Skiing in Les Arcs, France: A First-Timer’s Guide

Planning your first ski trip to Les Arcs, France? This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right village and ski pass to finding the best restaurants, accommodation and ski schools.

We recently spent 10 days skiing in Les Arcs as a family and had a fantastic time. Despite visiting during a challenging snow season (it hadn’t snowed for four weeks when we arrived, and the snowline was unusually high), we were impressed by the huge ski area, excellent snowmaking and variety of terrain on offer.

Part of the vast Paradiski ski area, Les Arcs has over 200km of pistes of its own, expanding to 425km when linked with neighbouring La Plagne. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a confident intermediate or travelling with kids, there’s plenty here to keep you busy for a week or more.

Les Arcs is made up of several villages, each with its own character, so choosing where to stay is an important part of planning your trip. We stayed in Arc 2000, but I’ll explain what to expect from each village to help you decide which is right for you.

You might also like to read: Skiing in Tignes, France: A First-Timer’s Guide

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• Skiing in Queenstown, New Zealand: First-Timer’s Guide

Located in the French Alps in the Savoie region, Les Arcs is a large ski resort known for its varied terrain, high-altitude skiing and spectacular mountain scenery. It forms part of the Paradiski ski area, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world.

• Ski area: 200km of pistes across Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, expanding to 425km with the full Paradiski area, including La Plagne.
• Highest point: Aiguille Rouge, at 3,226m.
• Villages: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, plus Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger.
• Terrain: A mix of wide, open mountain slopes, long cruising runs and tree-lined pistes.
• Best suited to: Families and skiers of all abilities, particularly intermediates looking for plenty of varied terrain.

Yes! Les Arcs is a great all-round ski resort, with varied terrain for all abilities, modern lifts and several villages to choose from. We particularly enjoyed it for intermediate skiing, but there’s plenty to offer beginners, advanced skiers and families too.

• Beginners: Dedicated learning areas, gentle pistes and ski schools across the resort make Les Arcs a good place to learn to ski and build confidence.
• Intermediate skiers: In my opinion, this is where Les Arcs really shines. There are plenty of long, cruisy blue runs and challenging reds. We particularly loved the tree-lined pistes around Vallandry and the scenic descent towards Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 from Col de la Chal.
• Advanced skiers: You’ll find challenging red and black runs, as well as off-piste opportunities when conditions allow. The Aiguille Rouge summit reaches 3,226m and gives access to a spectacular long descent towards Villaroger.
• Families: We had a fantastic family ski holiday here, with plenty of runs to suit different abilities. We particularly appreciated staying in Arc 2000, where our ski-in/ski-out hotel made getting on and off the slopes easy. Arc 1950 is another good option, with its pedestrianised village centre.

My tip: If you’re travelling with children, check how close your accommodation is to the ski lifts and ski school meeting point. A short walk can make mornings much easier.

Les Arcs isn’t just one village. The resort is spread across several areas, each with its own atmosphere, accommodation and access to the slopes.

The main areas to consider are Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, Arc 2000, Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger. Each has a different feel, so it’s worth choosing your base carefully.

Top Tip: Unlike Tignes, where shuttle buses make it easy to head between villages for dinner, the villages in Les Arcs are more self-contained. You’ll generally find yourself eating out where you’re staying. The exceptions are Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, which are connected by the Cabriolet gondola.

Arc 1600

Arc 1600 is the original Les Arcs resort, with a quieter atmosphere and a good choice of accommodation, restaurants and shops. Its biggest advantage is the funicular to Bourg-Saint-Maurice railway station, which takes around seven minutes. It’s a convenient option if you’re travelling by train, although there’s less choice for dining and evening entertainment than in Arc 1800.

Arc 1800

Arc 1800 is the largest and liveliest of the main resort areas, with four neighbourhoods: Charvet, Villards, Chantel and Charmettoger. There’s a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants, bars and activities, including swimming and bowling, making it a good all-round option for families and groups. It’s also home to La Folie Douce, known for its lively après-ski scene.

Tip: Check exactly where your accommodation is within Arc 1800, as the different neighbourhoods vary in their proximity to lifts, shops and restaurants.

Arc 1950

Arc 1950 was probably my favourite village in Les Arcs. It’s a pedestrianised, alpine-style village with attractive buildings, cafés, restaurants and shops clustered around the main street. Despite being purpose-built, it has a lovely village-centre feel, with plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation and easy access to the slopes.

