Bourg St Maurice

Les Arcs ski area

Les Arcs is part of the large ‘Paradiski’ ski area and is the 2nd largest connected skiing area in the world. Paradiski has excellent facilities and with its huge variation in altitude (1200m-3250m) and with over 70% of the area being above 2000m, there is a multitude of different types of scenery and piste to explore. This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 18 ski resorts (the first 11 below in La Plagne and the other 7 in Les Arcs):

• Plagne Montalbert
• Plagne Bellecote
• Montchavin
• Les Coches
• Champagny en Vanoise
• Belle Plagne
• Plagne 1800
• Plagne Soleil
• Aime la Plagne
• Plagne Centre
• Plagne Villages
• Arc 1600
• Arc 1800
• Arc 1950
• Arc 2000
• Peisey Vallandry
• Villaroger
• Bourg St Maurice

Paradiski is linked by the Vanoise Express double-decker cable car (since 2003) which can transport nearly 200 people across the valley of Peisey-Nacroix in less than 4 minutes. It is the largest cable car in the world currently. Fun facts: the cabin is 380m from the ground at its highest point and travels at 45km/hour. Its quite a spectacular journey with stunning views.

The departure station is in Plan-Peisey at 1612m of elevation. The arrival station is at 1548m of elevation upstream to Montchavin. In winter, the cable car is accessible to skiers (and pedestrians, see below). On Montchavin side, the cable car arrives on a ski slope. You can't reach Montchavin by foot. It is advised to find a guide to find practicable paths via snowshoe.

Paradiski presents VertiGO thanks to a 1.70m2 transparent glass plate in the floor (since 2015) of the lower level of both of the 2 cabins, passengers can enjoy the view in 3 dimensions, combining a 360° panorama of the legendary surrounding mountain peaks and a plunging view of the Ponthurin valley under your feet!

With 70% of the ski runs at heights of more than 2000m, and one of the world’s most modern artificial snow systems, Paradiski guarantees top-quality snow conditions from December to April. With the peaks of Mont Blanc and Pierra Menta forming a dramatic panoramic background, Paradiski is also the gateway to the Vanoise national park, a nature reserve of 53,000 hectares.

Bourg St Maurice is directly linked with Les Arcs by the Arc en Ciel funicular railway. The simplest way to go skiing is to hop on the train to Arc 1600 above and begin to enjoy the 425km of terrain for absolutely all ability levels that stretch out in front of you and continue for miles right across the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car over to La Plagne.

There is no skiing in Bourg St Maurice itself so you need to take the funicular railway from BSM to Arc 1600 which runs every 20 minutes from 7.30am daily so you can get on the slopes as early as you like. Although there’s no ski run back down to Bourg St Maurice, the funicular runs until 8pm Monday – Thursday and 9pm Friday – Sunday, so there’s no rush to get back for the last train.

You can also get a shuttle to nearby La Rosière. You can pretty much ski a different resort each day from Bourg St Maurice: as well as La Rosière you can explore La Plagne, Val d’Isère, Tignes and Sainte Foy Tarentaise. From Bourg Saint Maurice, free regular shuttle service to the foot of Les Ecudets chairlift (ski access for La Rosière), pass through Séez.  For the other resorts, the easiest access is by car.

Arc 1600 is set in the trees and has views across to Mont Blanc. The lift served area extends from 1660m to the 3226m Aiguille Rouge. Including La Plagne there’s a total of 425km of lift served runs spread over 10,000 hectares.

The terrain will suit all levels of skier with Arc 1600 based in thickly wooded terrain, surrounded by largely gentle trails through the trees, and both 1800 and 2000 located at the treeline with wide open sunny slopes above. 

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (22/23):

Les Arcs/Peisey local area - 200km of pistes, 53 lifts, 122 slopes:

Green slopes: 12
Blue slopes: 51
Red slopes: 41
Black slopes: 18

BOURG ST MAURICE SKIING

BOURG ST MAURICE/LES ARCS BEGINNERS

There are 10 green slopes in Les Arcs:

• Vezaille, Millerette, Piste des Animaux in Arc 1600
• Step by step progression zone 1-3 steps (first slides, turns and runs) at Les Cabnes in Mille 8 in Arc 1800
• Low KL, Marais in Arc 2000
• Flocon, Cabri in Peisey Vallandry

There are 'Ski tranquille' nursery-slope zones at each of the three main Les Arcs areas and also at mid-mountain above Peisey Vallandry. These quiet ski zones are specially designed and cordoned off so that you can ski in complete safety. Three of their serving lifts (one in each village) are FREE at weekends - great for your arrival warm up! And two other lifts at 1800 and Les Granges are totally free. Try the blue (Forêt) run down to Vallandry; it’s basically a green.

