Les Arcs ski holidays

Les Arcs ski holidays

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ABTA & ATOL Protection

Top features of this resort

Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities

Top features of this resort

Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
See more

Les Arcs ski resort

4.6/5
WONDERFUL (3,154 REVIEWS)
3,154 REVIEWS

There's something really exciting about stepping into Les Arcs and feeling that crisp mountain air hit you. A purpose-built resort in the French Alps, Les Arcs delivers a combination of varied terrain, convenient design, and spectacular Mont Blanc views - its modern convenience without sacrificing authentic mountain atmosphere.

Sitting between 1,600m and 2,000m, Les Arcs spreads across four purpose-built villages: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000. The resort gives access to 200km of pistes, and connects with La Plagne to form the Paradiski ski area.

Tree-lined runs at lower altitudes provide shelter on stormy days, while the high bowls above Arc 2000 deliver open, snow-sure terrain. With pistes reaching up to 3,226m, the high altitude typically allows for reliable snow for skiers and snowboarders from mid-December through late April.

Les Arcs resort pioneered ski-to-door design, and most accommodations deliver on that promise. The resort's areas cater to varied tastes - for example, Arc 1950 is a car-free village with upmarket boutiques and restaurants, while Arc 1800 buzzes with more affordable options and family-friendly facilities. Wherever you base yourself, you'll find 52 lifts connecting 116 runs that cater brilliantly to beginners and intermediates, while offering serious challenges for experienced skiers and boarders.

Families, groups of friends, and couples will all find their fit here. The views across to Mont Blanc from the Aiguille Rouge are worth the trip to Les Arcs alone, and activities from swimming pools to paragliding fill off-slope days nicely.

Check out Les Arcs ski deals to start planning your trip.

Les Arcs resort facts
Ski areaParadiski
Total slopes181 km
Easy slopes18 runs
Intermediate slopes129 runs
Difficult slopes77 runs
Expert slopes34 runs
Number of lifts141
Snow range1,250 m - 3,250 m
Resort height1,650 m - 2,000 m
Snow parks4
Rating by ski level
Beginners
7/10
Intermediates
10/10
Experts
8/10
Snowboarders
8/10
Rating by group type
Friends
7/10
Families
10/10
Couples
8/10
Transfer times to Les Arcs
Chambéry airport1 hr 50 min
Lyon airport2 hr 20 min
Grenoble airport2 hr 30 min
Geneva airport3 hr 30 min

Les Arcs ski resort

4.6/5
WONDERFUL (3,154 REVIEWS)
3,154 REVIEWS

There's something really exciting about stepping into Les Arcs and feeling that crisp mountain air hit you. A purpose-built resort in the French Alps, Les Arcs delivers a combination of varied terrain, convenient design, and spectacular Mont Blanc views - its modern convenience without sacrificing authentic mountain atmosphere.

Sitting between 1,600m and 2,000m, Les Arcs spreads across four purpose-built villages: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000. The resort gives access to 200km of pistes, and connects with La Plagne to form the Paradiski ski area.

Tree-lined runs at lower altitudes provide shelter on stormy days, while the high bowls above Arc 2000 deliver open, snow-sure terrain. With pistes reaching up to 3,226m, the high altitude typically allows for reliable snow for skiers and snowboarders from mid-December through late April.

Les Arcs resort pioneered ski-to-door design, and most accommodations deliver on that promise. The resort's areas cater to varied tastes - for example, Arc 1950 is a car-free village with upmarket boutiques and restaurants, while Arc 1800 buzzes with more affordable options and family-friendly facilities. Wherever you base yourself, you'll find 52 lifts connecting 116 runs that cater brilliantly to beginners and intermediates, while offering serious challenges for experienced skiers and boarders.

Families, groups of friends, and couples will all find their fit here. The views across to Mont Blanc from the Aiguille Rouge are worth the trip to Les Arcs alone, and activities from swimming pools to paragliding fill off-slope days nicely.

