Please install Flash and turn on Javascript.

Les Arcs, France

Introduction

Most people delight in telling you that Les Arcs is a massive, concrete carbuncle on the arse of the French Alps - but these people probably haven’t been here, let alone spent any sort of time in the place. Ignore such comments, come with an open mind, and ride one of the best sets of mountains in the world.

Les Arcs itself is split into five distinctive resorts - 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000 and Bourg-St-Maurice. Each place has a different feel to it, so choose wisely. 1600, where most of the chalets are situated, is quite chilled out with loads of trees. 1800 is the party place, while 2000 is a bit hideous and isolated, but has good access to some amazing terrain. The latest village is 1950, next to a 60m waterfall which opened in 2003 and has been created by those Intrawest people.

Despite having a huge riding area, Les Arcs has managed to retain a cosy feel as it's dead easy to get from one area to another, and you are only likely to run into heavy lift queues during the height of the French holidays. On the mountain, Les Arcs has it all, from mellow beginner slopes to some of the most challenging runs anywhere in France, with hardly any moguls.

What Les Arcs does have however, is a lot of punters as this is a very popular resort, but with such a vast expanse of snow to explore, the slopes are left fairly quiet.

The Vanoise Express opened in Dec 2003 and now links the resort up with La Plagne creating the Paradiski area.

New for season

Vanoise Express opened in December 2003 linking Les Arcs with La Plagne. 2 new 6-seater chairlifts Les Marmottes, and Bois de l'Ours. Cabriolet cablecar between Arc 1950 and Arc 2000

Resort Statistics

Online:13 register/login

WSG Insurance Annual cover £44 Europe, £63 Worldwide + get the book for half-price!