Beginners Area - discover a free moving walkway for hassle-free skiing in an area specially reserved for beginner skiers (adults and children), right next to the apartment residences and the snow frontage in Arc 2000 – on the raised area where the Olympic Flame is located.

Skiers can enjoy the whole Paradiski area using just blue pistes to get going (again) gently.

BOURG ST MAURICE/LES ARCS INTERMEDIATES

Intermediates, as with all 'super ski areas' can perhaps get the maximum enjoyment of all, being able to tackle the majority of the slopes. Most will even cope with the red run down from the imposing Aiguille Rouge, the highest point of the ski area where the cable car broadcasts a recorded announcement (once you're on your way up) advising that the terrain is not safe for inexperienced skiers. Paradiski has extensive intermediate slopes with big lift networks. Much of the terrain is long, fast motorway cruising, although there is more variety than at many comparable resorts. 

BOURG ST MAURICE/LES ARCS EXPERTS

Experts have plenty to keep them happy including extensive off-piste terrain. There are many other challenges including mogul runs like the Dou d'Homme. You can also pay a small fee to make some test runs on the famous flying kilometre speed skiing course.

BOURG ST MAURICE/LES ARCS SNOWBOARDING

Snowboarders have five snowparks, three boardercross courses and a half-pipe to enjoy.

Not to be missed when you visit Paradiski!

The 360-degree panoramic view of La Grande Rochette at La Plagne. The Aiguille Rouge descent, an epic 7km non-stop run, from the glacier at 3226m all the way to Villaroger at 1200m (on the Les Arcs side). One of the steepest drops in Europe! Once at the top, climb up to the observation point and enjoy the views across the Swiss, Italian and French Alps right to the Jura mountain range. A view like no other!

Bourg St Maurice Ski Rental

Pre-book your Bourg St Maurice ski hire with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Special offers: Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Superior Carver) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots. 

Bourg St Maurice Ski Passes

Pre-book your Bourg St Maurice lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Half day and day passes available to buy locally (in €):

These short duration passes are available to book in resort on your arrival, in euros.

Les Arcs has rebranded their lift passes for the 19/20 season so they have different names and different inclusions:

'Premium' (Paradiski) ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 19/20:
Day - €56 children, €69 adults
Pass includes unlimited access to Paradiski, priority queues, Aiguille Rouge queue cutter (1 turn per day), entry to Aquatic centre (1 entry), first tracks (1 time), unlimited luge at 2000 & 1800, ice cave (1 time), families torchlit descent (1 time)

'Essential' (Paradiski) ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 19/20:
Day - €49 children, €61 adults
Pass includes unlimited access to Paradiski, priority queues, Aiguille Rouge queue cutter (50% off), first tracks (50% off), luge at 2000 & 1800 (50% off), ice cave (1 time), families torchlit descent (1 time)

Other extras in the Essential and Premium passes only:
Bourg St Maurice - Entry to swimming pool at the childs rate
Peisey Vallandry - Entry to cinema at childs rate, free days cross country skiing and equipment loan, 15% discount on snowshoe outings (except Saturday)
Arc 1800 - Reductions on spa treatments/products, reductions to intro ski touring on Tuesdays, reductions on snowshoe outings (except Saturday), a bowling game at childs prices from Sat-Mon, reduction on intro to ski jouring on Mondays, reductions on 1800 pool, reductions on Nama Springs.
Arc 1950 - for 2 entries to the Deep Nature Spa, the 3rd is free plus reduction on treatments
Arc 2000 - free entry to ice cave, reduction on Yooner activity, bowling 1 game paid = 1 game free Sat-Mon, reduction on mini skidoo.

'Classic' (Les Arcs) ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 19/20:
1/2 day - €35 children, €43 adults
Day - €44 children, €54 adults
Pass covers Les Arcs ski area only
Extension to cover La Plagne is €20 per day

Bourg St Maurice Ski School 

Pre-book your Bourg St Maurice ESF ski school with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski school.

Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 12 years, in Bourg St Maurice, with Peak Retreats. 3-4 year olds will go into the Piou Piou lessons. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+.

