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Introduction
Few resorts rival Les Arcs for variety of skiing, and with the recent lift link to La Plagne (forming the massive Paradiski ski area), it offers some of the best and most extensive resort skiing in the world.
Les Arcs is made up of a series of high ‘villages', Arc 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000 (figures refer to altitude) built in the 1970s and reflecting that era's general lack of architectural charm, with the exception of the new and more attractive Arc 1950.
There's little nightlife for such an extensive ski area, but if you want to ski fast and hard all day you won't find much better.
Les Arcs is made up of a series of high ‘villages', Arc 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000 (figures refer to altitude) built in the 1970s and reflecting that era's general lack of architectural charm, with the exception of the new and more attractive Arc 1950.
There's little nightlife for such an extensive ski area, but if you want to ski fast and hard all day you won't find much better.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,600m (5,250ft) to 2,000m (6,500ft).
Top elevation: 3,225m (10,580ft).
Base elevation: 1,200m (3,937ft).
Number of lifts: 61.
Number of runs: 123.
Average annual snowfall: 5m (16ft).
Where in the world?
Les Arcs is situated in the Tarentaise region of France in the French Alps, above Bourg St Maurice. It is located just to the south of the Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain, which peaks at the top of Mt Blanc (4,807m/15,771ft).
Hit the slopes
The season runs from December until late April/early May.
Les Arcs has fantastic on- and off-piste skiing to suit all abilities - beginner and intermediate runs can get busy, although the Piesey-Vallandry area often avoids the worst of this. For advanced/expert skiers and boarders, the black runs from the top of the Aiguille Rouge are varied and exciting, with over 2,000m/6,500ft of vertical plus plenty of off-piste options either side.
One of the great features of Les Arcs is that a mixed ability group can enjoy great skiing and meet up for lunch - the skiing above Arc 2000, for instance, is ideal for this.
The Apolcalypse terrain park above Arc 1600 is one of the best in the Alps and there's a big halfpipe at Arc 2000.
Les Arcs is also famous for hosting international winter sports events, such as the Quik Cup and the World Speed Skiing Championships on the ‘Flying Kilometre', which is also open to the public.
Lifts are generally fast and efficient but at peak season queues can be a problem. Snow conditions are generally reliable, since the resort is so high.
The Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) (Immeuble Les Lanchettes, Arc 2000; also based in Arc 1600 and Arc 1800) introduced the ‘ski évolutif' method of skiing to France but doesn't always get good reports. A good alternative is the award-winning New Generation, all of whose instructors speak English (meeting in front of the Marku Bar at the foot of the Vallandry chairlift).
Ski gear is easily hired in the resort villages, all of which have a wide range of rental shops.
Les Arcs has fantastic on- and off-piste skiing to suit all abilities - beginner and intermediate runs can get busy, although the Piesey-Vallandry area often avoids the worst of this. For advanced/expert skiers and boarders, the black runs from the top of the Aiguille Rouge are varied and exciting, with over 2,000m/6,500ft of vertical plus plenty of off-piste options either side.
One of the great features of Les Arcs is that a mixed ability group can enjoy great skiing and meet up for lunch - the skiing above Arc 2000, for instance, is ideal for this.
The Apolcalypse terrain park above Arc 1600 is one of the best in the Alps and there's a big halfpipe at Arc 2000.
Les Arcs is also famous for hosting international winter sports events, such as the Quik Cup and the World Speed Skiing Championships on the ‘Flying Kilometre', which is also open to the public.
Lifts are generally fast and efficient but at peak season queues can be a problem. Snow conditions are generally reliable, since the resort is so high.
The Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) (Immeuble Les Lanchettes, Arc 2000; also based in Arc 1600 and Arc 1800) introduced the ‘ski évolutif' method of skiing to France but doesn't always get good reports. A good alternative is the award-winning New Generation, all of whose instructors speak English (meeting in front of the Marku Bar at the foot of the Vallandry chairlift).
Ski gear is easily hired in the resort villages, all of which have a wide range of rental shops.
Beyond the slopes
Outdoor options include ice skating (Arc 1800 and 2000), snowshoeing, tobogganing, dog sledding and snow tubing (Arc 2000). Indoor activities include cinemas (Arc 2000, 1800 and 1600) and a multigym and bowling at Arc 1800, but options are limited for non-skiers.
Family fun
Arc 1800 has a children's area featuring moving carpets, climbing wall and toboggan track. There's a ‘discovery' piste at 1600 where kids can learn about alpine wildlife. Children's ski schools and care facilities at all villages are generally well regarded, especially Les Pommes de Pin (La Nova, Arc 1800).
Retail therapy
Options are limited for shopaholics with little more than skiwear shops and rather predictable souvenir stores. You'll find a little more down in Bourg St Maurice but if you want to shop, Les Arcs is not really the place to be.
Après ski
Arc 1800 is the most lively spot - check out the Red Hot Saloon (Galerie des Villards) for live music, or Ambiente Café (place Basse de Villards).At Arc 1600 L'Arcelle (just below the ski school) is a good bet, whilst at 1950 Les Belles Pintes (Le hameau du glacier) is a lively Irish bar, and at Arc 2000 Le Red Rock Café (place Basse) is popular.
Eating out
Arc 1800 has the best range of restaurants. Casa Mia (terrasse du Miravidi - Le Charvet) is always popular, or try the relaxed Gargantus (place Haute des Villards). At Arc 2000 check out Chez Eux (place Basse - Résidence Les Lanchettes) for great Savoyard dishes, whilst at Arc 1950, Hemingway's (Le hameau du glacier) is a good choice. A top option after the long run down to Villaroger is La Ferme (Le Pré Derrière).
Getting around
Les Arcs is accessed by road from Bourg St Maurice (but note that most villages are traffic free - cars must be parked outside) or by funicular railway from the town's station. Roads link the villages, as do ski lifts.
Splashing out
Although heli-skiing is forbidden in the French Alps, you can still do it locally with a pick-up from nearby La Rosière, then a drop-off over in nearby Italy to ski back down into France! The ESF can arrange the trip and provide a guide.
Accommodation
Luxury
Radisson SASGreat ski apartments in the most attractive village.
Arc 1950
Tel: (04) 7923 1000.
Website: www.arc1950.radissonsas.com
Moderate
Chalet TarentaiseFriendly chalet in the charming village of Le Pré at the far end of the ski area.
Le Pré de Villaroger
Tel: (04) 7906 9126.
Website: www.optimumski.com
Budget
Aiguille RougeGood value ski-in/ski-out accommodation with free ski guiding.
Arc 2000
Tel: (04) 7907 5707.
Getting there
Nearest airports: Chambéry (CMF); Geneva (GVA); Lyon (LYS).
Distance to resort: 127km (79 miles); 156km (97 miles); 200km (124 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes; 3 hours 30 minutes; 3 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Bourg St Maurice (with funicular link to Les Arcs).
Distance to resort: 127km (79 miles); 156km (97 miles); 200km (124 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes; 3 hours 30 minutes; 3 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Bourg St Maurice (with funicular link to Les Arcs).
Website
This resort is good for...
Beginners, Snow reliability, Snowboarders, Experts, Families, Intermediates
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