The Cabriolet gondola connects Arc 1950 with neighbouring Arc 2000, effectively turning the two villages into one (the ride between the two villages takes just 2-3 minutes).

Top Tip: Check the evening timetable of the Cabriolet gondola. Our kids once took the gondola back to Arc 2000 during dinner to collect something from our hotel, only to find themselves waiting 30 minutes for the service to resume!

Arc 2000

Arc 2000 is the highest of the main resort areas, with excellent ski-in/ski-out access to the high-altitude slopes and the Aiguille Rouge sector.

Arc 2000 feels more purpose-built than Arc 1950, but it’s a great base if convenient slope access is your priority. Arc 1950 is just a short gondola ride away for more dining options.

Good to know: Both Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 are further from the Vanoise Express (the cable car connecting Les Arcs with La Plagne). Allow extra time if you plan to explore the wider Paradiski area.

Peisey-Vallandry

Peisey-Vallandry has a quieter, more traditional mountain feel than the main Les Arcs villages. It’s also well placed for exploring the wider Paradiski area, as it’s close to the Vanoise Express connection to La Plagne.

We particularly loved the tree-lined pistes around Vallandry, which were a highlight of our trip. If you enjoy skiing through the trees, rather than spending all day on exposed, high-altitude slopes, this area is well worth exploring.

Villaroger

Villaroger is a small, quieter village at the lower end of the ski area, with fewer shops, restaurants and evening activities than the main resort centres. Its main attraction for skiers is the long descent from Aiguille Rouge down towards the village.

However, Villaroger sits at a lower altitude, which can affect snow conditions. During our visit, the runs down to the village were closed for part of our stay because of a lack of snow. If you’re considering staying here, check the available ski access and transport arrangements carefully.

When planning your ski holiday in Les Arcs, you can choose between two passes:

• Les Arcs Classic Pass: Covers Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry.
• Paradiski Essential Pass: Covers Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, plus neighbouring La Plagne.

Which pass you buy depends on how much you want to explore the wider Paradiski area. Your accommodation location is worth considering too, as Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 are further from the Vanoise Express connection to La Plagne than Peisey-Vallandry.

We bought the Les Arcs Classic Pass and upgraded for the one day we wanted to explore La Plagne. This worked well for us, as we found there was more than enough skiing in Les Arcs itself to keep us busy. Getting across to La Plagne from Arc 2000 took longer than we’d anticipated, and by the time we’d made our way over and stopped for lunch, it was time to head back.

My advice: If you’re happy exploring Les Arcs, the Classic Pass offers plenty of skiing. If you plan to ski in La Plagne for two or more days, the Essential Pass offers better value than buying daily extensions.

Les Arcs Classic Pass

The Classic Pass covers around 200km of pistes across Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry.

For the 2026/27 main season, a six-day pass costs:

• Adults (13–64): €368
• Children (5–12) and seniors (65–74): €295

Good to know: Unlike North American resorts such as Whistler, multi-day passes run on consecutive days, rather than allowing you to choose which days you ski. So, a six-day pass is valid for six consecutive days, even if you take a day off skiing.

Paradiski Essential Pass

If you want to explore neighbouring La Plagne as well, the Essential Pass covers the full 425km Paradiski ski area.

For the 2026/27 main season, a six-day pass costs:

• Adults (13–64): €412
• Children (5–12) and seniors (65–74): €330

That’s just €44 more than the Classic Pass for an adult.

Good to know: The Essential Pass also includes access to 14 express lift lanes on selected lifts, which may be useful during busy periods such as the Easter school holidays. We visited in January and didn’t experience long lift queues.

Classic or Paradiski: Which Offers Better Value?

You can also add a one-day Paradiski extension to an eligible Classic Pass, allowing you to ski in La Plagne without paying for the full Paradiski pass.

Here’s how the six-day adult prices compare:

Based on these prices:

• Staying in Les Arcs: The Classic Pass at €368 is the cheapest option.
• Planning one day in La Plagne: The Classic Pass plus one extension costs €396.
• Planning two or more days in La Plagne: The Essential Pass at €412 works out cheaper than buying two extensions and includes the express lift lanes and other benefits.

Check the official Les Arcs ski pass website for current prices, dates and extension conditions before booking.