To book your ski school, download the ski extras form from the 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute - you will be advised. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient.  For peak periods - Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter - we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

We cannot always guarantee that prices will be cheaper than in resort. When ski packs prices are calculated, the currency is bought at the exchange rates that apply at the time. You can be assured that once you have booked your extras, if the pound depreciates, you will not be charged more for your ski packs, enabling you to budget for your holiday in advance.

BSM Private Lessons (18/19 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

Individual tuition can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Ski Collection cannot pre-book these.

From €47 for 1 hour for 1-2 pers
From €62 for 1 hour for 3 pers
From €77 for 1 hour for 4 pers
From €92 for 1 hour for 5 pers

Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change

ESF Arc 1600 - Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 43 09

Bourg St Maurice Child Care

Les Arcs-Bourg St Maurice has acquired the Famille Plus & Top of the French Alps label for its childcare facilities. Please view here to view more information on the Famille Plus & Top of the French Alps label.

Child day-care Arc 1600 (La Cachette)

The Children’s club, situated in La Cachette hotel, welcomes children from the age of 4 months up to 12 years old. The club is open every day, except Saturdays, from 8.30am to 6pm.
Baby Club: for little ones from 4 months to 2 years old, indoor activities and outings.
Mini-Club: for children from 4 to 6 years old. Outings and ski discovery are organised with French Ski School instructors. The ski equipment is provided by the hotel.
Kid’s club: for the older ones from 7 to 12 years old. You will be amazed at how much progress they can make with full-day ski lessons!
 
Please note: places are limited, and children of guests at the Cachette hotel have priority.

Tel: +33 (0)4 79 07 70 50

La Halte-Garderie Pomme D'api in Bourg St Maurice

Children under 18months – either Morning: 8H30/13H30 or Afternoon: 11H15/16H15

Children over 18 months can stay a minimum of 6 hours, maximum of 8 hours. Times must be specified.

Contact: 04 79 07 59 31 , 79 St Michel 73700 BOURG SAINT MAURICE

Bourg St Maurice Resort Activities

Bourg St Maurice Urban Art 

When visiting this beautiful area, check out the urban art that has brightened up the village ahead of the 2021/22 season. Highlighted in several projects, there are huge frescoes on the ground in two of the village streets and a 200m 'free expression' wall.

Bourg St Maurice Mineral Museum

The Mineral Museum, at Bourg Saint Maurice, presents from across this unique region, the ancestral activities of the crystal makers, kilns and the crystals...

Bourg St Maurice Cinema

Le Savoy 
Avenue Maréchal leclerc 
Tel. 04 79 07 09 15

Bourg St Maurice Heated indoor swimming pool

A covered pool 25m, with sunroof and large bay window overlooking the greenery soothing. 1 sauna (on reservation maximum 2 persons).  
Remember to bring your speedos (shorts not allowed).
Nautical center, 3 avenue du Stade

Activities in Les Arcs

If you want to spend time in any of the Les Arcs village in the evening then the last shuttle buses leave Les Arcs 1800, 1950 or 2000 to go to Les Arcs 1600 (ready for the funicular journey back to Bourg St Maurice) at around 8.30pm. This gets you to the last funicular for 9pm. During the week, it maybe that funicular shuts around 8pm…in which case the last bus would be around 7.30pm.

There are many more activities, pubs and restaurants to explore in Les Arcs village so you don’t need to stay in Bourg St Maurice in the evenings if you want to try something new. Stay in your ski boots after skiing or come back on the funicular earlier on in the day, get changed and take the funicular back up and then a bus to any of Les Arcs villages.

Mille8: A new experience in the heart of Les Arcs 1800!

Big changes have happened in Arc 1800 with several new ski lifts plus activities including an aquatic centre, and snow sports areas such as a tubing run, a fun trail course for all abilities, a beginners' area, discovery trail and a children’s practice area.

All of Mille8's developments were completed early 2016, with the new Carreley 6-seater high-speed chair lift and lodge with slope side restaurant (Le Lodge), golf simulator and dance floor. With Mille8, Les Arcs has completely re-invented ‘apres-ski’. Mille8 is served by the brand new dedicated Villards gondola, and remains accessible every day until at least 7.30pm.

• LA LUGE- choose your toboggan, hop on the Villards gondola (accessible to pedestrians/skiers) and get ready for the adrenaline fuelled ride down 900m of twists and turns with a dash through the illuminated tunnel at the finish line. Open from 2pm-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm 3 nights per week.
  
  
• LES CABANES - a beautiful ski run winding its way through the forest with wooden cabins, lights, and sound. Don't miss out on the Giant Xylophone. Open from 9am-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm 3 nights per week.
  
