Les Arcs Ski Resort Guide
Les Arcs ski resort is popular with skiers across Europe with a sizeable local ski area (200km). Forming part of the Paradiski with La Plagne, Les Arcs provides skiers and snowboarders access to 425km of pistes across the two French ski resorts. Visiting Les Arcs ski area allows for plenty of versatility with seven ski resort bases to choose from with a range of accommodations and amenities to suit every budget.
Les Arcs has a great combination of high-altitude skiing with diverse terrain. The library of ski runs across Les Arcs varies from extensive cruisey intermediate terrain along red and blue pistes with some steeper black trails as well. Les Arcs has some fantastic areas to learn to ski making it popular amongst beginners and families. Les Arcs provides snow-sure skiing, excellent transport links and a fantastic range of accommodations making it a popular choice for a French ski holiday. In this Les Arcs Ski Resort Guide I will explore what makes Les Arcs a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.
LES ARCS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Visiting Les Arcs for the first time I was lucky to be accompanied by skiers who knew the area well, ensuring that I was able to make the most of the substantial terrain available throughout the resort. The resort itself is fantastic and I really enjoyed waking up in the purpose-built village a few steps from the nearest slope. Les Arcs is a ski destination that has everything on your doorstep making it a worry-free ski holiday.
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LES ARCS SKI AREA
Forming part of the world’s third largest combined ski area, Paradiski Les Arcs is a sizeable ski resort. Les Arcs is massive, demonstrated by the huge 2000m vertical drop between the Aiguille Rouge (3226m) and the village of Villaroger (1200m). In total 258 pistes and over 100 lifts make up the Les Arcs ski area, with the majority of that terrain (70%) above 2000m. With that in mind, Les Arcs is incredibly snow sure which can make it popular with visitors looking for early-season or spring snow.
Considered a benchmark ski resort in the Savoie, Les Arcs’ 200km of pistes are mostly suited to beginners (51%) and intermediates (35%). Advanced skiers will still appreciate the more challenging terrain that is available alongside the areas outside of the piste which are great for freeride.
LES ARCS FOR BEGINNERS
With the four main village bases in Les Arc; Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, beginners will be happy that each base caters to beginner skiers and snowboarders. The villages offer a number of free lifts that beginners can use to learn from.
Over half of the Les Arcs pistes are suitable for beginners which is fantastic for first-timers looking to explore different runs. There are however only three green pistes spread throughout the resort, two in Arc 1800, so beginners will have to learn on the various blue runs around the resort.
LES ARCS FOR INTERMEDIATES
Les Arcs has a number of wide cruisey blue pistes which spread throughout the ski area. This makes Les Arcs really fun for intermediates who are excited to get around the whole mountain. In Les Arcs you can pretty much head up any lift (except Grand Col and Aigulle Rouge) and find a decent blue to ride down. A particular favourite were the combined Vallée de l’Arc 3 and Vallée de l’Arc 2 which are found at the top of Varet.
Advanced intermediates may want to challenge themselves on the short reds found at the top of Plagnettes chairlift. Similarly, the area around Plan Peisey is a good combination of red and blue trails.
LES ARCS FOR ADVANCED
Looking at the piste map you can be forgiven for believing that Les Arcs doesn’t cater for the advanced skier or snowboarder. Although the black trails do not dominate the piste map, there is enough to keep even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders entertained. Head to Aiguille Rouge for a fantastic 7km descent back to the village of Villaroger. Les Arcs also has a number of un-pisted trails that are left to develop bumps throughout the season, if you like moguls you will like Les Arcs.
FREESTYLE LES ARCS
Les Arcs has two terrain parks in the resort; Apocalypse and Mille 8. Both parks have a good mix of freestyle terrain. Apocalypse is best suited to intermediate and advanced freestyle skiers and snowboarders with a good jump progression ending with some rather large kickers. Mille 8 has a little something for everyone with an entry-level green line and some more advanced features.
OFF-PISTE LES ARCS
Off-piste skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the area atop the Grand Col which ensures snow stays fresh due to its higher elevation. In cloudy weather, consider heading into the forest runs near the Derby chairlift.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER LES ARCS
Les Arcs is a fantastic resort even on those bad weather days. The lower resort villages are lined by trees which can add contrast in whiteout conditions.
LES ARCS PISTE MAP
Click the Les Arcs piste map below to visit the interactive piste map.
LES ARCS VILLAGES
Les Arcs has four main villages each has its own charm and appeal.
ARC 1600
Arc 1600, the earliest of the villages, feels quaint and tranquil in atmosphere. Developments in Arc 1600 began in the late 60’s and can be considered the original and centre of the resort. This feeling of being the centre of the resort is continued in Arc 1600 with regular shuttle buses linking Arc 1600 to the other Les Arcs villages. Arc 1600 is also linked to the valley and Bourg St Maurice with its international train station. The short funicular ride from Arc 1600 will take you directly into Bourg St Maurice with links to London.