Check out Les Arcs ski deals to start planning your trip.

Les Arcs resort facts
Ski areaParadiski
Total slopes181 km
Easy slopes18 runs
Intermediate slopes129 runs
Difficult slopes77 runs
Expert slopes34 runs
Number of lifts141
Snow range1,250 m - 3,250 m
Resort height1,650 m - 2,000 m
Snow parks4
Rating by ski level
Beginners
7/10
Intermediates
10/10
Experts
8/10
Snowboarders
8/10
Rating by group type
Friends
7/10
Families
10/10
Couples
8/10
Transfer times to Les Arcs
Chambéry airport1 hr 50 min
Lyon airport2 hr 20 min
Grenoble airport2 hr 30 min
Geneva airport3 hr 30 min

Les Arcs skiing & snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding at Les Arcs is expansive and exciting. Whether you want to cruise on gentle blues, carve down long and sweeping runs in the morning sunshine, or duck into tree-lined trails - you can expect variety that keeps you exploring all week.

Les Arcs' lift system is efficient, and the grooming here is consistently top-tier. With 1,600m of vertical drop and terrain spanning five peaks, there's plenty of room to explore - and the link to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express doubles trail options when you fancy a change of scenery.

Skiing for beginners in Les Arcs

Les Arcs is an enjoyable ski resort for first-timers and beginners to ease onto the slopes and learn. There are dedicated nursery areas in each village, with gentle and uncrowded runs that are perfectly positioned so you're not in the way of more experienced skiers. 14 beginner-friendly runs throughout the resort give you plenty of variety without overwhelming you with choices.

Arc 1800's Mille 8 zone is particularly good for finding your legs - a gentle, enclosed area with its own facilities where you can build confidence without feeling rushed. The Villards area at Arc 1800 also offers easy greens served by slow chairlifts, while Plan Vert stays fairly quiet (and has a lovely mountain restaurant for a confidence-boosting lunch break!).

Once you're ready to explore, long green runs allow for natural progression. Most green runs connect seamlessly to the villages, so there's also no awkward flat walking at the end of the day, and you can practise skills right to your accommodation doorstep.

Intermediate skiing in Les Arcs

Intermediates tend to find a perfectly rewarding playground in Les Arcs. 48 intermediate runs account for the bulk of the terrain - kilometres of beautifully groomed blues and steeper reds that sweep across the mountain, with enough variety to ski and snowboard all week without repetition.

Runs from Col de la Chal down to Villaroger are particularly satisfying - long, scenic, and just challenging enough to feel rewarding. The run from Aiguille Rouge down to Villaroger is a particular highlight: 7km of continuous skiing with a 2,000m descent. If you want to open up even more opportunities, the Paradiski provides intermediates with extra runs and is perfect for a daytrip. The Vanoise Express cable car whisks you across in minutes, giving you access to 425km of linked terrain.

WeSki insider tip: The Arcabulle chairlift accesses some of the quietest intermediate terrain, with north-facing slopes that hold their condition all day.

Advanced and expert skiing in Les Arcs

Les Arcs's 41 advanced runs and 17 expert-level descents give experienced skiers and snowboarders plenty of serious terrain to work with. The resort's north-facing runs hold powder well after storms, and black runs here are genuinely challenging - with pitches that'll test your technique and reward good edge control. Plus, Les Arcs off-piste terrain is incredibly fun for those comfortable venturing out to freeride.

The Aiguille Rouge sector at 3,226m is a headliner for experienced skiers and boarders - a steep, sustained run that holds snow well into spring. Another similarly challenging slope includes the 7km descent from summit to Villaroger, which drops over 2,000m vertical - it boasts steep sections, variable snow, and a sense of alpine scale that's hard to match.

For guided off-piste, the terrain around Aiguille Rouge, the back bowls towards Villaroger, and Les Arc's Grand Col sector are all superb options. The steep faces above Arc 2000 build demanding moguls quickly, too. Whatever freeride adventure you decide on - guides are essential if you're unfamiliar with the area and want to find the hidden lines that stay untracked.

