Nestled in the core of the Alps and overlooking Mont-Blanc, Les Arcs stands out among French ski resorts with its five charming villages: Arc 2000, Arc 1950, Arc 1800, Arc 1600, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. As an integral part of the Paradiski area, offering access to 425 km of marked pistes, Les Arcs is a versatile, family-friendly resort catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
We've created this guide to make planning your Les Arcs ski holiday a breeze. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or unwind after skiing. At the end, we've also included downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
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Les Arcs is a ski resort located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. It is part of the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice and is situated near the border with Italy.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Diverse skiing terrain with the benefit of accessing the expansive Paradiski region boasting 425km of trails | Some central slopes can become crowded, especially around the Arc 2000 area |
| Highly suitable for families and novices, with Arc 1800 being especially recommended | While the nightlife is generally subdued, L'Arpette stands out as a notable spot |
| Offers superb forested trails, which are perfect for days with adverse weather conditions | The most challenging slopes at higher altitudes tend to shut down during poor weather |
| Distinctive character across each resort village, coupled with an array of affordable lodging options | The majority of available stays are self-serviced apartments, which might not be ideal for everyone |
Beginners will find a generous selection of green and easy blue runs scattered throughout Les Arcs, along with several ski schools renowned for their expert instruction and learner-friendly environments.
Intermediate skiers will find themselves spoilt for choice in Les Arcs. The resort is renowned for its extensive network of long, cruising blue and red runs, offering a mix of wide-open pistes and tree-lined trails.
Advanced skiers will find plenty to challenge them in Les Arcs. The resort boasts a number of difficult black runs and mogul fields. The infamous black run from the Aiguille Rouge, at over 7km, is one of the longest and most challenging in the Alps.
Offering a staggering vertical drop of 2,100m, the Glacier du Varet presents a challenging terrain tailored for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Dubbed as the 'home of the snowboard,' Les Arcs is a magnet for snowboard enthusiasts. Strategically positioned between the altitudes of 1600 and 1800, the resort boasts one of the most impressive snow parks in the Alps, teeming with an array of challenges from intricate obstacles to a formidable half pipe.
The ski season in the Les Arcs for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 27th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to the Les Arcs this season, be sure to explore our Les Arcs ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Les Arcs boasts excellent snow conditions from December to April. In December and January, the resort receives around 39 cm of snowfall, respectively, spread over approximately 3.2 days weekly, guaranteeing consistently fresh powder. Although February sees a slight reduction in snow depth to 31 cm, it compensates with more frequent snow days, averaging 3.4 per week. December marks the peak of the season with the second week being the most prolific, delivering a substantial 54 cm of snow across 3.4 days, ideal for those who revel in Bluebird Powder Days, characterized by sunny skies and light breezes following fresh snowfalls. The season continues into April, maintaining pleasant skiing conditions with 24 cm of snow falling over 3.8 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 39 cm | 3.2 days |
| January | 39 cm | 3.2 days |
| February | 31 cm | 3.4 days |
| March | 34 cm | 3.7 days |
| April | 24 cm | 3.8 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Located on the slopes of Les Arcs, L'Arpette is a renowned restaurant offering a premium dining experience centered around traditional Savoyard dishes prepared with local, seasonal ingredients.
Known for its beautiful mountain vistas and a varied menu, Le Chalet de L'Arcelle is a popular lunchtime spot on the slopes.
Located at the top of the Villards gondola in Arc 1800, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes brought to the table by head Chef Franck Mischler.
Le Sanglier Qui Fume offers a delightful blend of classic Savoyard cuisine and modern gastronomy. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant pays tribute to the region's rich culinary tradition and plentiful local produce.
Positioned high above Les Arcs, Le Refuge Gourmand is a family-run restaurant offering panoramic views and a diverse menu.
Part of the vibrant après-ski scene in Les Arcs, La Vache Rouge serves gourmet dishes inspired by regional recipes and locally sourced ingredients.
Situated in front of the slopes at Arc 2000, a traditional Savoyard restaurant located at the La Cime residence.
A standout venue in Les Arcs is Red Hot Saloon in Arc 1800, known for its spirited après-ski atmosphere. Live music and DJs are a staple at this hotspot.
Situated at the foot of the pistes in Arc 1600, this bar is known for its spirited ambiance, with regular live music and DJ sets.
In the heart of Les Arcs 2000, you'll find Chalet de Luigi, a favored gathering spot for those seeking a lively après-ski.
For those looking for a more relaxed yet animated setting, Bar Mont Blanc in Arc 1950, renowned for its friendly staff and extensive drinks menu.
Download Les Arcs town map PDF here
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