ARC 1800
Conversely, Arc 1800 is known for its vibrant après-ski scene, boasting a lively feel with numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The largest of the Les Arcs villages you should head to Arc 1800 if you want an activity-packed holiday. Arc 1800 is very central within the wider context of the Les Arcs ski area and it has great access to the other Les Arcs villages.
ARC 1950
Arc 1950, a relatively newer addition, is a picturesque alpine village designed with a more upscale feel. It features luxurious accommodations and a pedestrian-friendly layout. The village itself can be a fantastic base for your Les Arcs ski holiday with ski-in-ski-out accommodation throughout the village.
ARC 2000
Arc 2000, the highest in elevation, provides direct access to high-altitude skiing and stunning panoramic views. This appeals to avid skiers and snowboarders seeking challenging terrain. The village of Arc 2000 is well designed allowing excellent access to the pistes in a compact ski village.
OTHER VILLAGES
VILLAROGER
Villaroger is not only the finishing point for one of the best runs in Les Arcs (Aiguille Rouge), but it is also the lowest of the villages in Les Arcs. At 1200m Villaroger is a quieter more relaxed base for your Les Arcs ski holiday. Villaroger has a good reputation for maintaining snow despite its lower altitude due to its shaded location in the valley. Villaroger can be a good base if you are looking to explore other local resorts such as Tignes - Val d’Isere and Les Rosière in addition to your Les Arcs ski days.
PEISEY - VALLANDRY
Plan Peisey and Vallandry are two separate villages that are essentially one. The villages of Peisey - Vallandry are not only a great base from which to explore Les Arcs, but equally have exceptional access to the La Plagne via the Vanoise Express. Plan Peisey and Vallandry would appeal to skiers looking for access to both La Plagne and Les Arcs, alongside those looking for a quieter evening base.
BOURG ST MAURICE
Bourg St Maurice will be the arrival point of many international skiers and snowboarders to Les Arcs with direct Eurostar access to London. A town, not a village, Bourg St Maurice is a great link between Les Arcs and other local ski resorts. It is possible staying in Bourg St Maurice to catch connections via bus to La Rosière, Tignes, La Plagne and others. Staying in Bourg St Maurice can offer easy travel as well as the ability to ski at a variety of resorts from the same base.
LES ARCS GALLERY
LES ARCS SEASON DATES
The ski season in Les Arcs normally operates between mid-December and late-April although connections to La Plagne will start later and finish earlier. The ski season in Les Arcs is a reliable one with 70% of the ski area above 2000m meaning snow cover is maintained throughout. Les Arcs has a historical snow record of 4.6m on average during the course of the winter season. In addition to the annual snowfall, Les Arcs supplements the natural stuff with snowmaking. The are 600 snow cannons spread around the resort to ensure that all slopes have ample coverage during the winter season.
TRAVEL TO LES ARCS
Les Arcs is one of the most accessible ski resorts in the Alps with international access by plane, train and automobile. Located in Frances Savoie, Les Arcs is a combination of mountain villages above the town of Bourg St Maurice.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY AIR
Les Arcs closest airport is Chambery (CMF) which is 140 km from Les Arcs. Flights into Chambery are aplenty during the winter season with many transfer and private hire drivers operating out of the terminal. If you intend to fly it is worth considering heading to Geneva as flights tend to be cheaper and more frequent then those into Chambery. The trade-off for flying to Geneva is an extra hour on the transfer time but it could be a more budget-savvy option. Other possible airport entrance points for your Les Arcs ski trip are Lyon and Grenoble.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY TRAIN
By far the most environmentally friendly way to get to Les Arcs is via train to Bourg St Maurice. Heading to the international train station in Bourg St Maurice uses Frances's electrified rail network and can save on your carbon footprint. The station itself is only a 7-minute funicular ride away from Arc 1600 meaning you can be in the resort within minutes of stepping off the train. Throughout the winter special services are operated by Eurostar for the SkiTrain.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. When in Les Arcs you shouldn’t need your car to get around as free local shuttle buses run within the resort villages.
Driving to Les Arcs will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to Les Arcs. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Les Arcs, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY COACH
By far my least favourite way to travel to a ski resort is by coach however, it can be the most cost-effective way to reach your destination. From the UK regular coaches run to Bourg St Maurice from London Victoria throughout the winter. Coach trips can be arduous but with travel through the night, coaches can be the best way to maximise your time on the slopes on a budget.
LES ARCS LIFT PASSES
When skiing in Les Arcs you will have two choices of lift pass; a local area pass which covers the 200km of pistes in Les Arc or the Paradiski pass which covers the 425km of Les Arcs and La Plagne combined area. Your choice of lift pass may depend on a few considerations.
