Les Arcs is a resort in Savoie. It was created in 1968. Les Arcs is a car-free resort and has been designed as a responsible destination. In 2020, it obtained the Flocon Vert label.
Les Arcs: 1 resort, 5 sites
The resort of Les Arcs, although it is in Savoie, is located opposite Mont Blanc. It includes 5 sites, namely :
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Arc 1600
- Arc 1800
- Arc 1950
- Arc 2000
Whatever your skiing style, you are bound to find the place that suits you in Les Arcs. All the more so as the resort benefits from quality snow cover throughout the winter season.
Les Arcs, a responsible destination
Since its creation, the resort of Les Arcs has been responsible for the environment. In 1989, the electric funicular was built. It allows to reach the resort, which is 100% pedestrian. In 2012, the Environmental Observatory was set up. Its aim is to study and map the species living in the Les Arcs area. At the same time, it is integrated into the development projects for the slopes and ski lifts. The idea remains to reconcile environmental protection and activities. Thus, quiet zones were set up in 2020 to avoid disturbing the black grouse. The same year, the resort obtained the Flocon Vert label.
The ski area of Les Arcs
The Les Arcs ski area is part of Paradiski, along with Peisey-Vallandry. It has 425 kilometres of pistes and is a unique playground. In Les Arcs, the mountain is accessible to all levels. You can ski in the forests or on the glaciers. There are also many play areas. There are also magnificent panoramic views, such as that of Carreley or the Les Arcs Giant Letters.
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The more sporty can try the long 7km descent from the top of the Aiguille Rouge down to Villaroger. You will also have the opportunity to get up early to enjoy the slopes on your own. Accompanied by a professional, the freshly groomed slopes will be yours.
Top rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected two accommodations located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. They have very good reviews from customers.
Hotel Autantic
Hotel Autantic is located near the Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station. You can easily reach the funicular to go skiing in Les Arcs. The hotel has a swimming pool and pets are allowed.From €40 per night.
Base Camp Lodge Hotels
Base Camp Lodge is located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Some rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and a fridge. Room service is also available. Pets are allowed in the hotel.From 105€ per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer two chalets for rent that are very popular with holidaymakers.
Chalet Cabotte – Les Granges
The Cabotte – Les Granges chalet is located in Les Arcs 1600. With a surface area of 130 m², it offers a beautiful view of the mountains. It features 4 bedrooms and a sunny terrace. The advantage: free parking.
ZenArcs
The ZenArcs chalet is located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. A ski room is available for guests, as well as free parking. A wellness centre and a spa are also available.
Winter sports
Downhill skiing is not the only sport you can do in Les Arcs. You can also try ski touring. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can hire it in the resort’s shops. Electric snowmobiling is another winter activity in the resort, where you can go on a family outing with instructors. And of course, Les Arcs also has cross-country ski trails. 43 km are equipped for both alternative and skating. The Nordic site is located on the side of Peisey-Vallandry.
The athletes of the resort
Les Arcs is a land of athletes. We present you three of them, all of them passed through the local ski club.
Enak Gavaggio
After having done ski cross at a high level, Enak Gavaggio turned to shootings and series. A real troublemaker and seven-time X Games medalist, the man known for being at the origin of the Rancho Webshow did his training in Les Arcs. He is now the president of the Freeski Academy of the resort. If he had to describe Les Arcs, it would be in three words: “alpine, alpine and forest”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS_eBnFtMpc
Marielle Berger-Sabbatel
Marielle Berger-Sabbatel was born in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. She started skiing at 15 months old and joined the French Alpine ski team in 2007. She will nevertheless change discipline in 2011. It is in skicross that the Frenchwoman distinguishes herself. She obtained her first World Cup victory in the 2019-2020 season.
Jules Bonnaire
Another figure of Les Arcs, the freestyler Jules Bonnaire. Born in Moûtiers, he now competes and shoots. Jules Bonnaire took part in the Sochi Olympic Games in 2014. He also finished second overall in the SFR Freestyle Tour in the 2013-2014 season. His objective remains to share his passion for freestyle with as many people as possible. In Les Arcs, his favourite spot is the backside of the Aiguille Rouge.
The must-see event in Les Arcs
If there is a must-see event in Les Arcs, it is the Arcs Film Festival. It simply launches the winter season and aims to promote the diversity of European cinema. Directors and actors are present to highlight the feature films shown during one week. Each year, the president of the jury changes. In 2022, the director and screenwriter Michel Hazanavicius has been nominated.
Ski passes
As with the vast majority of resorts, you will be able to pick up your ski passes at the same time as you book your ski holiday in Les Arcs, via the internet. For skiers, three main passes are available:
- Classic pass
- Essential pass
- Premium pass
Each one gives access to advantages. You can therefore choose the one that best suits you, depending on your level of skiing and your expectations for your stay.
Snowshoeing itineraries
You can take advantage of the snowy paths of Les Arcs to go for a snowshoeing trip. We suggest you discover some of the paths.
Sentier des Sapins – Arcs 1800
The Sapins trail starts at the bottom of the Villards cable car. It crosses the forest located in the Arcs 1800 area. Throughout the walk, you can enjoy the calm and contemplative spaces. Access to the Villards cable car is free for pedestrians.
Chemin du Solliet
The Solliet path is a nice loop allowing you to enjoy the Bec Rouge, Pierre d’Arbine and Foglietta summits. It starts at the Pré Saint-Esprit shuttle bus stop. Follow the Villaroger forest path until you reach the Solliet restaurant.
The Courbaton loop
The Courbaton loop is the snowshoe walk to do with your family. Without difficulties, it has a small difference in altitude and the terrain is easy to use. To be done the day after a snowfall. You’ll feel like you’re in Lapland.
Ideas for summer activities
Les Arcs is a resort that lives in summer too. There are many activities to do and you will discover the mountain in a new light. Here are a few ideas of what to do:
- Hiking. More than 200 km of marked trails are available to you, with a difference in altitude of 6,700 metres. You can therefore easily choose the one that is best suited to your level. Just make sure you choose the right equipment.
- Golf. Overlooking the Tarentaise valley, the golf course of Les Arcs offers two courses. One with 18 holes, the second with 9 holes. Spread over 60 hectares, it will allow you to enjoy the view of the Mont-Blanc.
- The mountain kart. For those who love sensations, we recommend the mountain kart. An activity to be enjoyed with the family, you will race down the prepared slopes of Les Arcs 1800. You will be offered two choices of course: one of 1 050 metres, the second of 1 300 metres.
Access and public transport
To get to Les Arcs, you have three options. Take the train, the car or the plane. The first one will avoid the traffic jams linked to the crossings. It is also an eco-responsible way to travel. Once you arrive at Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, the funicular will take you to Les Arcs. The car is another solution. It can be interesting for people who do not live too far from the resort. But in this case, favour carpooling! As for the plane, allow about 2 hours 30 minutes from Lyon airport. You can also choose to land in Geneva, as well as in Chambéry in winter.
Video presentation of Les Arcs
Resorts near Les Arcs
Les Arcs is not the only resort in Tarentaise. You will find nearby La Plagne, but also La Rosière, Tignes or Val d’Isère. All these places are located in the vicinity of Annecy and more generally of the Haute-Savoie.
