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10 reasons why Paradiski is one of the best ski areas
Discover the 2nd largest ski area in France, Paradiski.
As the highest village in Les Arcs, Arc 2000 sits right at the foot of the Aiguille Rouge glacier, putting you closest to the most challenging terrain in the Paradiski ski area yet also giving you easy access to beautiful blues and reds above the resort. It feels like you are in the heart of the skiing in Les Arcs. It’s a resort built with skiing front of mind, where first lifts, long descents and high-altitude snow conditions shape the experience.
While it’s quieter in the evenings, the trade-off is unbeatable access to some of the best slopes in the region. Whether you’re cruising blues, carving long reds, seeking out steeps or heading off-piste, Arc 2000 is all about maximising your time on the mountain.
Highest village in Les Arcs for reliable snow conditions
Direct access to Aiguille Rouge and challenging terrain
Excellent for intermediate and advanced skiers seeking variety
Ski-in ski-out convenience across much of the resort
Quieter après-ski with focus on skiing over nightlife
Easy link to Arc 1950 for additional shops and atmosphere
Learn about Arc 2000 beyond the basics, from the skiing and activities to the places we've enjoyed eating out.
Best for keen skiers wanting maximum slope access
Great for families but more focused on skiing than nightlife
Less lively in the evenings than Arc 1800
Arc 2000 is the highest resort in Les Arcs and sits directly beneath the Aiguille Rouge glacier, giving it a clear advantage when it comes to snow reliability and access to high-level terrain.
Originally purpose-built, the resort has evolved with more recent additions of wood and stone chalets that help soften its appearance and create a more welcoming feel. It remains practical and compact, designed first and foremost for efficient access to the slopes.
The atmosphere in Arc 2000 is quieter and more relaxed than some of its sister resorts. It’s a place where the focus is on skiing, rather than a busy après-ski scene, though there is still a central square with restaurants and bars where you can unwind.
The central piazza adds a sociable touch, especially in sunnier periods, with cafés and restaurants offering outdoor seating. It’s not a nightlife hotspot, but works well if you prefer calmer evenings in cosy bars after a full day on the mountain.
Arc 2000 is well connected to the rest of Les Arcs by the slopes, it feels like everything is easily accessible and really feels like a hub at the top of the ski area.
For pedestrians, a short (free) gondola ride links you to Arc 1950 in minutes, while shuttle buses connect to Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 throughout the day.
Excellent high-altitude terrain with strong snow record
Ideal for intermediates progressing and confident skiers
Some of the most challenging slopes in Les Arcs
Beginners can still find suitable terrain in Arc 2000, particularly around the resort centre where dedicated learning areas and progression zones are clearly laid out.
The Chalets and Saint Jacques sector provide a structured way to build skills, starting with first slides and moving towards longer descents.
There are also several free lifts in the beginner areas, helping reduce pressure when you’re just starting out. While it’s not the easiest resort for complete beginners compared to lower villages, confident novices can progress well here.
Arc 2000 is particularly strong for intermediates, especially those looking to step up their skiing. The higher altitude means consistently good snow, and there’s a wide choice of blue and red runs across the area. We particularly like the runs from the top of the Arcabulle, in the Col de la Chal sector.
You can quickly reach the slopes above Arc 1800 or explore further into Paradiski. Runs like those around Grand Col offer reliable conditions and varied terrain to keep things interesting.
This is where Arc 2000 really stands out. It offers direct access to some of the most demanding terrain in Les Arcs, including the famous Aiguille Rouge black run.
At up to 16km long, this descent is one of the most iconic in the Alps, combining steep sections with a long vertical drop. There are also a number of ungroomed black Natur’ runs in the area.
Off-piste opportunities are extensive, particularly on the glacier’s north-facing slope. These areas offer serious terrain and excellent snow, but conditions can be challenging, so skiing with a guide is essential.
Arc 2000 has a boardercross accessed from the top of the Arcabulle lift. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can also access the SPARK snowpark, located between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800, with features suitable for different ability levels.
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.
A mix of snow-based and off-slope activities
Good links to activities across Les Arcs
Best suited to active days rather than resort-based relaxation
Arc 2000 offers various snow-based activities beyond skiing. There is a dedicated exhilarating 3km long toboggan run, a great activity for families and groups of friends.
The resort also has access to Les Arcs’ thrilling zipline experience, which departs from the Varet gondola and takes you down to Arc 2000. The zipline can reach speeds of up to 130km/hour and 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.
One of the highlights accessible on foot or on skis is heading up to the Aiguille Rouge summit (3226m), where you can take in panoramic views across Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
There are also scenic terraces and winter walking trails, where you can slow things down and enjoy the Alpine setting from a different perspective. Snowshoeing itineraries are also available from Arc 2000. Guided walks help you make the most of the experience as local guides give insights into flora and fauna and help with technique.
Through easy links to Arc 1950 (via the free Cabriolet gondola) and Arc 1800 (via a shuttle bus), as a pedestrian, you can access the activities in other areas of the resort, giving you more flexibility.
Good selection of restaurants within a compact centre
Relaxed après-ski rather than lively nightlife
Easy access to wider choice in neighbouring villages
Arc 2000 has a small but well formed choice of restaurants, both in the village and on the mountain. The central square is a focal point, with a mix of options for lunch stops and evening meals. Our team have enjoyed lunches at Le Savoy (also a good stop for mid-afternoon crèpes) and the 2134, which is also a stylish yet relaxed bar.
While the choice is good locally, with the Cabriolet gondola, you also have the option to head into Arc 1950 for more variety during your stay.
Après-ski in Arc 2000 is more low-key, making it a good fit if you prefer a quieter end to the day.
If you’re after something livelier, venues like La Folie Douce in Arc 1800 are easily accessible on skis and offer a more energetic atmosphere on the slopes.
You’ll find all the essentials in Arc 2000, including small supermarkets, bakeries and ski hire shops, along with a range of boutiques and services. If you are driving, then we’d recommend stopping at one of the large supermarkets in Bourg Saint Maurice, before heading up to resort. You’ll find a wider variety of products and they are often better value.
Everything in Arc 2000 is within easy reach, helping keep your stay simple and convenient.
Yes, Arc 2000 is one of the best bases in Les Arcs for advanced skiers. It gives direct access to challenging terrain around the Aiguille Rouge, including long black runs and extensive off-piste areas.
It can suit beginners, especially those who are confident or progressing, thanks to dedicated learning areas and gentle slopes near the resort centre. However, some may find other Les Arcs villages offer more to beginners for a first ski trip.
Yes, as the highest village in Les Arcs, Arc 2000 benefits from excellent snow reliability throughout the season.
Yes, Arc 2000 is part of the Paradiski area, with access to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express cable car, which departs from Peisey-Vallandry.
Yes, lift passes for Les Arcs and the full Paradiski area can be pre-booked with us. Options such as the Essential Pass include added benefits like priority lanes and activity discounts, plus you get an extra afternoon’s skiing on your day of arrival.
Yes, ski hire can be pre-booked with us in advance. This helps ensure your equipment is available on arrival and saves time in resort.
Arc 2000 is more relaxed than lively. Evenings focus on dining and quiet drinks rather than nightlife, but nearby resorts offer more energy if you want it.
You can take a free shuttle bus from Arc 2000 to Arc 1800, or Arc 1600. Getting to Arc 1950 is simple as the Cabriolet gondola links the two resorts in minutes, making it easy to explore different parts of resort.
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