Dynamic, diverse and renowned for its bold mountain architecture, Les Arcs offers a fresh, modern take on alpine luxury. Situated within the far reaching Paradiski region, it appeals to skiers who love mileage, variety and high altitude snow security. Luxury ski holidays in Les Arcs promise everything from stylish après ski terraces to dramatic alpine vistas and seamless ski in/ski out access. The four villages that constitute the resort all embody distinct personalities, from the peaceful charm of Arc 1950 to the lively energy of Arc 1800. The luxury chalets in Les Arcs combine contemporary design with premium amenities. Most of our hand picked Les Arcs portfolio boast ski in/ski out addresses and various spa facilities, from hot tubs, to gym facilities. For a ski holiday with a modern twist, skiing convenience, and snow reliability, Les Arcs is a standout destination.
Where to Stay in Les Arcs
Arc 1600 is still the most compact village and, for many die-hards, it is regarded as the friendliest place to stay. Arc 1800 is the largest, liveliest and most cosmopolitan and is divided into four sub-villages of Le Charvet, Le Chantel, Les Villards and Charmettoger. Arc 2000 sits in its own secluded bowl at the foot of the Aiguille Rouge (3,226m), close to much of the best skiing. Just below Arc 2000 is the new Arc 1950, to which it is linked by lift for skiers and foot passengers.
Skiing in Les Arcs and the Paradiski Area
The 200km of pistes open to skiers in the Les Arcs area alone offer a tremendous variety of skiing. The resort has a wealth of long, smooth runs that start way above the tree-line and progress down through the woods to outlying villages linked by lift, such as Le Pré and Villaroger. A classic of this genre is the 7km Aiguille Rouge black run from the resort's highest point down to Villaroger, a vertical drop of more than 2,000m.
The greatest concentration of lifts, slopes and skiers is above Arc 1800, where wide, smooth cruising runs attract intermediates and families. There are more reds and blues on the way down to the outpost villages of Plan-Peisey and Vallandry, near the Vanoise Express link to La Plagne ski resort.
For beginners, there are nursery slopes above all the villages, with the most extensive at 1800. Les Arcs pioneered ski évolutif, an easy means of learning, in which you start on short skis and progress to longer ones as your technique and confidence improve. The resort has also long led the way in les nouvelles glisses – alternative ways of sliding down mountains – and is an important centre for snowboarding. There is an excellent terrain park between Arc 1800 and Arc 1600, incorporating seven jumps, a half-pipe and a boardercross course. Another claim to fame for this resort is its Olympic speed-skiing track on the face of the Aiguille Rouge. The track can be tested by members of the public, starting at various heights according to experience and sheer pluck.
Paradiski is made up of Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne, a large interconnected ski area stretching over 425km of pistes. The 200-passenger double-decker Vanoise Express cable-car across the Ponturin gorge has created a joint ski area so vast that even an accomplished skier is hard put to travel from one end to the other and back in a single day.
In fresh snow conditions, Les Arcs' most exhilarating and steepest powder skiing is below the Aiguille Rouge. There is also decent off-piste in the bowl beneath the Crête de l'Homme, behind the Aiguille Grive and Aiguille Rouge on the south-western edge of the Arc 1800 ski area. However, the accessibility of La Plagne via the Vanoise Express opens up some truly outstanding powder skiing. In terms of safety and finding the best terrain, it really does pay to hire a guide for all off-piste ventures.
Wining and Dining during your Ski Holiday
For all-night revellers and seekers of chic après-ski venues, Les Arcs has little to compete with the likes of Val d'Isère or Courchevel 1850 even though it does have several lively bars and nightspots, such as the K.L.92 and Apocalypse nightclubs, the Golf bar and Le Benji Bar.
In Arc 2000, El Latino Local bar draws a crowd from when the lifts close until the wee hours – the alternatives being the Crazy Fox pub. Arc 1600 is more muted, with activity centred on the Arcelle disco. Arc 1950 is quieter still, although Chalet De Luigi Bar is a welcome addition.
