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The Inside Track: April skiing in Les Arcs
Thinking of visiting Les Arcs and skiing in the vast Paradiski area? See how we got on when we visited on our end of season educational in April!
Vast, varied skiing with seamless links across Paradiski
Set high above the valley town of Bourg Saint Maurice, Les Arcs is part of the vast Paradiski area, which combines Les Arcs and La Plagne to give access to 425km of pistes. La Plagne is accessed via the Vanoise Express double-decker gondola in just 4 minutes.
Spread across several purpose-built villages, Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, each with its own feel, it combines reliable high-altitude snow (70% of the area is above 2000m) with tree-lined runs, making it a great choice whether you’re returning to skiing or looking to explore further.
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Les Arcs Quick Facts
- Ski area: Paradiski
- Resort height: 1600m - 2000m
- Resort top height: 3226m
- Km piste: 425
- Distance from Calais: 610 miles (approx 9h)
- Lift pass: ££££
- No. of slopes: 258
- Green slopes: 19
- Blue slopes: 128
- Red slopes: 77
- Black slopes: 34
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Beginners:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Intermediate:
★ ★ ★ ★
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Expert:
★ ★ ★ ★
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Boarders:
★ ★ ★ ★
Highlights
Huge linked Paradiski area with fast lifts and outstanding variety
Ideal for intermediates with wide cruisy slopes and lots of ground to cover
Good for families and beginners with space to learn comfortably
High-altitude skiing up to 3226m with reliable snow conditions
Easy access by train via the (electric) funicular from Bourg Saint Maurice
Villages vary from lively Arc 1800 to charming Arc 1950 and practical Arc 2000
Travel options
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
More Ski Services
More Ski Services
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile.
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile, from helping you navigate ski school options to offering tailored advice on the best resorts and accommodation.
Accommodation
ARC 1800
Edenarc
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor/outdoor pools & spa
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Family friendly
ARC 2000
La Source des Arcs
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 10
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Indoor pool, sauna, steam room
ARC 2000
Chalet Altitude Arc 2000
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 16
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Group friendly
- Large apartments
- Indoor heated pool & sauna
ARC 1800
Hotel Altezza
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 6
Type: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
- Indoor pool, sauna, steam room
- Outdoor hot tub
- Great for families, rooms sleep up to 6
ARC 2000
La Cime des Arcs
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 12
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Foot of slopes
- Resort centre
- Close to amenities
ARC 1950
Le Village
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 10
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Ski-in/Ski-out
- Indoor/outdoor pools & spa facilities
ARC 2000
Chalet de l'Ours
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 12
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Group friendly
- Large apartments
- Access to nearby indoor pool & sauna
Premium
ARC 2000
Hotel Taj-I Mah
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 6
Type: Half Board
Accommodation: Hotel
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Amazing views over the resort and the valley
- 400m2 spa area
Peak Retreats has defended its position as champion [Best Ski Operator in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2023]… The winners of this year’s awards showcased stellar commitment to delivery memorable, and valuable, holidays in the mountains…
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Les Arcs
What are the different parts of Les Arcs like?
Les Arcs isn’t a single resort but a collection of interconnected villages, each set at a different altitude (and handily named for their altitude, although Arc 2000’s actual height is over 2100m)) and offering a slightly different experience. Arc 1600 is the original base with direct funicular access, while Arc 1800 has a lively, sociable feel. Higher up, Arc 2000 is compact and practical, ideal if you want quick access to the highest slopes.
Arc 1950, the newest of the villages, offers something different again, a pedestrianised village design with a traditional feel, where you can even ski through the centre. Together, these bases give you flexibility to choose what suits your holiday best, whether that’s convenience, atmosphere or a quieter setting.
Isn't Peisey-Vallandry part of Les Arcs?
We consider Peisey-Vallandry to be a separate resort but it’s worth mentioning here as it’s the smaller, traditional village that sits lower in the valley but on the same side of Paradiski as Les Arcs and enjoys the same ski area.
How do I get around les Arcs without a car?
One of Les Arcs’ biggest strengths is how easy it is to reach and get around. The funicular from Bourg Saint Maurice takes just minutes, making it one of the most straightforward resorts to access by train. You arrive into Arc 1600 from where free shuttle buses take you to the other villages. A smooth lift system make skiing the whole area simple. Short pedestrian-friendly lifts (like the Dahu in Arc 1800 and the Cabriolet between Arc 2000 and Arc 1950) make it easy to get around within each village too. The resort was the first in Savoie to earn the Flocon Vert (green snowflake) label for its environmental credentials.
