Les Arcs is a resort in Savoie. It was created in 1968. Cars do not circulate in Les Arcs and the resort has been designed as a responsible destination. In 2020, it obtained the Flocon Vert label.
Les Arcs: 1 resort, 5 sites
The Les Arcs resort, although it is in Savoie, faces Mont-Blanc. It includes 5 sites, namely:
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Arc 1600
- Arc 1800
- Arc 1950
- Arc 2000
No matter your practice of alpine skiing, you will surely find the place that suits you in Les Arcs. Especially since the resort benefits from quality snow cover throughout the winter season.
Les Arcs, a responsible destination
Since its creation, the Les Arcs resort aims to be responsible towards the environment. In 1989, the electric funicular was built. It allows access to the resort, which is 100% pedestrian. A real asset that allows Les Arcs to stand out from the competition.
In 2012, the Environmental Observatory was established. Its purpose is to study and map the species living in the Les Arcs area. At the same time, it is integrated into the planning projects for the slopes and ski lifts. The idea remains to reconcile environmental protection and activities. Thus, tranquility zones were established in 2020 to avoid disturbing the capercaillie. The same year, the resort obtained the Flocon Vert label.
The ski area of Les Arcs
The ski area of Les Arcs is part of Paradiski, along with Peisey-Vallandry. It has 425 kilometers of slopes and proves to be 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 fun areas. Stunning panoramas will also be available to you, such as that of Carreley or the Giant Letters LES ARCS.
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The more athletic can test the long descent of 7 km starting from the summit of the Aiguille Rouge and descending to Villaroger. You will also have the opportunity to wake up early to enjoy the slopes alone. Accompanied by a professional, the freshly groomed slopes will be yours.
The best-rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected two accommodations located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. They receive very good reviews from customers.
Hôtel Autantic
The Autantic hotel is located near the Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station. You can easily reach the funicular to go skiing in Les Arcs. The establishment has a swimming pool and pets are allowed.
From €40 per night.
Base Camp Lodge Hotels
The Base Camp Lodge is located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Some rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and a refrigerator. Room service is also offered. Pets are allowed in the establishment.
From €105 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
In order to have an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer for rent two chalets, highly appreciated by vacationers.
Chalet Cabotte – Les Granges
The Chalet Cabotte – Les Granges is located in Arc 1600. With an area of 130 m², it offers a lovely view of the mountains. You will have 4 bedrooms, as well as a well-exposed terrace. The plus: free parking.
Le ZenArcs
The ZenArcs chalet is located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. A ski room is available for vacationers, in addition to free parking. A wellness center and a spa are also accessible.
Winter sports
Alpine skiing is not the only sport that can be practiced in Les Arcs. You can also try ski touring. If you do not have your own equipment, you can rent it in the resort’s shops. Electric snowmobiles are one of the other activities offered by the resort in winter.
You can go for a family walk, guided by instructors. And of course, Les Arcs also has cross-country ski trails. 43 km are equipped for classic or skating. The Nordic site is located on the Peisey-Vallandry side.
The athletes of the resort
Les Arcs is a land of athletes. We present to you three of them, all of whom have passed through the local ski club.
Enak Gavaggio
After competing in ski cross at a high level, Enak Gavaggio turned to shooting and series. A true troublemaker and seven-time medalist at the X Games, he is known for being the originator of the Rancho Webshow and honed his skills in Les Arcs. He is now the president of the resort’s Freeski Academy. If he had to describe Les Arcs, it would be in three words: “alpine, alpine pasture, and forest”.
Marielle Berger-Sabbatel
Marielle Berger-Sabbatel was born in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. She started skiing at 15 months and joined the French alpine ski team in 2007. However, she changed disciplines in 2011. It is in skicross that the Frenchwoman stands out. She achieved her first World Cup victory during the 2019-2020 season.
Jules Bonnaire
Another figure from Les Arcs is freestyler Jules Bonnaire. Born in Moûtiers, he is currently competing and filming. Jules Bonnaire participated in the Sochi Olympics in 2014. He also finished second overall in the SFR Freestyle Tour for the 2013-2014 season. His goal remains to share his passion for freestyle with as many people as possible. In Les Arcs, his favorite spot is the back of the Aiguille Rouge.
The must-see event of Les Arcs
If there is one must-see event in Les Arcs, it is the Les Arcs Film Festival. It simply kicks off the winter season and aims to promote the diversity of European cinema. Directors and actors are present to showcase the feature films screened over a week.
Each year, the president of the jury changes. In 2022, it was director and screenwriter Michel Hazanavicius who was appointed.
Ski passes
As with the vast majority of resorts, you can purchase your passes at the same time as you book your ski holiday in Les Arcs, online. For skiers, three main passes are offered:
- Classic pass
- Essential pass
- Premium pass
Each provides access to benefits. You can therefore choose the one that suits you best, depending on your skiing level and your expectations for your stay.
Snowshoe trails
You can enjoy the snowy trails of Les Arcs for a snowshoe walk. We offer you to discover some paths.
Sentier des Sapins – Arcs 1800
The Sentier des Sapins begins at the bottom of the Villards gondola. It crosses the forest located in the Arcs 1800 area. Throughout the walk, you can enjoy the calm and contemplation spaces. Access to the Villards gondola is free for pedestrians.
Chemin du Solliet
The Chemin du Solliet is a lovely loop allowing you to enjoy the peaks of Bec Rouge, Pierre d’Arbine, and Foglietta. The departure is from the Pré Saint-Esprit shuttle stop. Follow the forest path from Villaroger until you reach the Solliet restaurant.
Boucle de Courbaton
The Boucle de Courbaton is the snowshoe walk to do with family. Without difficulties, it presents a low elevation gain and the terrain remains easy to practice. To be done the day after a snowfall. You will thus feel like you are in Lapland.
Summer activity ideas
Les Arcs is a resort that also comes alive in summer. There are many activities that will allow you to discover the mountains in a new light. Here are some ideas for experiences to try:
- The hiking. More than 200 km of marked trails are available to you, with 6,700 meters of elevation gain. You can easily choose one that is most suitable for your level. Just make sure to choose equipment suitable for the activity.
- The golf. Overlooking the Tarentaise valley, the golf course of Les Arcs offers two courses. One with 18 holes, the other with 9 holes. Spread over 60 hectares, it will allow you to enjoy the view of Mont-Blanc.
- The mountain kart. For those who love sensations, we recommend the mountain kart. An activity to do with family, you will race down the prepared slopes of Arc 1800. Two course options will be offered: one of 1,050 meters, the other of 1,300 meters.
Access and public transport
To get to Les Arcs, you have three options. Take the train, the car, or the plane. The first will avoid you the traffic jams related to the holiday rush. It is also a way to travel in an eco-responsible manner. Once at Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, the funicular will take over to take you to Les Arcs.
The car is another solution. It can be interesting for people living not too far from the resort. But in this case, prefer carpooling! As for the plane, count about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Lyon airport. You can also choose to land in Geneva, as well as in Chambéry in winter.
Presentation video of Les Arcs
The resorts near Les Arcs
Les Arcs is not the only resort in Tarentaise. You will find nearby La Plagne, as well as La Rosière, Tignes, or even Val d’Isère. All these places are relatively close to Annecy and more generally to Haute-Savoie.
