Les Arcs Ski Resort
Vast French Alps ski resort with diverse slopes, modern lifts, and stunning panoramic views, offering winter and summer activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh snow, fewer crowds
Les Arcs Ski Resort
Best Time
Fresh snow, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast French Alps ski resort with diverse slopes, modern lifts, and stunning panoramic views, offering winter and summer activities.
"Huge ski area, easy to reach, with lots of variety, but can be crowded."
🚗 Avoid Weekend Traffic
Long traffic jams to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on weekends are common. Visit during the week if possible.
🎟️ Day Pass Value
A day pass for Les Arcs is around 63€. Exploring the full Paradiski area might be too much for a single day trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aiguille Rouge Descent
Arc 2000
Experience a super long, varied descent with breathtaking views from the highest point down to Villaroger.
Transarcs Gondola
Les Arcs 1800
Ride this world-renowned gondola, known for its luxurious intermediate station and stunning alpine architecture.
Villaroger Area
Below Arc 2000
Discover a calmer, less frequented ski area with excellent runs, offering a more peaceful experience.
Igloo Bar
Near Arcabulle
Enjoy a unique après-ski experience with a drink at this charming igloo bar, a local favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting to the Slopes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid Weekend Traffic
Long traffic jams to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on weekends are common. Visit during the week if possible.
🎟️ Day Pass Value
A day pass for Les Arcs is around 63€. Exploring the full Paradiski area might be too much for a single day trip.
🚠 Modern Lifts
Enjoy modern bubble chairlifts, but be aware some older lifts struggle with crowds during peak times.
🏠 Village Charm
Arc 1950 is a favorite for its charm and suitability for both skiing and walking, with activities for kids.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Weekend Traffic
Long traffic jams to Bourg-Saint-Maurice on weekends are common. Visit during the week if possible.
🎟️ Day Pass Value
A day pass for Les Arcs is around 63€. Exploring the full Paradiski area might be too much for a single day trip.
🚠 Modern Lifts
Enjoy modern bubble chairlifts, but be aware some older lifts struggle with crowds during peak times.
🏠 Village Charm
Arc 1950 is a favorite for its charm and suitability for both skiing and walking, with activities for kids.
🚌 Shuttle Woes
The shuttle between villages can be unreliable and crowded. Missing the last lift means long waits for buses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the huge ski area and the easy accessibility via the funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The variety of runs, from beginner-friendly to challenging black slopes, and the stunning views are frequently praised. However, the resort can become very crowded during peak times, leading to long lift lines and busy runs, and the shuttle service between villages is noted as a significant drawback.
"This place is wow. Here for the last few days and few more days to go. It has not disappointed in any possible way. Amazing place, amazing skiing and great location. Skies withESF. Bad ass always. Out instructed, Lucas is bad ass first year and has a patient of a saint. He is a great instructor. Wanted to just do free slope and did blue slope. Skied to the highest point and skied all the way down. Bad ass.
Will highly recommend this place and the skiing……"
Kandan Loganathan
"Day trip on a rather busy weekday in mid february (carnival holidays).
Here a detailed review:
-Arrival: I parked at the funicular in Bourg St. Maurice around 8:30am. To my surprise the car park was almost empty and only cost around 3€ a day. Very easy to reach, no long winding difficult road up the mountain.
I bought a day ski pass for Les Arcs, which was just 63€ (initially wanted to explore whole Paradiski but since it was so busy I decided against).
Skì area:
The ski area is gigantic (even without counting the La Plagne connection).
With the funicular you first arrive at Mt. Blanc chairlift, which has great runs to warm up.
Towards Arpette it began to become more crowded. The area around Arc2000, Varet and Arcabulle were the busiest: the ski rund (especially the easy ones) were packed and the lift lines were long. Varet (25min) and Aiguille Rouge (45min) had the longest lines. The fact that they even had extra queues for skischools and "fast pass" remids me of waiting for a roller coaster.
The trip to Aiguille Rouge is worth it: you have a fantastic view and a super long descend, with lots of variety, down to Villaroger. The villaroger area is much calmer.
The droset black run is a good challenge (as well as the black runs starting from Varet).
The grand col runs are a bit more hidden and fun but still highly frequented.
The runs around Arcabulle are very wide and you have lots of space.
Totally recommend to have a drink at the igloo bar near arcabulle. There is also a long sledding run that seems fun.
The west side ski runs (Vallandry, Arc1800) were not as crowded.
The ski runs at Vallandry are nice, You have many fun forest runs. The red combe is fun and more quiet.
At Arc1800 you have wide long forest runs with beginner areas and terrain parks.
I also liked that there are easy runs connecting every area, so you easy returned to the funicular.
