or mountain guide will let you make the most of this extensive region.
The full lift pass covers the whole Paradaski area. Nearby resorts such as Val d’Isère and Tignes are accessible for a day trip and are available as a one day extension to the lift pass. A qualified ski instructor, snowboard teacher or mountain guide will let you make the most of this extensive region.
Les Arcs, France
The original ski resorts of Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 have recently been joined by a new development at the altitude of 1950 meters. As well as this the small hamlets of Vallandry, Peisey Nancroix and the higher Plan Peisey have developed into ski and snowboard resorts in their own right. Directly below Les Arcs lies the town of Bourg St Maurice. The old town forms the gateway to many resorts including those in the Haute Tarentaise region, like Val d’Isère and Tignes.
Les Arcs is dominated by apartment blocks which have mostly been renovated since the early conception to allow more space to cater for the demands of the modern snowsports holidaymaker. Arc 1800 is certainly the liveliest of all the villages and for guaranteed snow conditions and sheer convenience Arc 2000 is a perfect choice. Also convenient for on snow access and perfect for families is Arc 1600 which remains a popular destination. The new Arc 1950 offers something for everyone and has become a major centre of attraction within the Les Arc group of ski and snowboard resorts.
Les Arcs is dominated by apartment blocks which have mostly been renovated since the early conception to allow more space to cater for the demands of the modern snowsports holidaymaker. Arc 1800 is certainly the liveliest of all the villages and for guaranteed snow conditions and sheer convenience Arc 2000 is a perfect choice. Also convenient for on snow access and perfect for families is Arc 1600 which remains a popular destination. The new Arc 1950 offers something for everyone and has become a major centre of attraction within the Les Arc group of ski and snowboard resorts.
Les Arcs resort details
Beginners |
Excellent |
|---|---|
Intermediates |
Excellent |
Advanced |
Excellent |
On piste |
Excellent |
Off piste |
Very good |
Snowboarding |
Very good |
Extensive area |
Excellent |
Restaurants |
Very good |
Night life |
Good |
Snow record |
Very good |
Resort charm |
Good |
Travelling times to Les Arcs (are approximate)
Geneva |
3 hours |
|---|---|
Lyon |
3 hours |
Chambéry |
2 hours |
Bourg St Maurice |
0.5 hours |
Resort altitude |
1200 m |
Vertical drop |
1200 m - 3226 m |
Up lift capacity |
141 lifts |
Piste KM |
425 |
Mountain Restaurants and Apres Ski in Les Arcs
There is an abundance of lunchtime eateries in and around the Les Arcs ski and snowboard region. For a great atmosphere and fantastic home cooked food try the five hundered year old hunting lodge of Belliou La Fumee in Pre-St-Esprit just below Arc 2000. Chalet de Luigi is also a firm favourite and is well known for its ham orientated cuisine. The Aiguille Grive also gets good recommendations and has stunning views.
There are many different restaurant choices in Les Arcs depending on what village you are based in. In Arc 1600 La Rive in the hotel La Cachette is highly recommended, as is Pizza 1600. Les Arcs 1800 has plenty of choice including Casa Mia, La Marmite and L’Equipe. In the newer Arc 1950, a popular restaurant called East serves oriental fusion cuisine whilst if fine dining is want you like then try the more upmarket Chalet de Luigi. If you are up in Arc 2000 try El Latino Loco that has a good reputation for high quality food.
The late night bar choice in les Arcs is fairly limited but for an après skiing atmosphere when the ski lifts shut try L’Igloo and Apokalypse in Arc 1800 and Chalet de Luigi in Arc 1950.
There are many different restaurant choices in Les Arcs depending on what village you are based in. In Arc 1600 La Rive in the hotel La Cachette is highly recommended, as is Pizza 1600. Les Arcs 1800 has plenty of choice including Casa Mia, La Marmite and L’Equipe. In the newer Arc 1950, a popular restaurant called East serves oriental fusion cuisine whilst if fine dining is want you like then try the more upmarket Chalet de Luigi. If you are up in Arc 2000 try El Latino Loco that has a good reputation for high quality food.
The late night bar choice in les Arcs is fairly limited but for an après skiing atmosphere when the ski lifts shut try L’Igloo and Apokalypse in Arc 1800 and Chalet de Luigi in Arc 1950.
