With tree-lined pistes, an iconic alpine glacier, and the vast Paradiski area on its doorstep, Les Arcs has plenty to shout about. But what’s it really like to live and ski here season after season? We asked a few long-term Skiworlders who have lived and worked in the area to share their best tips, hidden gems and favourite spots.
Meet Our Insiders
PK – With over 20 years of ski seasons under his belt (14 of them in Les Arcs), PK knows the resort inside out. He loves the Vallandry area and swears by Chalet Anne in Arc 1800 as one of the best chalets to stay in.
Paddy – A Paradiski veteran with ten winters in the area, Paddy has split his time between La Plagne and Les Arcs. He’s a fan of long, leg-burning descents and lively après at Folie Douce.
Rebecca – Seven seasons strong, Rebecca is all about Villaroger’s quiet runs and the thrill of Les Arcs’ Tyrolienne zipline. She recommends Chalet Arnaud for cosy comfort close to the slopes.
Anne – Based between Peisey and Arc 1800, Anne has spent eight winters skiing Les Arcs several times a week. She loves the variety of terrain, scenic ski touring routes, and hidden corners of 1600 and Vallandry.
Favourite Runs in Les Arcs
If you only have a week in resort, here’s where the locals say you should make tracks:
- Aiguille Rouge to Villaroger – a 7km leg-burner dropping from glacier views at 3,226m all the way down into the forested village below. A must-do on a clear morning.
- Peisey-Vallandry sector – wide, tree-lined pistes such as Myrtilles and Morey are loved by locals for their rolling rhythm and quieter slopes.
- Arc 1600 – often overlooked, but its sheltered red and blue runs hold snow beautifully and can stay fresh long after a storm.
Building Confidence on the Slopes
Whether you’re new to skiing or just getting your legs back, Les Arcs has plenty of confidence-boosting terrain:
- The gentle blues from the Arcabulle and Transarc lifts in Arc 2000 are perfect warm-ups.
- The Peisey area has broad greens, blues and reds with space to practise.
- The Pierre Blanche run near Arc 1600 is a scenic blue that flows easily back towards resort.
Carving hero turns on a blue run in Les Arcs
Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten Track
Les Arcs is full of surprises if you know where to look:
- Les Trois Saveurs Café above the Peisey lift – unbeatable views with a hot apple and cinnamon in hand.
- The Combe run to Peisey – best tackled after fresh snow on the sunny side of the mountain.
- The slow Clocheret chair near Arc 1600 – worth the ride for quiet, well-kept pistes back to Arc 1600, 1800 and 2000.
- For early risers: lift-served powder stashes around Arc 2000 before everyone else finds them.
Relaxing on an alpine café terrace with mountain views
Après-Ski and Beyond
When it’s time to unclip the skis, our experts have a few favourite haunts:
- Folie Douce in Arc 1800 – DJs, dancing and the liveliest après in resort.
- Arcus Café in Arc 1800 – artisan coffee and fresh food in a relaxed pedestrian setting.
- Enfants Terribles (Vallandry) – a stylish spot for a hot chocolate or something stronger.
Off the slopes, Les Arcs offers winter thrills like the zipline (Tyrolienne), the Mario Kart-style toboggan run in Arc 2000, scenic winter walking trails, and even cross-country skiing in the Rosuel valley.
Views You’ll Never Forget
From dramatic panoramas to secret picnic spots, Les Arcs is full of vantage points:
- Aiguille Rouge viewing platform – the highest point in the resort with sweeping views over Mont Blanc.
- Deux Têtes lookout (Combourcière lift) – a hidden terrace with unbeatable valley views.
- Top of the Carreley chair in Arc 1800 – home to the iconic Les Arcs sign and a picnic area.
- Bottom deck of the Vanoise Express – gaze straight down into the deep valley between Les Arcs and La Plagne.
View from the Aiguille Rouge platform looking towards Mont Blanc
Chalets Our Team Loves
Our insiders couldn’t resist picking a few favourite chalets:
- Chalet Anne (Arc 1800) – a traditional yet modernised standalone chalet.
- Chalet Solomia (Arc 2000) – ski-in/ski-out with wellness facilities for post-ski relaxation.
- Chalet Arnaud (Arc 1800) – cosy, piste-side and perfect for small groups of friends.
‘Chocolate-box’ Chalet Anne interior in Arc 1800
Why Les Arcs Stands Out
Each of our experts agreed – Les Arcs has a character all its own. It’s welcoming, down-to-earth, and quietly confident, offering world-class skiing without the pretence.
From legendary friendliness to the sheer variety of terrain – high glaciers, deep forests, long runs and a direct link to La Plagne – Les Arcs delivers an experience that first-timers and seasoned skiers alike fall in love with.
Skiing tree-lined powder pistes in Les Arcs
Places We’ve Mentioned
- Arcus Café
- Les Trois Saveurs restaurant
- l’Arpette restaurant and party lounge
- La Folie Douce, Les Arcs
- Enfants Terribles
- Cross-Country Skiing in Peisey-Vallandry
Both Paddy & Rebecca made special mentions of the runs in Villaroger – traditionally a quiet corner of the ski area because it used to take three old chairlifts to get back up. From Winter 2025-26, this will change with the opening of a brand-new Villaroger gondola, replacing the first two chairs and making the sector far more accessible. Read more about the project here.
If Les Arcs Were a Person, What Would They Be Like?
Ready to explore Les Arcs for yourself? Browse our Les Arcs ski holidays and discover the perfect chalet for your next adventure.
Like many people here, Ryan is happiest in the mountains – skiing is his greatest passion. Lucky enough to have skied in over 30 resorts in Europe, Canada and the USA, he loves nothing more than travelling and discovering new mountains to explore on his telemark skis. Bring on the next bluebird powder day!
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