Ski lifts:
Loved that the area is so easy to reach by funicular. I liked that they had a more modern bubble chairlifts like in Tignes. Some lifts like Varet, Aiguille Rouge or Pre Saint Esprit couldnt handle the masses of people.
Verdict:
++ huge ski area
++ easy to reach
+ variety of runs, lots of easy but also challenging runs
+ long Aigulle Rouge run
+ good ski pass price
+ lots of other activities (zipline, sledding, paragliding)
-- crowded runs, lines at the lifts, long traffic jams to get to Bourg St. Maurice on weekends (dont visit during french, british, dutch holidays)"
M Hoffman
"We went a week in a cottage near Les Arcs. Good hiking and mountain biking trails all around the mountain."
Tomi Rosendahl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is often by taking the funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice directly to the resort. Parking in Bourg is affordable and readily available. Driving directly to the villages can involve winding roads and potential traffic, especially on weekends.
While possible, driving directly to the villages can be challenging with winding mountain roads. Weekend traffic jams to Bourg-Saint-Maurice are also common, making the funicular a preferred option for many.
Parking is available in the various villages, but can be expensive. Parking at the funicular in Bourg-Saint-Maurice is a more budget-friendly option, costing around 3€ per day.
Yes, you can reach Bourg-Saint-Maurice by train, and from there, the funicular provides easy access to the Les Arcs ski area.
Les Arcs offers a good variety of runs, including plenty of green and mid-blue slopes suitable for beginners and children, comparable to North American standards.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A day ski pass for Les Arcs is approximately 63€. Prices can vary depending on the season and any special offers.
Yes, ski passes can typically be purchased online in advance through the official Les Arcs website, which can sometimes save time and money.
Les Arcs offers various passes, including day passes, multi-day passes, and family packages. You can also get passes for the entire Paradiski area which includes La Plagne.
Lift operating hours generally run from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but can vary by area and time of year. It's best to check the official resort website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, children typically receive discounted ski passes. The age ranges for child discounts can vary, so it's advisable to check the resort's pricing details.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
The Aiguille Rouge descent offers a long and varied experience. The runs around Arcabulle are wide, and the Villaroger area is calmer. For a challenge, try the Droset black run.
Les Arcs can get very crowded, especially during French, British, and Dutch holidays. Lift lines can be long, particularly at popular lifts like Varet and Aiguille Rouge.
Beyond skiing, Les Arcs offers a long sledding run, paragliding, and a zipline. In summer, it transforms into a hub for hiking and mountain biking.
Arc 1800 is known for being lively. Arc 1950 is favored for its charm and family-friendliness. Arc 2000 is higher and more focused on skiing.
Ski schools like ESF are available, with instructors like Lucas praised for their patience and effectiveness, even with beginners on blue slopes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Restaurants in Les Arcs are generally considered overpriced, which is common for ski resorts. It's advisable to budget accordingly or consider self-catering options.
You'll find typical mountain cuisine, including Savoyard specialties like fondue and raclette, alongside international options. Many restaurants offer stunning mountain views.
Yes, there are numerous mountain restaurants and snack bars located directly on the slopes, offering quick bites and traditional dishes.
While traditional mountain fare is meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff.
The Igloo Bar offers a unique atmosphere and is a popular spot for a drink. Food options might be limited, but it's a memorable experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Aiguille Rouge provides incredible panoramic views of the Alps. The Transarcs gondola station in Les Arcs 1800 is architecturally striking.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the stunning mountain landscapes. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
The Transarcs gondola lift in Les Arcs 1800 is a world reference for its modern and luxurious design, making for unique architectural shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant peaks or wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is often restricted in ski resorts for safety reasons. Always check the local regulations and resort policies before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Slopes: Les Arcs Ski Area
The resort offers a good variety of runs, from easy slopes perfect for beginners to challenging black runs like the Droset. The Aiguille Rouge descent is a highlight, providing a long and varied experience down to Villaroger, which is often a calmer area. The runs around Arcabulle are noted for being wide, offering ample space. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the west side runs in Vallandry and Arc 1800 are generally less crowded, featuring enjoyable forest runs and beginner areas.
Connectivity between areas is generally good with easy runs linking them, allowing for straightforward returns to the funicular. However, the shuttle system between villages can be a point of frustration, with long waits and crowded buses if you miss your last lift.
Beyond the Slopes: Activities and Experiences
The resort's villages also provide unique experiences. The Igloo Bar near Arcabulle is a popular spot for a memorable après-ski drink in a unique setting.
Understanding Les Arcs Villages
Les Arcs 1800 is often described as the more lively village, offering a good mix of amenities and access to a variety of slopes, including wide forest runs. Les Arcs 1950 is a favorite for many due to its picturesque, pedestrianized design and family-friendly environment, making it ideal for those with children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit