Client area
Blog
Off the beaten track in the French Alps
Want to experience the true rural and authentic Alpine France on your next trip? This blog includes our top 'hidden gem' destinations in the French Alps for those wanting to stay off-the-beaten-track...
Authentic village skiing with apartments and a family focus
In the traditional village of Arêches-Beaufort, La Clé des Cîmes offers a relaxed Alpine base with easy access to quiet, uncrowded slopes and a genuinely local atmosphere.
Accommodation in the resort centres around high-quality self-catered apartments with added wellness and family facilities, giving you flexibility alongside comfort.
1/18
Arêches-Beaufort Quick Facts
- Ski area: Mont Blanc & Chamonix Valley
- Resort height: 750m-1080m
- Resort top height: 2320m
- Km piste: 50
- Distance from Calais: 578 miles (8hrs30)
- Lift pass: ££££
- No. of slopes: 30
- Green slopes: 3
- Blue slopes: 11
- Red slopes: 12
- Black slopes: 4
-
Beginners:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Intermediate:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Expert:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Boarders:
★ ★
-
Freeride:
★ ★ ★ ★
Highlights
Traditional Savoyard village atmosphere with a genuine year-round community feel
High-quality apartments with wellness facilities and generous living space
Quiet, uncrowded ski area with excellent natural snowfall record
Ideal for families with kids' clubs and dedicated facilities on site
Great base for freeride, ski touring and varied off-piste terrain
Slower pace than major resorts with authentic charm
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.
The resort of Arêches-Beaufort is one of skiing’s best kept secrets, combining the two massively underrated ski areas of Planay and Cuvy. Here, beautiful, wide, sun-drenched slopes offer panoramic views across Mont Blanc, and lengthy lift queues are a thing of the past... for our family of four, it was the perfect choice for a winter break – a time to unwind, reconnect and enjoy being together.
The village of Arêches Beaufort feels typically French, with a small quaint centre. It's traditional yet also surprising - we ate at a restaurant where the chef had appeared on Australian Masterchef, and loved the fact that the local cheese, Beaufort, is available 24 hours a day from a cheese vending machine!
This is a small very French resort - which we wanted. The ski school was excellent geared up for small kids, great wine shop and cheese shop in town.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Arêches-Beaufort
Where is La Clé des Cîmes located in Arêches-Beaufort?
La Clé des Cîmes is located just 400m from the centre of Arêches village, in the Beaufortain valley. It offers a convenient but quieter setting, with a shuttle bus stopping outside for easy access to lifts and ski school meeting points. The location balancing accessibility with a more relaxed village feel.
What is Arêches-Beaufort like as a ski resort?
Arêches-Beaufort is a traditional Alpine village with a strong local identity, rather than a purpose-built resort. It has a friendly, lived-in feel with bakeries, shops and restaurants, and offers a quieter alternative to larger ski areas. It’s ideal if you value authenticity, fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.
What accommodation is available in Arêches-Beaufort?
Accommodation is centred around self-catered apartments, offering flexibility and good value. La Clé des Cîmes provides modern, spacious apartments with access to wellness facilities and family-friendly services. This style of accommodation suits families and groups who want independence, comfort and additional on-site amenities.
Is La Clé des Cîmes ski-in/ski-out?
No, La Clé des Cîmes is not ski-in/ski-out. However, it’s well connected, with a shuttle bus stopping outside and taking just a few minutes to reach the lifts and ski school. Many guests find this a straightforward and easy way to access the slopes without being directly on them.
What facilities does La Clé des Cîmes offer?
The residence has a strong focus on comfort and wellbeing. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and fitness sessions, as well as a lounge with fireplace. There are also added extras such as spa treatments, entertainment, childcare clubs and optional services like bakery delivery, making your stay feel easy and well organised.
Is Arêches-Beaufort good for families?
Yes, it’s a great choice for families. The resort has a relaxed pace, dedicated beginner areas and a safe, welcoming feel. Accommodation like La Clé des Cîmes adds to this, with children’s clubs, activities and spacious apartments that make family holidays easier and more enjoyable.
Is La Clé des Cîmes suitable for children?
Yes, it’s particularly well set up for children. There are kids’ clubs for a range of ages, a baby club for younger children and organised activities throughout the week. Facilities like the pool and communal spaces also give children room to relax and play after skiing.
What skiing is available in Arêches-Beaufort?
The ski area offers around 50km of pistes across two sectors, with terrain suited to beginners, intermediates and more advanced skiers. It’s particularly known for its excellent natural snow and quieter slopes, making it ideal for relaxed skiing and progression. There’s also strong terrain for freeride and ski touring.
Who is Arêches-Beaufort best suited to?
It works best for those looking for an authentic, less commercial ski holiday. Families, couples and smaller groups who value atmosphere, comfort and uncrowded slopes often love it here. It’s less suited to those looking for extensive nightlife or very large ski areas.
What makes La Clé des Cîmes and this resort different?
The combination of a traditional village setting and high-quality apartment accommodation makes it stand out. You get the charm and authenticity of a real Alpine destination, alongside modern facilities like wellness areas, organised activities and family services. It’s a more relaxed, experience-led ski holiday compared to larger resorts.
Arêches-Beaufort on the blog
View more news
Blog
Ski touring in the French Alps
Want to escape, explore and discover a whole new side of the mountains? Set your skis on untouched powder surrounded by breath-taking scenery and mountain wildlife while discovering unexplored terrain...
