Overview of Les Arcs
Les Arcs forms part of the Paradiski ski area which also includes La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry. Lovers of Les Arcs may have many superlatives to describe it, but one that everyone will agree on is definitely 'unique'. This applies to everything from the unique design of the four high-altitude villages, Arcs 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000, to the resort's eco-credentials. These include a funicular linking Arc 1600 to the town of Bourg Saint Maurice at the bottom of the mountain.
Described as a 'time-capsule of imaginative Modernist Seventies architecture', Les Arcs accommodation includes sloping corridors, staggered balconies and buildings that curve in sympathy with the mountains. Arc 1950, built only a few years ago by American company Intrawest, has been described as an alpine Disneyland. Overall, it offer great access to the skiing pretty much wherever you are staying.
Les Arcs skiing too is pretty unique for its unusually well-proportioned mix of slopes and varied terrain, plus it's easy to reach off-piste, making it a perfect option for a mixed ability group ski holiday. If you're after nightlife, Arc 1800 bucks the trend with plenty of parties to choose from, but you will also find a good choice of bars in all the villages.
3 Things We Love About Les Arcs
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Extensive skiing - One half of the vast Paradiski area, with 425km of piste linked by the fast Vanoise Express chairlift.
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Almost unrivalled variety of runs- Known for everything from wooded beginner runs to high-altitude skiing, variety is the key to the enduring popularity of Les Arcs.
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Good option for freeskiers and snowboarders - With its large park, with plenty of jumps and rails.
Skiing and Boarding in Les Arcs
Everyone from beginners to free-riders sing the praises of Les Arcs. The quality of the pistes, as well as the snow and lift system, are hard to beat.
Les Arcs forms part of the Paradiski ski area which also includes La Plagne, Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger. On its own, Les Arcs is made up of 116 pistes: 52 blue pistes, 38 red pistes, 14 green pistes, and 19 black pistes, all linked by 52 ski lifts. With a Paradiski lift pass you also have access to another 133 pistes in La Plagne.
The local area pass is ideal for beginners as it covers a huge range of terrain and provides ample area to explore. Intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the complete freedom over the entire area offered by the full area pass.
Beginner
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In Arc 1800, take the Villards gondola up to access the beginner area which has a rope lift and a gentle green run back to the centre of 1800
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In Arc 2000 there are two free magic carpets: one by the top of the Cariolet lift which is perfect for absolute beginners, and the other is near the Le Savoy restaurant.
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In Arc 1800, there are nice and easy short runs around the Dahu lift.
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The Vallée de L’Arc, which runs underneath the Pre St Esprit chairlift in Arc 2000, provides a nice long gradual blue run to practice turns.
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The Peisey-Vallandry area is also excellent for beginners. From the tops of the Grizzly and Peisey chairlifts, there are wide, gentle pistes to practise on. There are also gentle tracks which wind through the forest (La Foret, Barmont and Plan Bois) back down to Peisey and Vallandry.
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Turn right then right again from the top of the Derby chair lift and you'll find a gentle blue run, La Traversee, which goes all the way to Arc 1600. This run is especially quiet in the section between 1800 and 1600, but be aware it's often closed towards the end of the season. It is also quite flat so not great for snowboarders.
Intermediate
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Head over to Vallandry where there is a good selection of blues and reds, a great area for really stepping up your abilities.
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Also find some nice reds around Arc 1800: two favourites include Froide Fontaine and Carreley.
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In Arc 2000, take the Lanchettes chairlift and enjoy a nice long route with a mixture of blues and reds all the way down to Villaroger at 1200 metres.
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From the top of the Comborciere chairlift in Arc 2000, you'll find a choice between a red and a blue run which go down into Arc 1600. These are both quite nice and quiet runs in between the trees.
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From Arc 1800, take the Transarc gondolas all the way to the top station and the enjoy the long ski down the Grand Renard, Reches, and Renard runs all the way down into Vallandry.
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Head to Peisey Vallandry for a great selection of blues and reds. The top sections of the Morey and Myrtilles runs are especially rewarding.
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If you're feeling fed up with lift queues, head instead to the Charmettoger chairlift in 1800. This lift might be slow, but this means it is generally not so busy. There are some wide blues and reds off the top of this lift in the area between Vallandry and 1800.