  
• LES BOSSES - a freestyle run with an abundance of fun modules and snow-sculptures for all levels. Scan your pass at top and your run will be filmed! Open from 11am-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm 3 nights per week.
  
  
• LE CUBE - a safe and protected area to help beginners for all ages gain confidence served by a covered and easy to use magic carpet lift. There are stunning views over Mont Blanc. Open from 9.30am-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm 3 nights per week. Hop on the Villards gondola for access (accessible to pedestrians/skiers).
  
  
• LES PINGOUINS - a dedicated environment for children to progress and play, featuring igloos, a sledging area and a magic carpet. FREE access. Open from 11am-5pm (5.30pm from February).
  
  
• LES SAPINS - starting at Le Lodge and winding through the forests, the Sapins footpath offers walkers a unique ambiance and areas to relax, rest, or take in the exploits on nearby ski and toboggan runs. Open from 9.30am-5pm daily.

• LA PISCINE - a stunning new 3800 square metre indoor aquatic centre directly on the piste with breath-taking views over Mont Blanc … A stunning indoor swimming with Jacuzzis, whirlpools, waterfalls, slide, water play area for children and grottos. A wellness and fitness centre with saunas, steam baths, and a gym. For easy access, a new covered walkway and elevator whisk clients directly from Arc 1800 to the LA PISCINE aquatic centre. Open from 11am-7.30pm daily (except Sats 2pm-7pm) with opening until 8.30pm 3 nights per week.
  
  
• LE LODGE - is right in the centre of Mille8 slopes and a great place to meet up. It’s a restaurant, snack bar, a dance floor and an events location. The restaurant creates chic brasserie food, elegant and refined French cuisine. A prestigious wine list and producers in the restaurant regularly to talk about French wines. Open from 9.30am-7pm daily with opening until 11pm 3 nights per week. Hop on the Villards gondola for access (accessible to pedestrians/skiers).

Access to Mille8 is included with the following ski and pedestrian lift passes of any duration: Les Arcs, Peisey- Vallandry, Paradiski Unlimited. The aquatic centre, restaurant and luge are available at a supplement.

Sledging at Rodeo Park

The Rodeo Park in Les Arcs offers fantastic sledging fun. At the top of the Col de Chal you can make your way down the new 3km long toboggan track with a 400m vertical drop, enjoying the thrills and excitment of every twist and turn!

Open Sunday – Thursday 1pm-4.30pm with extended opening hours every Wednesday for night time toboggan rides! Included in your entry to the Rodeo Park is helmet and toboggan hire. Free entry to all adults with a valid lift pass. Children must be 10 years or older and be over 125cm tall, must be accompanied by an adult.
Tel: +33 (0)4 79 04 24 00. Prices and more information are available at the lift pass offices in resort.

Village Igloo

See details under eating tab

Bourg St Maurice Ski Activities

Cross-country in Paradiski

There are also plenty of cross-country skiing routes available in Les Arcs and Peisey. The closest route departs from the funicular train departure point in Arc 1600. In Arc 1800 a loop starts from the top of the Jardin Alpin chairlift and in Arc 2000 leaves from the main area on the lower slopes.

Free of charge and open to all for all the loops 30 kilometres of maintained pistes , marked out all season long by the teams of the Société des Montagnes de l’Arc.

Water Slide in Les Arcs

Les Arcs/Bourg St Maurice Resort News and Events

Resort news:

• The Illuminated Murals of the Aiguille Rouge - at the arrival of the Varet gondola, there is an unsuspected place, hidden from view, which, every morning, begins a transformation and puts on its costume of light. The 500m2 of the Varet cabin garage gives way to an extraordinary experience at altitude. An unexpected passage reveals a triptych of universes in which the visitor is invited to wander, listen and contemplate luminous frescoes twirling around the seasons.

