Les Arcs Resort Overview
Les Arcs is a popular ski resort situated at an elevation of 1,800m, with the highest ski lift reaching 3,226m. The resort is strategically located on a plateau overlooking Bourg-Saint-Maurice and is part of the vast Paradiski ski area, which provides 425km of a broad range of skiable terrain.
Constructed in the 1960s, this car-free resort is renowned for its appealing ski-in-ski-out accommodation, encompassing a variety of stunning, wooden chalets and modern apartments. Known for its high-altitude location, Les Arcs is snow-guaranteed with a deep snow layer throughout most of the ski season, which generally lasts from mid-December to the end of April.
Skiing in Les Arcs
Les Arcs offers an extraordinary skiing experience for all skill levels. The resort provides three lift pass options; a beginners’ ski pass for novices to get comfortable on accessible terrain via 12 lifts, a Les Arcs-only ski pass giving access to the 53 lifts and over 200km of pistes in Les Arcs, and lastly, the full Paradiski ski pass offering an impressive 425km of pisted terrain for exploration.
With numerous wide, gentle slopes, beginners have plenty of opportunities to learn the ropes. The Vagere and the Belvedere slopes are some of the best runs in the resort for beginners. Intermediate skiers will find a vast playground of red and blue runs, with the Aiguille Rouge run being a particular highlight.
For advanced skiers, Les Arcs offers some thrilling high-altitude skiing and challenging terrain. We recommend heading to the Aiguille Rouge area for steep, lengthy black runs. Moreover, if the 425km of pisted terrain isn’t enough, there is some fantastic off-piste skiing to uncover around Col de la Chal and Grand Renard.
Les Arcs is also well-appreciated for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The resort is home to the renowned Apocalypse snowpark, which provides a fun-filled setting for skiers and snowboarders of varied abilities to showcase their freestyle skills.
Is Les Arcs Family-Friendly?
Les Arcs is a superb resort for families and is recognised as a leading family ski resort. The car-free resort has a safe, pedestrianised centre and plenty of ski-in-ski-out accommodation, many of which are self-catered. The resort is suitable for all skiing abilities and features numerous family-friendly amenities, such as child-friendly restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, a cinema, an outdoor ice rink and a free sledging area.
Après-Ski Scene in Les Arcs
Les Arcs boasts a vibrant après ski scene with a plethora of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. With its lively atmosphere and selection of over 30 bars, the resort promises a memorable evening. The popular Red Hot Saloon Bar is known for its live music and energetic vibe.
Once the skiing day ends, there are plenty of après ski options in Les Arcs. The Ambiente Cafe is a favourite for live music, while Le Shooters is renowned for its lively atmosphere.
Dining in Les Arcs
Les Arcs also offers an array of excellent dining options, both on and off the slopes. In the resort, La Table des Lys provides a gourmet menu, Chez Boubou serves up local delicacies in a cosy setting, and L’Arpette boasts a sunny, piste-side terrace. For those wanting a meal with a view, there are several mountain restaurants accessible on skis or foot, such as Bulle Café and the Restaurant Chalet de l’Arcelle.
How to Get To Les Arcs
The fastest way to reach Les Arcs from the UK is by flying to Geneva Airport, 2h30m away. Other nearby airports include Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (2h40m), Grenoble-Isère Airport (2h45m) and Chambéry-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport (2h15m). If you prefer rail travel, Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the nearest station, offering a 7-minute funicular ride to Les Arcs.
Les Arcs Insider Tips
- Enjoy a drink at the Igloo Village, situated at the bottom of the Arpette run – it’s an actual igloo complete with intricate ice sculptures!
- Apart from skiing, the only modes of transport in the resort are snowcats and horse-drawn sleighs.
- Sample the extensive wine list at L’El Latino Bar!
- Visit the Panoramic Restaurant at the top of the Aiguille Rouge cable car for a meal with a view.
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