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Again quite a slow lift, but the Clocheret lift in 1600, just beneath the Arpettes bar, gives you access to a quieter area of the resort, with wide open blue and red runs.
Advanced/Off Piste
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For a bit of adrenaline, have a go on the steepest run in resort, the Robert Blanc, a challenging and bumpy black run accessed from the Aiguille Rouge gondola in Arc 2000. This is the longest and considered the most technically challenging mogul run in the Paradiski area.
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For one long run, do the 7km Aiguille Rouge run from the top of the Aiguille Rouge cable car in Arc 2000 down to Villaroger. This starts off as a black run and then changes to a red run further down.
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For some great off-piste skiing, find deep powder in the open bowl left of the Transarc cable cars in Arc 1800.
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Explore the Grand Col off-piste playground accessible from the Grand Col chairlift.
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Accessible from the top of the Vagere chairlift in Arc 1800, find nice off-piste areas to the side of the Golf and Vagere red runs.
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For some great tree skiing, head up the Derby chairlift between Arc 1800 and Vallandry and explore the forest underneath.
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If you hike up above the top of the Transarc gondola in 1800 you can access some great off piste that drops down to the top of the Grizzly chairlift above Vallandry.
Park
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Have a go in the Apocalipse Snowpark (located between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 and accessed from the Arpette chairlift). This park is always adapting and having new features introduced.
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Head over to La Plagne for another good snowpark.
Additional Tips
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For a nice long run, head to the top of the Carreley/Bois de L'Ours/Arpette chairlifts and head all the way down to Peisey-Vallandry.
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Head to some of the sunny picnic spots in resort: at the top of the Transarc gondola in 1800, at the top of the Comborciere chairlift in Arc 1950, at the top of the 2300 chairlift in Peisey-Vallandry, and at the mid section between Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 next to the big Les Arcs sign (take lifts Carreley, Arpette, or Bois De L'Ours). This last picnic spot is very popular so can get quite busy.
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Villaroger is often a nice a quiet area to explore. There will be a new gondola the Winter 25-26 season so travel back and forth should be much easier.
When skiing or snowboarding in any un-patrolled / un-pisted area, you should always have the correct equipment and employ the services of a qualified mountain guide. Skiing or snowboarding off-piste can result in injury or death even with a professional mountain guide or instructor. Our partner ski schools in Les Arcs, Evolution 2 and New Generation, offer off-piste lessons and guiding.
Activities in Les Arcs
Les Arcs benefits from an array of leisure options away from the skiing. Here are some fantastic possibilities.
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Helicopter rides - Take to the skies for a bird's-eye view of the Paradiski area.
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Igloo Village - Located in Arc 2000 and complete with an ice bar, restaurant, and even overnight accommodation options.
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Bowling - There are bowling alleys in both 1800 and 2000. Arc 1800: Arc 2000:
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Tobogganing - There are sledge specific pistes cut out in both Arc 1800 and Arc 2000, with the Arc 2000 route offering a whole 3km descent. Receive a discount with a full area lift pass. Arc 1800: Arc 2000:
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Tobogganing night adventure - A 4km tobogganing night time ascent, preceded by either just a aperitif or an evening meal as well.
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Dog Sledging - Explore the breathtaking mountain scenery in true Alpine style on a dog sledging tour of Les Arcs.
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Swimming Pool - Located in 1800, the centre features a covered swimming pool with massage jets, whirlpools, bathing massage beds, and water slides for children. With a full area lift pass you get one free entry. There is also a gym as well as saunas and steam rooms.
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Laser rifle shooting - Test your focus and precision with this activity, located at the Transarc midstation. With a full area lift pass you get one free go.
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Yooner Discovery - A modern style sledge which is like a seat on a single ski - if you can hold your balance you can get some real speed! Offered 1 day per week in Arc 1800 with a discount available if you have full area lift pass.
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Ski Touring Discovery - Guiding offered 1 day per week in Arc 1800, try out the amazing sport of ski touring, where you hike up the mountain on a special type of ski in walk mode.
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Zipline - A unique experience not for the faint-hearted. From the top of the Varet summit, hurtle down a 1.8km wire at over 130km/h! Receive a discount with a full area lift pass.
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Paragliding - Take to the skies and see Les Arcs from a whole new angle.
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Free light and sound show - Find this magical experience at the top of the Varey gondola - it's free, just go in!
