The Ski Resort of Les Arcs

Les Arcs

One of the defining purpose-built resorts, with architecture to love or loathe, Les Arcs is a multi-centred collection of ski-in ski-out bases set in extensive, diverse ski terrain. The complex topography and big lift system can bewilder first-time visitors but offers great skiing for those who know their way around.

Our Rating:

Advanced		****
Intermediate		****
Beginner		****

Home of the "flying kilometre", some crazy architecture and superb terrain, Les Arcs offers great skiing for all levels and the new link with La Plagne makes it one of the biggest ski areas in the world. In Les Arcs itself, the balance of the different levels of terrain is unusually well proportioned, making it an ideal resort for a mixed ability group.

The steep slopes and rocky outcrops also mean plenty of off-piste for the more discerning advanced skier. Arc 1600 and 1800 are only a short drive or seven minute funival ride from the valley town of Bourg-St-Maurice, and four hours from Paris or seven hours from London on the Eurostar.

Unlike many purpose-built French resorts whose architecture lacks any redeeming features, Arc 1800, 1600 and 2000 have a definitive and highly individual style, a perfect time-capsule of imaginative modernist Seventies architecture. Corridors slope, balconies are staggered and the low-slung but substantial buildings curve in sympathy with their surroundings.

Always one for innovation, Les Arcs pioneered European snowboarding and the use of short skis for teaching, designed the first high-altitude golf course and is now home to the first Intrawest resort development in Europe, Arc 1950.

Les Arcs at a glance

On the mountain

Ski area

There are two major ski areas in Les Arcs: the long western flank above Arc 1800 and the large bowl of Arc 2000. more...

Lift system

Les Arcs' lift system is efficient and now linked to La Plagne via the new double-decker gondola from Vallandry. more...

Ski schools

The forward-thinking Les Arcs ESF pioneered the use of short skis to teach carving turns. more...

Advanced

The steep pitch of many of Les Arcs' runs make it a good choice for advanced skiers, and there are also good off-piste options. more...

Intermediate

There is a great deal to satisfy the piste-hungry intermediate in Les Arcs. more...

Beginner

Arc 1800 is the best base for beginners as the network of blues above the resort are pleasantly wide and snowsure. more...

Boarding & freestyle

In the Eighties Les Arcs introduced the snowboard to Europe and "Team Apo" still rip it up in the well-maintained and versatile Apocalypse Park. more...

Mountain restaurants

Most of the high-altitude mountain restaurants are fairly standard; the better restaurants are lower down. more...

Ski Map

: open Ski map

Navigation

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Resort shortcuts

Les Arcs fatcs

Ski Area

Base	5,249 ft 1,600 m
Summit	10,663 ft 3,250 m
Elevation	5,414 ft 1,650 m
Area size	1,730 a 700 ha

Trails/runs

Number of trails	105
Advanced	18 %
Intermediate	31 %
Beginner	51 %

Lifts

Chairs

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