Les Arcs is the collective name for the villages of Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, Arc 2000, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The first four districts, also called plateaus, are car-free and are connected via a free shuttle service. The lowest village, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, is the gateway to the Tarentaise Valley, where you can enjoy the most delicious fondue, raclette, and tartiflette. From there, you can take a train up to Arc 1600 in just seven minutes. Les Arcs is located in the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry ski area, in the Paradiski region of France. This area has everything for a perfect ski trip. With 200 kilometres of mainly blue, red, and black slopes, and 73 kilometres of trails for cross-country skiers, you will never run out of things to do. Each neighbourhood has its own characteristic features and is located at a different altitude, so you can choose to stay in the village that suits you best.
You want to go to Les Arcs for a skiing holiday, but which 'Arc' do you choose? Arc 1950 is the most atmospheric family village, built in the fairytale Whistler Canadian architectural style. Everything there is centred around the village square, and you will find many lovely shops, restaurants, and bars where quality and service come first. Are the après-ski drinks with your friends the best part of your ski trip for you? Then the largest and most vibrant village, Arc 1800, is the place for you. Arc 1600 is the oldest and smallest ski village of the four. Many families with young children choose to stay there since it is mostly flat and car-free. Arc 2000 is the highest village, perfect for the experienced skier or snowboarder. The challenging black slopes of Aiguille Rouge await you there... do you dare?
The Les arcs ski area is extremely snow-sure, with its two glaciers and several peaks all above 3000 metres elevation. And regardless of the weather forecast, there are endless things to do there for skiers and snowboarders. One highlight you shouldn’t miss is the 7.5-hectare Apocalypse snowpark. It has woops, ramps, a mini pipe for beginners, and four rows of kickers and boxes for practicing your skills. For an extra challenge, it even has a shred line specifically for expert skiers. There’s also the Mille8, located in the heart of Les Arcs, just above Arc 1800. This multifunctional park truly has everything, including great places to grab après-ski drinks, a freestyle slope, a 900-metre toboggan slope with a tunnel, a special beginners’ and children's zone, a pedestrian path, a fantastic indoor and outdoor swimming paradise of 3800m2 and an excellent restaurant with live music.
In need of more travel inspiration? Take a look at our 5 reasons to choose a ski holiday to France!