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Cross-country skiing - Something different and a great day out. You can take the free bus from Arc 1800 to Peisey, the lift down to Peisey Village, and then a free bus up to Peisey Nancroix where you'll find a vast cross-country arena amongst the trees. A full area lift pass includes 1 day's rental of cross-country skis plus a pass.
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Visit Bourg Saint Maurice - The Les Arcs funicular offers quick and easy access to Bourg Saint Maurice, a sweet mountain town at the bottom of the valley with plenty of shops, markets, and restaurants to explore.
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Head to La Plagne for even more activities!
Après Ski in Les Arcs
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L'Arpette - An apres-ski bar on the mountain in Arc 1800 with great prices, a live DJ and tables to dance on. What better way to finish your day of skiing!
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La Folie Douce - No introduction needed. The famous venue for anyone after an afternoon of classic après. Located in Arc 1800.
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Red Rock Café - A more chilled bar in Arc 2000, serving yummy cocktails on a nice sunny terrace.
Places to eat in Les Arcs
As in all ski resorts, especially in peak season (or when heavy snow brings everyone on the mountain!) it is best to book your restaurant in advance.
On the mountain
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Village Igloo - Enjoy a unique experience eating fondue inside an igloo and sitting on benches made out of snow. Located in Arc 2000.
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L'Arpette - Not only a fun apres bar, L'Arpette is a great restaurant too with a big variety of choices on the menu. Located in Arc 1800.
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Le 2134 - A rooftop restaurant serving traditional Savoyard dishes. Located in Arc 2000.
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La Folie Douce - Not just known for offering some of the greatest parties on the mountain, La Folie Douce's restaurant is also highly rated. Located in Arc 1800.
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Les 3 Saveurs - Located right on the edge of the Peisey ski area overlooking the Nancroix valley and La Plagne. Take either the Grizzly chairlift from Vallandry or the 2100 chairlift from mid-level Peisey. Best on a sunny day as most the seating is outside.
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Aux Enfants Terribles - Buffet style restaurant at the top of the Vallandry bubble. Great place to soak in the sunshine. Indoor seating too.
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Le Sanglier qui Fume - Slope-side restaurant in Arcs 1600 specialising in smoked meats.
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Le Mont Blanc - Located in Vallandry next to the Grizzly chairlift, this restaurant bar offers tasty pub grub and pizzas as well as live music.
In town
Arc 1800
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Le Dream Spot - It's all about the cheese here. Perfect for affordable classics such as fondue and raclette in a warm alpine atmosphere.
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L'Entrepot'es - Offering both indoor and outdoor terrace dining, this restaurant serves yummy tapas and traditional Savoyard dishes.
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La Marmite - A cosy restaurant with a great sun terrace, serving homemade Savoyard favourites.
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Arcus café - Great spot for a light lunch (or brunch), and also do really good coffee.
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La Popote - Perfect spot for a lunchtime burger in the sun. Outdoor seating only.
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Mamie Crêpe - Traditional crêperie. They do galettes, salad, fondue, and ice cream too.
Arc 1950 & 2000 (remember it is very easy to get to between both these villages using the pedestrian lift or the free shuttle bus)
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La Vache Rouge - Plenty of choice on the menu, including seafood, burgers, pasta and more.
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Le Chalet du Luigi - Italian-style cuisine with fresh tasty pizza featuring on the menu.
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La Bohème Arc - A friendly restaurant with a nice varied menu. Reservations can be made on their website.
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Monkey Coffee - Well priced and easy going food. Happy hour on drinks between 4-7pm.
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Red Rock Café - Offering more of a laid-back dining atmosphere, their menu includes pizzas, pastas, and burgers.
Family Features Les Arcs
Please also see the 'Activities' and 'Ski Schools' sections for a wealth of non-skiing and skiing options for families.
Depending on the age of your child, there are a few childcare options available in Les Arcs.
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Le mini Club Les Skimômes - Childcare centre for children from age 3 to 8 years, run by ESF.
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Yeti Club - Kids club and kindergarden for children from age 3 to 11 years, run by Evolution 2.
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Halte Garderie 2000 - Kindergarden for children from age 14 months to 6 years.
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Little Kids - Private babysitting service.
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Mamie Nounou - Private babysitting service.