Car-free centres also make it feel safer and more relaxed, particularly for families.
What's Les Arcs like?
The overall feel is practical, welcoming and varied. Arc 1800 brings a buzz with plenty of restaurants and après options (and some unique architecture), while Arc 2000 offers a more compact, convenient base but feels like you have the easiest access to the whole area. Arc 1950 stands out for its charm and self-contained village atmosphere, which can be enjoyed by all, whether you are staying there or not.
It may not be the most traditional Alpine resort everywhere, but what it offers instead is choice, convenience and a reliable base for enjoying a great ski holiday.
What's the skiing in Les Arcs like for beginners?
Les Arcs is a reassuring place to learn, with wide, gentle slopes and well-developed beginner areas across the resort. Les Arcs has 10 green slopes so there’s plenty of space to build confidence, and the progression onto longer, easy runs feels natural rather than daunting.
There are different branches of the ESF French ski school in each village helping first-timers feel supported from the start. The layout also means beginners don’t feel isolated in one area. One of our team was surprised how much of the ski area you end up exploring in just a week as a beginner. You can gradually explore more of the mountain as your confidence grows.
For snowboarders, the best wide, rolling slopes are around Arc 1800 and Peisey-Vallandry.
What is Les Arcs like for intermediates?
This is where Les Arcs really shines. There are plenty of blue and red runs (particularly in the area above Arc 1800 that lead down to Peisey-Vallandry). These are perfect for building confidence. Wide, well-groomed pistes around Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 make cruising enjoyable and relaxed, while tree-lined runs in areas like Peisey-Vallandry add variety and shelter on poorer weather days.
A favourite of our team is the blue Plan run, which winds around the lake just above Arc 2000 before heading down to the resort. In the same sector, from the top of the Plagnettes lift, we like the choice of blue (Col de la Chal) and red runs (Teppes and Plagnettes) that then join up to take you back to Arc 2000.
The lift system is fast and efficient, so you can explore different areas easily and make the most of the expansive terrain.
Take full advantage of the whole area by taking the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car over to La Plagne. The cable car leaves from Peisey-Vallandry and crosses the valley to Montchavin-Les Coches on the La Plagne side of the ski area. This opens up even more terrain. For the adventurous, enjoy the vertiginous feeling of standing on the glass floor of the lower deck as you ride between the two resorts, 380m above the valley floor (at its highest point).
Is Les Arcs good for experts?
Advanced skiers will find plenty to explore, particularly at higher altitude, with over 30km of black runs across the resort. The Aiguille Rouge at 3226m is a highlight, offering long, challenging descents including the famous 16km run down to Villaroger. This turns from a black into a red about a third of the way down, and can get busy, so we recommend making this the first run of the day if you want to try it.
You can also test your skills on Natur’ runs, which are left ungroomed. On a team trip, our more advanced skiers, checked out the Robert Blanc Natur’ run, accessed from the top of the Varet gondola, above Arc 2000, and can confirm it offers a challenge.
There are also steeper blacks and off-piste opportunities, including routes from the Grand Col, and the Aiguille Rouge glacier, providing a more adventurous side to the ski area. Combined with the link to La Plagne, there’s more than enough terrain to keep experienced skiers engaged.
Advanced snowboarders will appreciate the freeriding opportunities in Les Arcs, it’s a resort where many of the pros choose to come.
Does Les Arcs have a snowpark?
Les Arcs’s SPARK snowpark, located between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800, is served by a snowboarder-friendly J-bar lift. It’s long been regarded as one of the most advanced snowparks in the French Alps, on a par with that of Avoriaz.
There are also fun snowcross runs above Peisey and below the Col de la Chal in Arc 2000
Is there cross-country skiing in Les Arcs?
Cross-country skiing is available further down the valley in the Peisey-Nancroix Nordic area, close to Peisey-Vallandry. There are 43km of scenic trails to explore. Tracks are graded like ski slopes from green to black and there are beautiful well-maintained marked trails for all levels at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park. Cross-country skiing is a quieter way to experience the mountains, surrounded by forests and scenic views. .
Does Les Arcs have a spa?
Les Arcs has a good range of spa and wellness facilities. The Deep Nature Spa in Arc 1950 is a highlight (as our team will attest), with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and a Nordic bath overlooking the mountains. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes or enjoy a quieter afternoon. In Arc 1800, the Nama Springs spa is also highly recommended.
What other ways can I explore Les Arcs?