ABILITY
Honestly if you are a beginner or even an intermediate visiting Les Arcs for the first time then consider saving money and getting the local area pass. Within Les Arcs there will be plenty of runs for you to explore. If you feel the need to explore further you can upgrade your lift pass for one day of skiing in the Paradiski area.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then skiing within the Les Arcs ski area will still offer you an incredible experience. 200kms of pistes is loads so save some money and stay with a Les Arcs local area pass.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are a more able skier or snowboarder returning to Les Arcs then it is certainly worth investing in the Paradiski lift pass. The upgrade will cost €50 more based on a 6-day pass in the 22/23 season and will open up over double the available terrain.
QUEUE JUMPING
Consider purchasing the Paradiski passes if you want to use priority lift lines. The Paradiski pass not only provides you with an extended ski area but also the ability to use dedicated queue jumping lines.
LES ARCS LIFT PASS COST
As with most lift passes, a ski pass in Les Arcs will vary in price depending on; the duration of your trip, the skier’s age and whether you are visiting in or out of the peak period. The good news is that in Les Arcs there are plenty of opportunities to save on your lift pass with offers throughout the season. There are even free lift passes available to skiers who are under 5 or over 75 years of age.
LES ARCS PROS
Les Arcs is a huge combined ski area with an extensive piste network.
Finding accommodation to suit your needs in Les Arcs should be possible with a range of villages to choose from. Staying in Les Arc gives you the opportunity to choose a village that suits your budget and vibe.
Les Arc has some awesome runs within its 2000m of vertical drop, consider taking the Augille Rouge trail for a long descent into Villaroger.
There is plenty of interesting off-piste in Les Arcs with bowls and tree runs for those poor weather days.
Les Arcs is well suited to beginners and intermediates with a large proportion of blue trails throughout the resort.
There are fantastic transport links to Les Arcs, with the hub of Bourg St Maurice a short funicular away.
LES ARCS CONS
Les Arcs has lots of positives going for it; large ski area, great transport links, reliable snow… all of which combine to draw crowds to Les Arcs.
Lift queues can be common in Les Arcs during peak weeks.
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LES ARCS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS LES ARCS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes, over 50% of Les Arcs terrain is suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Another positive to using Les Arcs for your beginner’s ski holiday is that there are a number of beginner lifts that are free to use without a lift pass. Les Arcs has also introduced a slow speed zone which will make beginners feel more comfortable when learning to ski.
IS LES ARCS LIVELY?
One downside to Les Arcs is the layout across various villages can make it feel like there is no real centre or hub to Les Arcs. Depending on whether you are looking for nightlife will depend on where you base yourself around Les Arcs with Arc 1800 being the best known for its Après scene.
WHICH RESORT IS LES ARCS CONNECTED TO?
Les Arcs is connected to La Plagne to form the Paradiski area. The resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are joined by the Vanoise Express gondola which means skiing across 42km of pistes is possible. Les Arcs is also connected by funicular to Bourg St Maurice where it is possible to catch buses to La Rosiere and Tignes.
IS LES ARCS A HIGH RESORT?
Les Arcs ski resort has the majority of its terrain above 2000m which ensures a long ski season with a fantastic snow record. Consider basing yourself in Arc 1950 or Arc 2000 during the early and late seasons for the best snow conditions throughout Les Arcs.
IS LES ARCS ONLY POPULAR FOR SKIING?
While Les Arcs is undoubtedly famous for its ski slopes and winter sports, it has become a year-round destination. The summer season offers a wide range of outdoor and recreational activities, making it a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts.
IS LES ARCS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED SKIERS?
Yes, Les Arcs caters to skiers of all levels. Each village has a variety of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. The resort is also linked to La Plagne via the Paradiski area, offering a vast terrain for all skill levels.
CAN I PURCHASE MY LES ARCS LIFT PASS IN ADVANCE?
Yes, it's recommended to purchase lift passes in advance online. This can save you time, money and ensure you're ready to hit the slopes upon arrival. Various options are available including; day passes, multi-day passes and season passes.
WHICH RESORT IS HIGHER LES ARCS OR VAL THORENS?
Both the ski resorts of Les Arcs and Val Thorens are high-altitude resorts in the French Alps. Val Thorens is home to the highest ski resort village in the Alps which at 2300m offers an extra 300m altitude versus Arc 2000.
LES ARCS FINAL THOUGHTS
Les Arcs is an incredible ski area with a substantial link to the nearby resort of La Plagne. Les Arcs itself is a great option for those looking for guaranteed snow throughout the season. For me, I enjoyed Les Arcs for the intermediate terrain and cruisey blues that can be found right across the resort.
