Tucked away in the Tarentaise Valley, Les Arcs doesn’t always boast the same instant recognition as its glitzier neighbours. But don’t be fooled, this is a resort the locals love. With a summit soaring past 3,000m and a sprawling 200km of interconnected pistes, Les Arcs is a ski area that punches well above its weight.

Offering a quintessential French Alps experience without the fanfare, you’ll find authentic charm, terrain for every ability, and prices that are refreshingly reasonable. Get ready to feel like a local from day one.

Les Arcs at a Glance: The Key Stats

• Resort Altitude: 1,200m – 3,226m (3,937 – 10,584ft)
• Vertical Drop: 2,000m (6,562ft)
• Average Snowfall: 350cm (138in)
• Total Trails: 200km (1280 acres)
• Number of Trails: 106
• Trail Difficulty: 38% Beginner | 38% Intermediate | 23% Advanced

Getting to Les Arcs: Your Journey Made Easy

The most scenic and stress-free way to arrive is by train to Bourg Saint Maurice. From there, a swift 7min funicular railway whisks you directly up to Arc 1600.

• By Train: Direct services from major hubs like Paris, Lyon, and even international overnight trains from cities like London, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
• By Air: The closest airports are Geneva (GVA) and Lyon (LYS), both roughly a 2.5hr drive away.
• MTNhack: If you’re staying on the mountain, you won’t need a car. The resort’s internal bus system is free and efficient.

The Resort Vibe: Find Your Perfect Village Base

Les Arcs is a collection of purpose-built villages, each with its own unique character.

• Arc 1600: The original, charming, and compact village with easy funicular access.
• Arc 1800: The largest and most vibrant base, buzzing with apres-ski life.
• Arc 1950/2000: Higher up the mountain, these villages offer more upscale, ski-in/ski-out convenience and better snow reliability.
• Vallandry & Plan Peisey: For a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere with direct access to the Paradiski area (La Plagne).

Where to Stay & Apres-Ski

From the authentic charm of Arc 1600 to the bustling apres-ski scene of Arc 1800 and the luxury of Arc 1950, there’s lodging for every taste and budget. The Sweet Madness is the go-to for legendary slope-side apres-ski, while BoB and The Nursery offer elevated dining with incredible views.

The Mountain: A Skier’s & Snowboarder’s Paradise

Beginners & Families: Confidence-Building Terrain

Les Arcs is a dream for beginners. Each village has its own dedicated gentle slopes and magic carpets.

• Top Beginner Zones: The upper slopes at Vallandry, Plan Peisey, and Arc 2000 offer better snow conditions for learners.
• Graduation Blues: Progress to long, scenic blues like Forêt, Renard, Plan Vert, and Col de la Chal.
• Kids’ Adventure: Fun, themed trails like Piste des Animaux and Foret des Pitchouns keep young skiers entertained.

Intermediate Heaven: Carve Your Adventure

With 38% of the mountain dedicated to reds and blues, intermediates are in for a treat.

• Sunny Cruisers: Warm up on Teppes and Plagnettes.
• Long & Scenic: For epic carving, head to Secret, Golf, and Grands Mélèzes.
• Tree-Lined Bliss: The trails above Vallandry (Belette, Ours) offer stunning, sheltered skiing reminiscent of North American resorts.

Advanced & Expert: Find Your Challenge

Advanced skiers have plenty to explore, including some of the Alps’ most legendary runs.

• The Legendary Black: Aiguille Rouge (3,226m) offers a breathtaking top-to-bottom black run with a 2,000m vertical drop (check snow conditions).
• Challenging Descents: Test your skills on the demanding Bois de l’Ours.
• Off-Piste & Freeride: When conditions align, the off-piste and tree-skiing areas are world-class. Always hire a guide.

Snow Parks & Boardercross

The Les Arcs Snow Park features a full range of jumps and jibs for all levels, serviced by its own T-bar lift. For a fun group activity, don’t miss the two boardercross courses.

Seasons, Snow & Quirks: Tips and MTNhacks

• Snow Quality: South-facing slopes like Aiguille Rouge and Grand Col can get soft in the afternoon. For the best snow, seek north-facing trails.
• Avoiding Crowds: Visit on changeover days (Saturday/Sunday) for quieter slopes and potential discounts. Morning queues are common at Transarc and Varets lifts.
• Smart Skiing: This is a vast resort. Don’t get stranded—if you’re tired late in the day, use the free shuttle buses to get back to your accommodation.
• Weather Proofing: The resort’s varied aspects mean you can always find a sheltered spot, whatever the weather.

The Verdict: Why Choose Les Arcs?

Les Arcs delivers a perfectly balanced ski holiday. It’s a resort that truly has it all:

• Terrain for All: A perfect 50/50 split between beginner/intermediate and advanced terrain.
• Authentic Vibe: Friendly, local feel without the overwhelming crowds.
• Easy Access: Seamless train and funicular link.
• Great Value: More affordable than the mega-resorts next door.

It’s the quintessential French Alps experience, perfected.

Ready to explore the slopes? Watch our full Les Arcs trail and lift videos to plan your perfect ski day!