WeSki insider tip: The Robert Blanc black run from Aiguille Rouge is often quieter than the more famous Aiguille Rouge piste and offers similarly challenging terrain.

Snowboarding in Les Arcs

Les Arcs has strong snowboard credentials. The resort's well-maintained terrain and wide, open runs suits riding well - with enough pitch to avoid flat spots (always a relief when you're on a board) and natural hits scattered across the mountain to enjoy freeriding.

The Apocalypse snowpark at Arc 1800 offers jumps and rails for all levels of boarders. Its terrain is well-maintained and suits progression from beginner features through to more technical rides.

Off-piste skiing

Les Arcs' high altitude and north-facing aspects create excellent off-piste conditions and its connection to La Plagne opens up even more touring options. The Aiguille Rouge glacier offers accessible and extensive off-piste terrain opportunities. For those willing to hike, the Villaroger side has some hidden gems and proper descents.

Always hire a guide for your first ventures off-piste here - the terrain looks straightforward, but hides some serious hazards and requires avalanche awareness.

Les Arcs snow school and lessons

Ski schools operate across the Les Arcs villages, with ESF (the French ski school) having the largest presence. Independent programmes like Arc Adventures and Spirit 1950 run smaller groups and specialist instruction, such as off-piste courses.

English-speaking instructors are widely available across all of these schools. Group lessons are offered regularly and suit most abilities, while private lessons are great for those who want more bespoke instruction at the start, or want help mastering moguls and building off-piste confidence.

Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Les Arcs ski deals to get started.

Les Arcs snow parks

The Apocalypse Park at Arc 1800 is the resort's main freestyle zone, featuring rails, boxes, kickers, and a boardercross course. It's well-shaped throughout the season and offers lines for every level of ability. There's also a beginner-friendly zone for those learning their first tricks.

Les Arcs piste map

Les Arcs piste map
  1. Les Arcs family ski holiday
  2. Things to do in Les Arcs
  3. Planning your trip in Les Arcs
  4. How to get to Les Arcs
  5. Les Arcs FAQs

Les Arcs family ski holiday

For family ski holidays, Les Arcs is an excellent choice. It's really earned its reputation as a family-friendly resort - with ski-to-door convenience, dedicated children's learning areas, and a traffic-free centre that kids can safely explore.

Family-friendly accommodation is found around each of the main villages with easy lift access. Depending on your location, you can have gentle nursery slopes literally right at your doorstep. Childcare facilities at Les Arcs operate in each village, taking children from six months. Kids' ski school classes start as young as age three, the Cariboo children's areas provide enclosed, safe learning zones.

Each village at Les Arcs has its own character, so you can choose the kind of atmosphere that suits your family best. For rest days and off-slope entertainment the whole family can enjoy, Les Arcs' Mille 8 complex at Arc 1800 adds swimming, bowling, and soft play. There's also plenty of activities in and around the village, as well as a variety of kid-friendly restaurants for lunches or evenings out.

WeSki insider tip: The Milka zone at Arc 1800 is specifically designed for families learning together, with gentle gradients and fun features that make practice enjoyable.

Things to do in Les Arcs

Les Arcs offers plenty to fill your days and evenings when you're not on the pistes. Whether you need a break from the slopes or are with non-skiers, and whether you're after adrenaline or relaxation - there's activities and facilities here that'll suit just about every visitor and every mood.

Snow activities

The resort's varied terrain and modern facilities create opportunities for adventure. Les Arcs' high-altitude setting is not just stunning - it also adds activity options you may not find at lower resorts.

