Les Arcs - France
The opening of the Vanoise Express cablecar a few years ago, and the creation of Paradiski, has breathed new life into the area and the latest development is at Arc 1950 where yet more apartments are being added by Canadian developer Intrawest. The resort of Les Arcs (Lay zaarc) is actually made up of seven different villages, each with their own unique characteristics, but the links are very effective with free shuttle buses running between them. Non-skiers will find more life off the slopes here than in many purpose built resorts.
Les Arcs boasts an impressive lift network that suffers very few bottlenecks, and a logical well-signed ski area. The resort has always been at the forefront of ski teaching (for example the short ski or ‘Evolutif’ instruction method was born here), and is also home to the famous ‘flying kilometre’ speed run. Access via the snow train to Bourg St Maurice is a great option, with a funicular from Bourg direct to Arc 1600 taking just 7 minutes.
At a glance
| Resort altitude | 1600m - 2120m |
|---|---|
| Highest lift | 3225m |
| Lowest lift | 1200m |
| kms of piste | 200km² |
| Black pistes | 18% |
| Red pistes | 30% |
| Blue pistes | 51% |
| Green pistes | 1% |
| Snow parks | 1 |
| Glacier | Yes |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
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Five to try
- try ski-joering (being horse-drawn on skis)
- discover the spectacular baroque church of Saint Pierre
- visit the ice caves on the Col de la Chal
- have a mobile massage – they’ll come straight to you!
- having a go at snow shoeing
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Planning your trip
Chambery is the closest airport to Les Arcs, but facilities are limited and it can get very crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. Grenoble airport is also close and probably the best compromise for short transfers and it doesn't get too crowded. Geneva airport has the best all round facilities and choice of more...
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Where to stay
Accommodation in the seven main villages varies quite widely, and your choice of village is very much dependent on what type of accommodation you want, and what kind of priorities you have. If you want to take full advantage of the Paradiski ski area, the best place to stay in Les Arcs is Plan Peisey, which is the more...
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Food and drink
All of the villages that make up Les Arcs have their own selection of bars and restaurants, but Arc 1800 is undoubtedly the best in terms of apres ski action. As transport links are so good though, you needn’t be restricted by where you are staying. Buses will take you quickly between villages and the funicular from more...
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Things to do
Activities away from the piste are well catered for in Les Arcs. Whether you want to entertain the kids, relax after a hard day's skiing, or simply do something different, there is plenty more...
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On the piste
The ski area ranges from 1200m to an impressive 3200m so there is normally good snow coverage from December until early May. Les Arcs alone has 54 ski lifts and 200km of piste, with these numbers rising to 143 lifts and 425km for the Paradiski area. Beginners will find well-conceived debutante areas in each of more...
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MadDogView
Concentrate on the slopes, as the various villages are a bit charmless. A good resort for intermediate/advanced mixed groups and the link to La Plagne gives even more choice.
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Map
- Download piste map
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Our favourites
l'Ancolie
An intmate restaurant in Peisey Nancroix serving up rustic French fare such as their house speciality of assorted terrines ranging from pork and hazelnut to hare and blueberry for entree. Main courses include sea bass (€17) or lamb (€18). For value for money, go for the three course menu for €35 which gives you the option of the terrines to start, dishes such as wild boar in a chocolate spiced sauce for main and a homemade dessert such as chocolate fondant. -
Useful stuff