• Transarc is beginning its metamorphosis - by 2024, the ski lift company’s aim is to recreate the emblematic link between Arc 1800 and the mountain peaks.
  - PHASE 1: to facilitate and improve access to the ski slopes from Arc 1800, from December 2022 escalators and a lift will take skiers quickly and easily to the bottom of Transarc gondola. A new reception, advice and sales area will also be opening at the bottom of the slopes. Inside, there will be a display about the water cycle with fun interactive teaching aids to raise awareness of the importance of this essential natural resource.
  - PHASE 2: for December 2024, the new Transarc gondola will be operational. The 10-seat cabins will be modern and comfortable and will take skiers to Col de la Chal, 2600 m. above sea level, in just 13 mins, compared to 20 mins today. Discovery areas that will combine original viewpoints of the natural surroundings, exploration, curiosity and thrills, are to be developed at the midway station and at the top of this new lift. As part of the lift company’s strategy to reduce energy consumption, this project will reduce the lift’s consumption by 10% and allow it to produce its own electricity from 600m2 of photovoltaic panels integrated into the structure of the building

• Beginner skiers are ever more pampered in Les Arcs! - this winter, a new route with three progressive areas welcomes beginner skiers in Arc 2000: 
  -First steps: on Eldorador slope in the centre of Arc 2000, the perfect place to experience your first sensations on skis and accessible from the magic carpet
  - First turns: Saint Jacques chairlift takes skiers to “Bas KL” run to practise their first turns
  - First descents: Saint Jacques chairlift offers skiers access to the run of the same name to continue their progression

  (These areas complete the ones that already exist for beginners elsewhere in the ski area:
  -Progression course in Arc 1800, at the top of Villards gondola
  - Progression course at the top of Vallandry gondola in the Peisey-Vallandry sector).

  When they have gained enough confidence to set out on the rest of the ski area, skiers can enjoy the 11 green runs on the different sites. Then, as they improve, they can get around the whole ski area on blue runs. By then, of course, they are no longer really beginners!

Major events:

• Les Arcs Film Festival - 10th-17th December 2022
• Christmas in Bourg Saint Maurice - 16th-31st December 2022
• Les Arcs Launch Pad - 9th-12th January 2023
• Coupe d’Europe/Big Air ski & snowboard Arc 1950 Freeride Week - 14th-29th January 2023
• Electronic Peak Festival - 13th-17th March 2023
• European Gay Ski Week - 18th-25th March 2023
• Les Arcs Star Trail - 24 March 2023
• La Course du Cœur - 26 March 2023
• Les Arcs Winter Festislack - 13th-16th April 2023

Check out the Tourist Office website to find out more about what is going on in Les Arcs: www.lesarcs.com

Bourg St Maurice Après-ski, Bars & Restaurants

Bourg St Maurice is a town so there will be plenty of restaurants & bars to choose from. Les Arcs /Bourg-Saint-Maurice have plenty of nightclubs across the area to keep you happy if you want go clubbing and stay out late!

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Arc 1800 for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2019, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018. Ski and pedestrian access by the Villards gondola for Les Arcs FD (free for pedestrians), La Folie Douce is on the left at the finish line. Last descent at 7pm (8pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Please note, to get back to Bourg St Maurice you need to take lifts from Arc 1800 and then the funicular (and then a walk back to your accommodation) so please check last funicular/lift times!

Amenities

Bourg Saint Maurice is served by a great range of amenities including: banks, supermarket, butchers, bakers, hospital, doctors, dentist, pharmacy, hairdresser and a tabac.

Bourg St Maurice is a large town so many amenities will be at your disposal.

Getting to Bourg St Maurice, France

Resort Funicular: 

Make use of the green transport with the resort funicular at a reduced price this 2021/22 season of €3 one way or €5 return (adult price) compared to €9 and €14 in previous seasons. 

By Road: 

Distance from Calais to Bourg St Maurice: 670 miles (10-12hrs)

Take the motorway to Albertville, and then follow the dual carriageway as far as Moûtiers, a pretty little town at the foot of the mountains. Carry on along the RN 90 to Bourg-St-Maurice.

By Rail: 

Ski train to Bourg St Maurice

There are direct TGV trains from Paris and Lille and direct sleeper trains from most of the main cities in France. If you are coming from London, the Eurostar will take you directly to Bourg Saint Maurice, as will the Thalys train from Amsterdam and Brussels. All of the European cities lead to Bourg Saint Maurice!

Airports:

Chambéry Airport is 112km from Bourg (1 ¼ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com

Grenoble Airport is 181km from Bourg (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com

Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport is 188km from Bourg (2 hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com

Geneva Airport is 191km from Bourg (2 hours)
www.gva.ch 

Bus transfers from Geneva Airport

Book 2 days in advance with local tourist office for return. Tickets must be reserved with www.alpski-bus.com (not pre-bookable with Peak Retreats). Transfer time 3hrs. 

Bourg St Maurice Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here. 

Paradiski Opening Dates

The Bourg St Maurice ski area is open: 10/12/22 - 29/04/23