Here are some ideas for fun in the snow beyond traditional skiing and snowboarding:

  • Snowshoeing: Guided treks through the forests above Arc 2000 and along panoramic ridgelines with stunning Mont Blanc views.
  • Dog sledding: Husky-pulled excursions wind through the snow-covered forest above Arc 2000.
  • Ice climbing: Scale frozen waterfalls near Peisey-Vallandry with specialist guides.
  • Paragliding: Tandem flights launch from near the Aiguille Rouge summit at 3,226m, soaring over the Paradiski ski area with qualified pilots - a genuinely breathtaking perspective on the mountains.
  • Speed riding: Combine skiing with a small paraglider wing for an adrenaline-fuelled descent.
  • Tobogganing: The 900m luge run at Arc 1800 is one of the longest in the Alps - equipment provided, and the floodlit evening sessions add extra atmosphere.
  • Night sledging: Dedicated evening runs with all equipment provided - a fun alternative to après-ski drinks and perfect for families or groups.
  • Fat biking: Explore dedicated snow trails on wide-tyred bikes - guided tours take you through the forest with e-bike options available for easier pedalling.
  • Snake gliss: Link up with friends on connected sleds for a group toboggan descent down dedicated runs.
  • Winter walks: Cleared walking paths connect the villages and wind through the forest.
  • Cross-country skiing: 43km of groomed Nordic trails wind through the Tarentaise valley, with circuits suitable for beginners and experienced skaters alike.

Non-snow activities

Rest days and non-skiers are well catered for in Les Arcs:

  • Deep Nature Spa: Arc 1950's luxurious wellness centre features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a full menu of treatments.
  • Mille8 aquatic centre: Arc 1800's family-friendly water park includes slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and dedicated wellness zone with saunas and jacuzzis.
  • Cinema: Arc 1800's cinema screens films in English throughout the season.
  • Vanoise Express: Even non-skiers can ride the double-decker cable car linking Les Arcs to La Plagne - the views across the valley are spectacular and there's a restaurant at the top.
  • Ice skating: The open-air rink at Arc 1800 offers public sessions and skate hire - a fun activity for families and surprisingly good exercise.
  • Shopping: Arc 1950's pedestrianised village has boutiques, ski shops, and gourmet food stores worth browsing.
  • Fitness centres: Several hotels offer gym facilities and fitness classes, with some allowing day passes for non-guests.
  • Bowling: Arc 1800 has a bowling alley that's popular with families and groups on rest days or after the lifts close.
  • Escape rooms: Test your problem-solving skills at the escape room in Arc 1800.
  • Library and games room: Arc 1800's community spaces offer books, board games, and a quiet spot to relax.

Les Arcs restaurants

The restaurant scene in Les Arcs gives visitors a wide range of dining options, whether you want hearty mountain restaurants, sunny lunch stops, or a French cuisine experience. Your choices tend to vary by village - for example, Arc 1950 is known for its more refined choices, while Arc 1800 and Arc 1600 have more casual, family-friendly options. Here are some spots worth booking:

  • Chalet de l'Arc: Authentic Savoyard cuisine with stunning panoramic views, serving excellent tartiflette and fondue.
  • Le 2100: Fine dining at Arc 2000 with refined, creative mountain-inspired dishes.
  • La Table des Lys: Elegant modern French cooking at Arc 1950's luxurious Taj-I Mah hotel.
  • Les Belles Pintes: Popular spot for pizza, burgers, and a lively atmosphere.
  • La Ferme de Rosuel: Beautifully converted farmhouse serving hearty traditional Savoyard specialities.
  • La Marmite: Traditional fondue and raclette in a warm, rustic Arc 1800 setting.
  • Mountain Café: Relaxed burgers and pizzas in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Hemingway: Cosy alpine bistro at Arc 1950 with excellent steaks and wine selection.
  • Chez Boubou: On-mountain restaurant with panoramic terrace and excellent daily plats du jour.
  • Le Sanglier qui Fume: Arc 1800 favourite for rich game dishes and authentic mountain character.

