Les Arcs Ski Resort
Situated on the edge of Vanoise National Park, Les Arcs is home to four main villages that are named after their altitudes. There is Les Arcs 1600, Les Arcs 1800, Les Arcs 1950 and Les Arcs 2000, however, the village names aren’t exact to the altitudes at which they sit. For example, the altitude of Les Arcs 2000 is actually over 2100m.
The Les Arcs ski area is also made up of neighbouring villages, such as Plan Peisey, Peisey, Villaroger, Vallandry, Landry and Nancroix, each with their own distinct identities. With over 210kms of pistes covering this spacious resort, there’s always plenty to keep you busy and entertained.
Les Arcs was established in the 1960s by two Frenchmen, Roger Godino and Roger Blanc. They wanted to develop an expansive ski area using only local materials and without creating buildings that overlooked one another. Nowadays, Les Arcs is linked to La Plague via the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car to create the huge Paradiski area and its 450kms of pistes, now under the ownership of Compagnie des Alps.
As this resort is so high, snow conditions are very reliable and the lifts are always fast and efficient. Les Arcs is also famous for its steel Flying Kilometre slope, which is not open to the public but is used for various competitions. From high exposed slopes and lower tree-lined runs to beginner-dedicated areas, Les Arcs has it all and more.
Les Arcs Winter Activities
Not only does Les Arcs boast accommodation that’s excellent value for money but it also offers something for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. Each village has plenty of snack huts, restaurants and bars including some that provide live music and disco nights. There are also plenty of gift shops and boutiques, especially in Arc 1950.
Regardless of which village you stay in, you can make the most of the ice skating rinks, swimming pool, beauty spas, fitness centre and squash courts, as well as helicopter sightseeing flights. As there is a free shuttle bus service that runs between the villages throughout the day, it’s really easy to explore the whole Les Arcs ski area at your own pace.
For a unique icy adventure, you can go to the top of the Transarc gondola to visit the Ice Cave attraction and the starting point of the tobogganing run or attempt glacier walking in the Glacier Geay.
Some of our favourite Winter Activities in this amazing resort are:
- Husky Rides
- Ski-joering – being pulled along on your ski’s by a horse
- Heli-skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Snow-shoeing
- Paragliding
- Helicopter Sightseeing Experiences
Childcare Les Arcs
Les Arcs is well-known for being a family-friendly resort, meaning you won’t find it hard to arrange some childcare for your little ones. Alpine Childcare is a great option because they provide flexible childcare at competitive rates. Whether it be all day or just in the evening, you’ll be matched with a nanny that can fit in with your family’s needs.
Another company offering excellent childcare and nanny services is Safe Hands France, a UK business operating in and around Les Arcs. From part-time or full-time childcare to lunchtime or evening babysitting, all services can be tailored to suit your requirements.