Snowshoeing is a popular way to experience the mountains from a different perspective. Guided walks run from all villages (the ESF French Ski School usually offer these). These take you through forest trails and peaceful clearings, offering a completely different feel to the open slopes. It’s a chance to slow down and take in the scenery at your own pace. When we tried it, we loved that the guides tell you all about the flora and fauna as you walk through the forest. Snowshoeing can be surprisingly physical too, especially as you’ll be walking at altitude.
You can also take a guided tour, organised by the tourist office, of Arc 1800’s unique architecture and its forward-thinking designer, Charlotte Perriand. As well as the unique exteriors, she revolutionised the interiors of the first apartments in Arc 1800 by designing an open-plan kitchen so that those doing the cooking weren’t excluded from the social side of the holiday.
Is Les Arcs family-friendly?
There are plenty of activities for families, from sledging on dedicated tracks in Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 to scenic viewpoints accessible by cable car, like the Aiguille Rouge. Interactive experiences like the Museum of Mountain Animals (at the top of the Vallandry cable car) and the ‘Fresques Lumineuses’ art and light show in Arc 2000 are fun ways to switch up your ski day.
For a magical moment, enjoy a ride on a sledge pulled by reindeer, from Arc 1800. There are also bowling alleys in Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 for indoor fun. It's easy to keep everyone entertained, even on shorter skiing days.
For adrenaline junkies, we think the zipwire from the top of the Varet gondola above Arc 2000 is a must. It’s accessible to pedestrians and skiers alike. You can ride it seated, solo as a duo, or head first! The zipwire can reach speeds of up to 130km/hour as you whizz down the 1.8km line towards Arc 2000.
Les Arcs tourist office puts together a weekly programme of free and low-cost activities for visitors. It’s worth checking this out when you arrive (it’ll be published on their website or available at the tourist office and sometimes in the reception of your accommodation) as there are often some gems here.
Are there mountain restaurants on the pistes in Les Arcs?
There’s a great choice of mountain restaurants for relaxed lunches, many with sunny terraces and far-reaching views. We like the Bulle café on the run under the Arcabulle lift in Arc 2000, and (try Arpette just above Arc 1800. Whether you’re stopping for a quick bite or settling in for a longer Savoyard lunch, the focus is on simple, enjoyable food in a welcoming setting.
What are the restaurants like in Les Arcs?
Across the villages, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving traditional dishes as well as international options. Arc 2000 and Arc 1800 in particular offer a good variety, from casual dining to slightly more refined options.
Le Savoy in Arc 2000 has a good range of traditional dishes, while the 2134 also in Arc 2000 serves dishes with a modern twist. In Arc 1800, the Voga Goga is well located on the slopes at the popular EdenArc property. They were friendly and accommodating when one of our team ate there with a group of friends.
Are there supermarkets in Les Arcs?
Each resort village has a mini-market for basic provisions. Delicatessens with local cheese and charcuterie, like the one in Arc 1800, add to the range of options available, making it easy to cook in when you prefer a quieter evening. If you’re driving, it’s worth doing a big shop in one of the big supermarkets in Bourg Saint Maurice before heading up to Les Arcs as these are much bigger than the mini-markets you'll find in resort.
What's the après like in Les Arcs?
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, Arc 1800 is the main hub, with bars, music and a sociable feel. Arc 1800 is home to Les Arcs’ Folie Douce, a lively après spot with DJ sets and shows, that also has good value lunch options. Arc 2000 also has a good selection of bars, including options close to the slopes.
For something a little more relaxed, Arc 1950 offers a calmer evening vibe, with cosy spots for a drink after skiing. If you’re staying in Arc 2000, you can take the free Cabriolet gondola down to Arc 1950 for the evening.
How large is the Les Arcs ski area?
Les Arcs forms part of the Paradiski area, offering access to around 425km of pistes when linked with La Plagne. Even without crossing over, Les Arcs itself provides a vast amount of terrain to explore.
Can you get to Les Arcs by train?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest resorts to reach by train. The TGV arrives into Bourg Saint Maurice, and from there the funicular, which leaves from the end of the platform, takes you up to Arc 1600 in just a few minutes. Once in Arc 1600, pick up a shuttle bus to the other resort villages.
Are lift passes in Les Arcs good value?
Lift passes give access to a very large ski area, so they offer strong overall value if you enjoy exploring and prices compare well with the other big ski domains in the French Alps. There are different options available, including access to the wider Paradiski area. These can be pre-booked with us as part of your holiday to make things easier. In most cases, we’ll send these to you in the post before you leave so that you have them ready to start skiing.
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