Overlooking the Tarentaise Valley and reached via the town of Bourg Saint Maurice, Les Arcs comprises three resorts in one with villages at 1600m, 1800m and 2000m. Not surprisingly, the lowest village was the first resort, with the highest being the last to be constructed - the favourite for wealth of skiing, activities and night life is Arc 1800. Having said that, each of the villages has something special to offer and each should be studied on its merits and for personal choice.
In the 35 years since the upper areas were developed by local boy, Robert Blanc, Les Arcs has become synonymous with innovation. Buildings have been designed to blend in with the contours of the mountains and lifts mostly start from where they are needed, close to each resort centre. One of the world's most famous speed-ski tracks is at Arc 2000 and you can test your own courage on it.
The skiing area totals around 200km which are served by a funicular, 1 cable car, 3 gondolas, 30 chair lifts and 40 drag lifts. There are 5 free lifts for beginners and 70 ski instructors at ESF - most of the ski groups are 12 or less.
Now the Les Arcs area is known as Paradiski and is linked to the La Plagne ski area by way of a new double deck cable car capable of moving 2000 skiers every hour. The journey on the "Vanoise Express" cablecar will take just four minutes and will cross from Vallandry in the Les Arcs ski area to Montchavin (1250m) and Les Coches (1450m) in the La Plagne region. The newly created Paradiski area will give skiers access to 425km of pistes with 175 lifts making it arguably the largest ski region in Europe.
Away from the slopes there is also plenty to do. An ice rink can be found at Arc 1800, or for those who prefer something indoors, there is 10-pin bowling, fitness and sauna and a good range of shops. There is a plentiful supply of bars and restaurants and specialities which include raclette and fondues. Night clubs and discos are for the young but they are kept well away from most accommodation where those who prefer a slightly earlier night can rest peacefully.
A car journey will take 9/10 hours and for those flying, Chambery is the usual airport and is within a 2-hour transfer. For those preferring the train, fast, modern trains from the UK link direct to Bourg St. Maurice where waiting coaches transfer you to the village in about 40 minutes. Both Les Arcs and La Plagne regions are marketed in the UK by Erna Low.
Special Offer: We have teamed up with PV Holidays, leading supplier of French Skiing accommodation to offer a Christmas offer of
one night free with every booking.