Les Arcs
Four unique alpine villages, making up one resort; with something to offer everyone both on and off the slopes.
What to expect at Les Arcs
Les Arcs is a ladder of villages on a single south-east ridge above Bourg-Saint-Maurice: 1600 in the trees, 1800 at the hub, 1950 the newest and quietest, 2000 the highest. Charlotte Perriand's 1960s modernist architecture is loved or loathed but the flat roofs and glazed façades were designed to be genuinely ski-in ski-out from every apartment, and they are. The mountain climbs to 3,226 m on the Aiguille Rouge, whose long descent to Villaroger drops 2,000 vertical metres in one shot. The Vanoise Express cable car links across the valley to La Plagne, doubling the pass into the 425 km Paradiski.
Les Arcs on film
Skiing and staying in Les Arcs
Les Arcs Ski Resort
Les Arcs, a purpose-built resort in the French Alps, offers a compelling mix of diverse terrain, convenient layouts, and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Its modern design successfully integrates with an authentic mountain atmosphere.
Spread across four villages, Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000, Les Arcs sits at elevations between 1,600m and 2,000m. The resort provides access to 200km of pistes and forms part of the expansive Paradiski ski area, connecting with La Plagne.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding in Les Arcs is both extensive and thrilling. The resort caters to all abilities, from gentle blue cruisers and long, sweeping runs in the morning sun to challenging tree-lined trails, ensuring variety for an entire week of exploration.
The lift system in Les Arcs is efficient, and piste grooming is consistently excellent. With a 1,600m vertical drop and terrain spanning five peaks, there is ample space to discover. The connection to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express cable car effectively doubles the available trail options.
Beginner and Intermediate Skiing
Les Arcs is an excellent choice for first-timers and beginners. Dedicated nursery areas in each village feature gentle, uncrowded runs, perfectly situated away from more experienced skiers. There are 14 beginner-friendly runs throughout the resort, offering variety without being overwhelming.
Intermediate skiers will find Les Arcs to be a rewarding destination. The resort boasts 48 intermediate runs, comprising kilometres of beautifully groomed blue and steeper red pistes that sweep across the mountain, providing enough variety for a full week of skiing or snowboarding without repetition.
Advanced and Expert Terrain
For experienced skiers and snowboarders, Les Arcs presents 41 advanced and 17 expert-level descents. The resort's north-facing runs retain powder well after snowfall, and the black runs are genuinely challenging, demanding good technique and edge control. Additionally, the off-piste terrain offers exciting freeride opportunities.
The Aiguille Rouge sector, at 3,226m, is a highlight for advanced skiers, offering a steep, sustained run that holds snow well into spring. Another challenging descent is the 7km run from the summit to Villaroger, dropping over 2,000m vertically, featuring steep sections and varied snow conditions.
Les Arcs in winter
Les Arcs piste map
The official Les Arcs piste map showing every run, lift and sector. Zoom in for detail or open it full screen.
Scroll or pinch to zoom, drag to pan.
View and download Les Arcs ski map ↗Getting to Les Arcs
- Chambery Airport (CMF)1 h 50 min
- Lyon Airport (LYS)2 h 20 min
- Grenoble Airport (GNB)2 h 30 min
- Geneva Airport (GVA)3 h 30 min
Drive times are estimates based on typical winter road conditions. Book transfers in advance during peak Saturday changeovers.
Les Arcs FAQs
- Is Les Arcs good for beginners?
- Yes, Les Arcs is very suitable for beginners. Nursery slopes at Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are gentle and well-maintained, with magic carpet lifts aiding initial progress. There are 14 green runs and numerous wide blue runs for progression. ESF ski schools offer English-speaking instructors, and the terrain is forgiving, with no unexpected difficulties on main beginner routes.
- How reliable is the snow in Les Arcs?
- Les Arcs boasts excellent snow reliability due to its high altitude, with slopes reaching 3,226m and villages between 1,600m and 2,000m. The season typically runs from mid-December to late April, and the Aiguille Rouge glacier maintains snow cover well into spring. North-facing aspects ensure snow quality, and snowmaking covers lower key runs as a backup.
- How are the queues in Les Arcs?
- Queues in Les Arcs are generally manageable, thanks to modern, efficient lifts and the resort's sprawling layout. The Vanoise Express and main gondolas from Arc 1800 can be busy during peak times, but rarely for more than 10-15 minutes. Crowds tend to thin out quickly on higher lifts in the Aiguille Rouge or Arpette sectors. School holidays, particularly French February half-term, are the busiest periods.
- Which Les Arcs village should I stay in?
- The ideal village depends on your preferences. Arc 1800 is the most vibrant, with numerous shops, restaurants, nightlife, and excellent lift connections. Arc 1950 offers a more upscale experience with ski-in/ski-out accommodation and a boutique atmosphere. Arc 2000 suits keen skiers seeking quick access to the highest terrain. Arc 1600 is quieter and connects to Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a traditional alpine town feel. Families often favour Arc 1800 or Arc 1950 for their convenience.
- Is Les Arcs expensive compared to other French resorts?
- Les Arcs falls into the mid-range for French ski resorts, being more affordable than Val d'Isère and Courchevel, but pricier than smaller options like La Rosière or Les Menuires. Arc 1950 is generally at the higher end, while Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 provide more budget-friendly choices. Self-catering options can help manage costs, and a variety of casual dining is available alongside fine dining. Lift passes offer good value for the extensive terrain.
Resort figures are checked against official resort sources each season. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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La Plagne
One of the world's largest ski resorts, offering exceptional terrain for every level and France's only bobsleigh track.