A guide to Les Arcs
Les Arcs offers skiers different resort bases, 200km of local slopes and an impressive 425km when the rest of the Paradiski (Peisey-Vallandry & La Plagne) is included, linked via the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car. Each of the village bases in Les Arcs are named after the height at which they are located – 1600, 1800, 1950 (the newest) and 2000, and are traffic-free. This is a good ski area for families looking for convenience, as much of the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out. Arc 1800 is particularly good for beginners, where Mille8 opened in 2016; effectively a resort-within-a-resort, it has new nursery slopes, toboggan runs, swimming pool, spa, gym, and a restaurant.
Paradiski has the entire La Plagne complex in its universe, and the traditional villages of Peisey, Vallandry and Villaroger add some rustic charm to the offer. The closest airport is Chambéry at 1h30m by road. Access is also convenient from Bourg St Maurice with an easy transfer or the funicular up to Arc 1600.
Property for sale in Les Arcs
Composed mainly of apartments, the property market in Les Arcs is nevertheless dynamic and evolving. Properties for sale in Les Arcs are frequently under the " residence de tourisme" scheme, standard ownership listings are also frequently available. Most apartments are 2-4 bedroom units with prices in the €7500-8000/m² range on average. Larger apartments attract a modest premium, as always proximity to the pistes is key. The popularity of the resort ensures that property here rents out well during the ski and summer seasons.
Les Arcs ski area
There’s a huge range of runs, from long cruising reds and blues, to steep blacks and some fine tree-lined runs, ideal for bad weather days. The terrain is very varied. Much has been invested in the lift infrastructure. Each of the main Les Arcs villages have a good beginner area, and progression on to longer runs is good, including the winding Forêt trail down to Vallandry and the gentle blues in the Arc 2000 bowl. Since most of the terrain is accessible and not too steep, the ski area is excellent for intermediates too. To expand your horizons, the Paradiski pass upgrade is recommended. Advaced skiers and off-piste explorers can enjoy the terrain above the Arc 2000 bowl, off the Varet Gondola or from the top of the Aiguille Rouge. A superb run is from 3226m down to the small hamlet of Villaroger at 1200m.
Cross-country skiers will find 5km of trails in Arc 2000, 5km in Arc 1800, and 44km in Peisey-Vallandry.
Après ski in Les Arcs
Arc 1600 and 1800 are the biggest and most lively villages, and while generally the nightlife here is quiet, the legendary L’Arpette Restaurant is super popular as the lifts close, offering one of the finest sunset views anywhere in the Alps. In Arc 1800 you will find the Red Hot Saloon or Chez Boubou are the best spots for evening entertainment.
Summer in Les Arcs
This is a fabulous region in the summer for hikers and mountain bikers. 200km of marked trails offer exceptional views of the valley, Mont-Blanc and Pierra Menta with a particularly rich fauna and flora for nature lovers thanks to its proximity to the Vanoise National Park. The Chemin des Espagnols at Arc 1800 which descends to Arc 1600 is an easy and pleasant trail in all weathers and for all walkers. Notre Dame des Vernettes is an unmissable hike of medium difficulty, a 3h30m round trip with exceptional panoramas. The chapel is a listed historical monument. From here you can continue to the Col de l'Entreporte and finally the summit of the Aiguille Grive at an altitude of 2733m - it’s a steep climb of over 1100m, so best for experienced and fit hikers. “Sentiers des lacs” is a 9km pathway from Arc 2000 along 4 lakes, taking around 2 hours. The big highlight for hikers however is the Aiguille Rouge glacier, from a certain point you must take the Varet gondola from Arc 2000 over the glacier up to 3226m where the panoramic footbridge offers a unique 360 degree view of Mont Blanc, the Vanoise National Park, the Italian Alps, Mont Pourri and La Pierra Menta.
Mountain bikers have access to 149km of trails and a vertical drop of just under 2km right down to Bourg Saint Maurice should you wish. With 2 XC trails, 8 Downhill routes and 7 Enduro trails the extensive terrain is suited to beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. 10 lifts are open in the summer. The stock of e-bike rentals has been increased and 5 e-bike dedicated routes have been added.
Over 30 outdoor activities are organised in the villages of Les Arcs, with a focus on kids and teenagers, who can participate in sports such as beach volleyball and tennis, have a go at wall climbing, shooting, mini quad bikes, golf and swim in the pools, or a lake.