Les Arcs après-ski

Les Arcs après-ski is relaxed rather than raucous, and more family-friendly than party focused. Arc 1800 has the most going on, with a lively scene of bars that fill up from 4pm as the lifts start to close. Arc 1950 offers a more sophisticated scene, with wine bars and cocktail lounges that suit couples and groups wanting something less hectic.

The atmosphere is friendly and international - you'll always find company if you want it. Les Arcs suits those who want a sociable drink after skiing without feeling pressure to party until dawn. But for those seeking proper nightlife, the clubs pick up from around 11pm and stay open late.

Here are some standout après spots to enjoy at Les Arcs:

  • O'Chaud: Arc 1800's main après destination with sunny terrace, DJ, and big party atmosphere.
  • Red Hot Saloon: Wild West–themed bar with live music, dancing, and high-energy nights.
  • Chez Jeannot: Slopeside bar perfect for catching the last of the afternoon sun.
  • Le Jungle Café: Arc 1950's go-to for creative cocktails and chilled, stylish vibes.
  • La Folie Douce Arc 1800: Iconic on-mountain après with live performers, DJs, and dancing tables.
  • Le Before: Lively Arc 1800 bar for pre-dinner drinks and sociable après atmosphere.
  • B.K. Park Café: Friendly slopeside stop known for sunset drinks and upbeat après sessions.
  • L'Apocalypse: Legendary late-night club keeping the energy high until 4am.
  • Café 1950: Relaxed Arc 1950 wine bar with excellent cheese boards and cosy seating.

Les Arcs map

Les Arcs map

Planning your trip in Les Arcs

Les Arcs accommodation

Les Arcs accommodation spreads across four distinct villages, and each has something unique to offer. Most accommodation apartments, ranging from simple studios to spacious family units. The ski-to-door design works well across all villages, and in most cases you can ski to and from your accommodation in most cases.

Arc 1950 is the newest village - car-free, purpose-built and attractive, and upmarket with luxury slope-side apartments and boutique hotels. Arc 1800 is the largest and liveliest, with the best selection of shops, facilities, restaurants and nightlife. Arc 2000 sits highest with direct Aiguille Rouge access, and suits serious skiers and snowboards best. Arc 1600 has a local village feel, and is the smallest and quietest base, connected by funicular to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

Les Arcs lift pass

Ski pass options in Les Arcs cater to different ambitions. The standard Les Arcs pass covers the 52 lifts and 200km of pistes across all four villages - plenty for most visitors. Upgrading to the Paradiski pass adds La Plagne, giving you access to 425km of linked terrain via the Vanoise Express cable car. This makes sense for confident skiers wanting maximum variety.

You can choose your lift pass options when booking your Les Arcs ski holiday through WeSki - we'll make sure you have the right pass ready for your arrival.

Equipment rental

Equipment hire shops operate throughout Les Arcs, with the largest selection at Arc 1800. Standard packages include skis or snowboard, boots, and poles, and premium equipment is available for those wanting the latest gear. Most shops offer boot fitting adjustments throughout your stay if anything feels off. Collection is typically available from 4pm the day before your skiing starts, giving you time to sort any issues.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Les Arcs, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Les Arcs ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Les Arcs

Getting around Les Arcs is straightforward once you understand the layout. The ski-to-door design means you can often ski between villages rather than using road transport, and individual villages are compact and walkable.

Free shuttle buses connect all four villages throughout the day, running every 15-20 minutes during peak hours and evening buses running until around 8pm. The funicular links Arc 1600 to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in 7 minutes - which is handy for accessing the train station or exploring the town. Taxis are available but need booking ahead, especially at weekends.

WeSki insider tip: Download the Les Arcs app for real-time shuttle schedules, it's really useful and works offline.

