The Skiers' Guide to Les Arcs

Les Arcs is somewhat like the goldilocks of French ski resorts. There are just the right amount of runs for all abilities, not too much rowdiness in the form of après, limited nightlife and a choice of resort villages to choose from. For families, early risers and mixed-ability groups, our Snomad community reviews describe Les Arcs as “the perfect ski resort.” It’s no wonder that many of them return year after year.

Located in the Tarantaise Valley of France’s Savoie region, Les Arcs sits above Bourg Saint Maurice, which is the feeder town for other ski resorts including Tignes, Val D’isere and Sainte Foy. A popular resort, Les Arcs is part of the massive Paradiski area (Linked with La Plagne) making it one of the largest ski areas in the world - offering a huge range of skiing and snowboarding on 425km of relatively snow-sure pistes which range from 1250m up to 3250m in altitude.

In terms of where to stay, there are resort villages set at various heights on the mountain. Purpose-built, these are known as Arc 1600, 1800, 1950 & 2000. The lower villages are great for beginners, and that’s where you’ll also find the liveliest bars and après spots, while the higher resorts are known for their ski-in, ski-out convenience and family-friendly atmosphere. Arc 1950 is the prettiest of the lot, with the traditional wood-clad look. All of the village centres are pedestrianised, which is great for families and getting around on foot - Snomad reviews consistently highlight that nothing is too far away including lifts, restaurants, bars and shops. Even the town of Bourg St Maurice below is relatively accessible (a 7-minute funicular ride from Arc 1600) and has everything you could possibly need - a large SuperU supermarket, dentist, vets, large Laboshop and even a McDonalds.

On the slopes, you’ll enjoy a mix of both tree-lined pistes and lunar-esque landscapes. Panoramic views include the iconic outcrop of Mont Blanc, and the pistes themselves are varied enough to suit all levels. One Snomad reviewer states that “the queues for the lifts are almost non-existent (at least in early January) and there are plenty of them.”

The skiing in Les Arcs can be briefly summarised with this Snomad community review - “Great variety of slopes for all abilities, plenty of nice blues around the mountain and a variety of reds. Black runs were often not pisted so can make for more challenging conditions. Loved the ski-in ski-out convenience of Arc 1950, great vibe and lots of places to eat and drink.”

Les Arcs' local ski area consists of 200km of pistes, while the larger Paradiski lift pass grants access to over 425km in total. Needless to say, you’re probably not going to cover 425km in a week, but having unlimited access from Villaroger right across to Plagne Montalbert will ensure that things don’t get boring, or too congested. All resorts throughout the area are well-linked with plenty of lifts, making getting around a breeze. The best beginner areas can be found at Arc 1600 and 1800, with some cruisey blues between the two offering the next step up for those that progress, without the need to climb higher up the mountain. There are plenty of features to enjoy including border cross, terrain parks, fun slopes, tunnels and children’s areas. Intermediate reds and blacks are littered across the mountain, while the endless tree-line adventures of Villaroger beckon on big pow days.

The large number of lifts offer a choice of different runs that all meet so skiers/boarders can choose different options and still meet at the bottom, or at one of the many slopeside restaurants for a lunchtime croque monsieur. Excitingly, night skiing is also available on selected dates throughout the season, allowing you to experience floodlit slope skiing between the trees at Arc 1800.

Each of the four villages throughout Les Arcs offers their own selection of eateries and bars, and there is plenty of choice on the mountain. Snomad reviewer shoutouts include La Cabane Neiges in Arc 1800 for indulgent mountain cuisine, burgers and beer at Comptoir Savoyard at the bottom of the Vallandry lift and Red Rock Bar at Arc 2000 for delicious, hearty dishes in a relaxed pub environment.

Les Arcs is not known for its wild après scene and is somewhat more subdued than the more rowdy counterparts. However, it is home to a Folie Douce venue (accessed via the Villards gondola or Dahu cable car) which has sensational sunset views. Another sun-soaked après spot is L’arpette at Arc 1800, which often entertains the après crowd with live DJ sets. If you want the best access to the limited party scene in Les Arcs, our Snomad community reviewers recommend looking for accommodation in the smaller area at 1750m, where all of the bars and clubs are - in their words, “it would be much easier getting home from a night out if you stay at this lower section.” Ultimately though, there’s not a lot that goes on into the evening as Les Arcs is more known for its quiet, calm and upmarket vibe.

Les Arcs is a great resort for families and children with a good mix of runs and a very relaxed, quieter atmosphere. If you’re keen to stay in more peaceful surroundings with convenient access to ski schools and slopes, opt for Arc 1950 & 2000 over the lower villages. One of our Snomad community reviewers, who travelled with family in 2025 describes Arc 1950 as a “lovely quaint cosy wood chalet sort of resort compared to the others which were larger & more condominium style. There were plenty of places to eat & drink - all just a stone's throw away. It is quite literally a ski-in ski-out resort with everything you could want just a few steps away. A bakery was right opposite our accom, Carrefour supermarket next door, with the rental equipment & ESF ski school meeting point right in the centre. Couldn't ask for more convenience.”

If you do want to join the hustle and bustle occasionally, you can make use of the quick and easy gondola to Les Arcs 1800, or the free shuttle bus. Whichever level you choose to stay at, each one has a pedestrianised centre which gives you peace of mind if travelling with children.

Actively working towards carbon neutrality, Les Arcs has a B Corp Certification, meaning it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Over the past few years in particular, Les Arcs has worked tirelessly to reduce its carbon footprint. Ski lifts are powered by hydroelectricity, snow groomers are run on biofuel, free shuttle busses link the pedestrianised resorts and train travel is championed - the resort even offers free funicular tickets to those arriving by train.

Pros

• Good slopes for all levels
• Reputation for impressive off-piste
• Great links to Vallandry & La Plagne
• Resort is pedestrianised and easy to navigate

Cons

• Not a huge drinking and late-night culture here - which may also be considered a pro.
• Not a lot of non-ski activities available