Located in the Savoie region of France, within the Tarentaise Valley, Les Arcs is part of the Paradiski area, linked via the Vanoise Express to La Plagne. A vast ski area of 400 kilometres, Les Arcs is made up of Les Arcs 1600, Les Arcs 1800, Les Arcs 1950 and Les Arcs 2000, closer to the La Plagne side of the mountain you will also find the family-friendly villages of Plan Peisey, Peisey Vallandry and Peisey Nancroix.
Within the ski area there are two glaciers in the Paradiski area, one in Les Arcs and one on the La Plagne side with the highest point of being 3,226 metres high. There is a funicular which goes straight from Bourg St. Maurice to Les Arcs 1600 so the access is incredibly easy, even for those staying down the mountain.
Interestingly Les Arcs 2000 is actually set at 2100 metres high it was named this in the 60’s looking forward to the new millenium. Just one hour and 45 minutes from Chambery and two hours and 30 minutes from Geneva, it is convenient for families and easy to book private transfers. Within the higher resorts in Les Arcs, a large percentage of properties are ski-in/ski-out. There are an excellent choice of English speaking ski schools, meeting in all parts of Les Arcs excluding Peisey Nancroix. The resort is fantastic for children and adults beginner and intermediate skiers. These resorts have access not only to the easier skiing but also to both sides of the Paradiski area. There are a number of couloirs and there is glacier skiing on offer for more advanced skiers as well.
For those not wanting to ski there are spa facilities, swimming pools, ice climbing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. For the best nightlife in Les Arcs visit Les Arcs 1800, and for après try Benji’s bar, if you are looking for a delicious snack visit Mami Crêpe for an afternoon or lunchtime treat.
For dining on the mountain, Le Chalet de L’Arcelle serves beautiful gourmet food in Les Arcs 1600, alternatively slightly further up the mountain is the Petit Zinc restaurant, a fantastic choice at Hotel Le Golf in Les Arcs 1800. Further up again, towards Les Arcs 1950 is the super La Table de Lys. If you are looking for a more relaxed mountain ambience, sample The Lodge or Le Bulle Café, the latter offering a large terrace with live music.
Les Arcs, whilst not as famous as resorts such as Val d’Isère or Verbier, it is fantastic in its own right, with purpose build yet pretty resorts, it is convenient for ski access and has close access to brilliant and far afield skiing. If you are unsure about where to stay in the Paradiski, speak to one of our expert ski specialists and we can help find the right village for you.
