Arc 1950

• High-altitude access with reliable snow conditions

• Great mix for beginners and intermediates

• Plenty of advanced terrain above Arc 2000

Beginners

Arc 1950 is a reassuring place to learn, with easy access to wide, gentle blue runs that are ideal for building confidence. There are also some nice green runs around the Saint Jacques lift.

The Pré Saint Esprit chairlift provides smooth, comfortable access into the mid-mountain area, where you can find a network of forgiving slopes leading back to the resort.

There are also dedicated learning areas across Les Arcs, including Arc 1800, Arc 2000 and Peisey-Vallandry, all easily accessible from Arc 1950 if you want more space to progress.

Intermediates

Intermediates will find plenty of variety, with wide blue and red runs across Les Arcs and into neighbouring areas. The village’s central position makes it easy to explore different sectors without complicated routes. We love the runs from the top of the Arcabulle lift where you can choose from more challenging reds to cruisy blues. The blues Plan Vert and Plan pass by a frozen lake, which is often used by artists making beautiful temporary designs in the snow/ice by walking across it in snowshoes.

Higher areas such as Grand Col offer reliable snow and more varied terrain, while quieter runs like Villaroger provide a more relaxed skiing experience away from busier pistes.

Advanced and off-piste

Advanced skiers can access more challenging terrain in the wider Les Arcs area, particularly around Arc 2000 and the Aiguille Rouge. Ungroomed Natur’ runs, of which there are a good few from the top of the Varet gondola, and below Arc 1950 from the top of Comborcière and Bois de l’Ours lifts, offer a different challenge.

The famous Aiguille Rouge black run (16km) descent offers a long, demanding route, while off-piste options provide extensive and varied terrain, particularly on the Aiguille Rouge glacier, where you’ll find a 7km run with a 2100m difference in vertical. The north face towards Villaroger has the most popular runs. This is serious mountain skiing, so a guide is essential for exploring safely.

Mountain fun zones

Freestyle and fun areas are spread across Les Arcs, including the SPARK snowpark between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800, offering features for a range of abilities.

Closer to Arc 1950, there’s a skicross from the top of the Plagnettes lift.

Nordic skiing

Cross-country skiing is available further down the valley in the Peisey-Nancroix nordic area. There are 43km of scenic trails to explore. Tracks are graded like ski slopes from green to black and there are trails for all levels.

• Great choice of non-ski activities across Les Arcs

• Easy access to activities in Arc 2000

• Good mix of relaxation and adventure

Snow activities and other experiences

Arc 1950 is so close to Arc 2000 (just a short gondola ride links the two), that you can easily access the range of activities there too. Above Arc 2000, there is a dedicated exhilarating 3km long toboggan run, a great activity for families and groups of friends.

Above Arc 2000, at the top of the Varet gondola, you’ll find a thrilling zipline experience. The zipline, which can reach speeds of up to 130km/hour, takes you down to Arc 2000. You can descend seated or headfirst (for the brave!), solo or as a duo.

The ESF in Arc 2000 also offers Snake Gliss, where you ride down the mountain on a train of sledges driven by an instructor.

Arc 2000 has a bowling alley for indoor fun if the weather is bad.

Exploring the mountain

Don’t miss taking the Aiguille Rouge cable car up to 3226m to take in the awe-inspiring views from the top of the ski area. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across to Mont Blanc and over the surrounding peaks. There is a walkway that juts out to add to the vertiginous vibe!

There are also scenic terraces and winter walking trails around the resort, where you can slow things down and enjoy the Alpine setting from a different perspective. Snowshoeing itineraries are also available. Guided walks help you make the most of the experience as local guides give insights into flora and fauna and help with technique.

Relaxation and wellness

The Deep Nature spa in Arc 1950 comes highly recommended by our team. There’s 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.

Family-friendly activities

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 with the family.

Accessing wider activities

Easy links to Arc 2000 (via the free Cabriolet gondola) and Arc 1800 (via a shuttle bus) mean that, as a pedestrian, you can access the activities in other areas of the resort, giving you more flexibility.

• Good variety of restaurants within a compact village

• Relaxed evening atmosphere with some livelier options nearby

• Easy access to more choice in Arc 2000

Restaurants and dining

Arc 1950 offers a well-rounded selection of restaurants, from relaxed dining to more refined options. The compact nature of the village means everything is close and easy to reach. There’s good variety, with cafés, pizzerias, traditional bistros and even a pub called the Wool Socks. In the day, our children loved skiing through the village and stopping for crèpes mid-afternoon.

The easiest village to try for more options is Arc 2000 as it’s just a short gondola (the Cabriolet) ride up to the centre. There you’ll find bar/restaurants like the 2134, which has a modern vibe, or more traditional options like the Savoy.

Bars and après-ski

Evenings in Arc 1950 are more relaxed than in larger resorts, making it ideal if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. Although there is the Wool Socks pub and also a bar/club, the O’Chaud, which serves ‘finger food gastronomique’, cocktails and has DJs playing.

For lively afternoon après, Arc 1800 is just a short ski away, where you'll find the famous Folie Douce on the slopes above Arc 1800. This is classic après at its best, with a reputation for its energetic party scene.

Shops and essentials

The village has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a small supermarket, bakery, deli with local produce and souvenir shops, and of course ski equipment!

You’ll find all the essentials within easy walking distance.