How to get to Les Arcs

Les Arcs is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Geneva Airport is the nearest major hub at approximately 180km, with Chambéry (125km) and Lyon (200km) as alternatives, and Grenoble (190km) offering seasonal options.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station sits at the base of the funicular to Arc 1600, with EuroStar stops, TGV connections from Paris, and regular services from other French cities. The funicular ride up to the resort takes just 7 minutes - a memorable way to arrive. Driving from Calais takes around 8 hours via the French motorway network.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Les Arcs. Add them to your Les Arcs ski package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Les Arcs FAQs

Is Les Arcs good for beginners?

Yes, Les Arcs works well for beginners. The nursery slopes at Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are gentle and well-maintained, with magic carpet lifts making first-time skiing straightforward. There are 14 green runs and plenty of wide blue runs to progress onto once you've found your confidence. The ESF ski schools have English-speaking instructors, and the terrain is forgiving - no narrow paths or scary surprises on the main beginner routes.

How reliable is the snow in Les Arcs?

Les Arcs has excellent snow reliability thanks to its high altitude - the slopes reach 3,226m and the villages sit between 1,600m and 2,000m. The season typically runs from mid-December through late April, with the Aiguille Rouge glacier holding snow well into spring. North-facing aspects mean the snow stays in good condition even when temperatures rise. Snowmaking covers key runs lower down as backup during leaner years.

How are the queues in Les Arcs?

Queues in Les Arcs are generally manageable, helped by efficient modern lifts and the resort's spread-out layout. The Vanoise Express and main gondolas from Arc 1800 can get busy first thing and after lunch, but rarely more than 10-15 minutes. The secret is heading to the higher lifts at Aiguille Rouge or the Arpette sector, where crowds thin out quickly. School holiday weeks are busiest, particularly French February half-term.

Which Les Arcs village should I stay in?

It depends what you're after. Arc 1800 has the most going on - shops, restaurants, nightlife, and the best lift connections. Arc 1950 is newer and more upmarket, with ski-in/ski-out apartments and a boutique village feel. Arc 2000 suits keen skiers wanting quick access to the highest terrain. Arc 1600 is quieter and connects via funicular to Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a more traditional alpine town experience. Families often prefer Arc 1800 or Arc 1950 for convenience.

Is Les Arcs expensive compared to other French resorts?

Les Arcs sits in the mid-range for French ski resorts - cheaper than Val d'Isère and Courchevel, but pricier than smaller resorts like La Rosière or Les Menuires. Arc 1950 tends towards the higher end, while Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 offer more budget-friendly options. Self-catering apartments help control costs, and there are plenty of casual restaurants alongside the fine dining. Lift passes are competitively priced for the terrain you get access to.

Can I ski to La Plagne from Les Arcs?

Yes - the Vanoise Express cable car connects Les Arcs to La Plagne in about 4 minutes, creating the 425km Paradiski ski area. You'll need a Paradiski lift pass rather than a standard Les Arcs pass to use the link. The connection is worth making for a change of scenery and different terrain, though most skiers find plenty to explore within Les Arcs itself for a week-long trip.

What's the best way to get to Les Arcs from the UK?

Flying to Geneva and transferring is the most popular option. The Eurostar is a comfortable alternative - the ski train runs directly to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on Saturdays during the season, with the funicular taking you straight up to Arc 1600. Driving from Calais takes approximately 8 hours but gives you flexibility and saves on baggage fees if you're bringing your own equipment.

How long is the Aiguille Rouge descent?

The full descent from the Aiguille Rouge summit (3,226m) to Villaroger (1,200m) covers 7km and drops over 2,000m vertical - one of the longest lift-served descents in Europe. It's a proper leg-burner that takes strong intermediates 20-30 minutes of continuous skiing. The views of Mont Blanc from the summit are spectacular.

What's the nightlife like in Les Arcs?

Les Arcs nightlife is relaxed rather than intense. Arc 1800 has the liveliest scene with a handful of bars, but don't expect the party atmosphere of Val Thorens. It suits families and those wanting sociable après-ski without pressure to stay out late. Arc 1950 offers more sophisticated wine bars and restaurant-focused evenings.

Explore other resorts in France

Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies

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