Where to Buy Les Arcs Ski Passes

You can buy ski passes online in advance or at lift pass offices throughout Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry.

Buying online lets you collect your pass from a ticket office or an automated express machine when you arrive. You can also reload an existing pass online, which is handy if you need to extend your skiing during your stay.

Family Tips

• Children under 5 ski free. Bring proof of age when collecting or purchasing passes.
• Reduced rates are available for children aged 5–12 and seniors aged 65–74. Check the current age categories and prices when booking.
• Look out for family pass discounts. Les Arcs offers a family package for groups of four or more, with specific age and booking requirements. For the 2026/27 season, the offer applies to at least two people aged 13–74 and two children aged 5–17, purchasing the same pass for 6–8 consecutive days together. Check the official website for the dates and conditions that apply to your trip.

There are ski hire shops throughout Les Arcs, so wherever you choose to stay, you should have several options nearby.

I recommend booking your equipment in advance, as this can often be cheaper and saves time when you arrive. It’s also worth comparing prices between a few different shops and choosing one close to your accommodation or the lifts you’ll use most often.

We hired our equipment from the ski shop inside our hotel, Taj-I Mah Skishop, in Arc 2000. It was really convenient having the shop right there at the hotel, with direct access to the slopes.

Other ski hire companies to consider include:

• Equilibres Pro Shop (Arc 2000, near the Lanchettes ski lift and ski school).
• INTERSPORT (multiple locations across Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, as well as Bourg-Saint-Maurice).
• Ski Republic (shops throughout the resort, including Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000).

I’d recommend checking a few options before booking, as prices can vary depending on the equipment you choose, your rental dates and any online discounts available.

Les Arcs has several ski schools offering lessons for adults and children, from complete beginners to advanced skiers. You can choose between group and private lessons, with options for both skiing and snowboarding.

When choosing a ski school, check the group sizes and where lessons meet each morning (you don’t want to book lessons that meet at Arc 1600 if you are staying in Arc 2000, for example).

It’s also worth considering whether you want half-day or full-day lessons. If you’re booking full-day lessons for children, check whether lunch and supervision are included, or whether you need to meet them for lunch, as this will impact your own day’s skiing.

The following ski schools are worth considering:

• ESF Les Arcs – The main French ski school has branches in Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. It offers group and private lessons for children, teens and adults, including beginner lessons and specialist options such as off-piste skiing. English-speaking instructors are available.
• New Generation – Offers private and group lessons for adults and children, including beginner courses and off-piste instruction. Group lessons meet in Arc 2000, so check the location carefully if you’re staying in another village.
• Evolution 2 – Offers group and private ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults, as well as off-piste instruction and other mountain activities. It has locations in Arc 1950, Arc 2000 and Arc 1800.
• Privilège Ski School – Based in Arc 1800, this school offers private ski and snowboard lessons for beginners and experienced skiers, along with off-piste outings and other activities. Its instructors are described as bilingual.

There is a huge choice of restaurants in Les Arcs, both on the mountain and in the villages. We enjoyed so many fantastic meals and I’m happy to share my recommendations.

You should book ahead during peak season weeks, particularly if you have a larger group or want a specific dinner time.

Top Tip: Mountain portions are huge. When dining as a family, consider sharing main dishes, especially if you are eating with kids.

One of the best things about skiing in the French Alps is stopping for a long lunch on a sunny mountain terrace. Les Arcs has plenty of choice, from traditional Savoyard restaurants to casual spots for burgers, pizzas and hot chocolate. Here are some of our favourites from our ski holiday.

• Les Chalets de l’Arc – A traditional mountain chalet serving generous Alpine cuisine, with a wood-fired oven and a lovely terrace overlooking the Aiguille Rouge. It’s also accessible on foot from Arc 2000, making it a good option for non-skiers too.
• Belliou la Fumée – A classic mountain restaurant near Arc 2000, serving generous homemade Savoyard food in a cosy chalet setting. It’s a lovely place to stop for a leisurely lunch, whether you sit inside by the fire or outside on the terrace.
• Aux Enfants Terribles – This was a hit with our kids, who voted its hot chocolate the best on the mountain! They do great crepes and pizzas too. It’s a good one to keep in mind if you’re skiing around the Peisey-Vallandry side of the resort.
• Le Sanglier qui Fume – A traditional chalet restaurant in the mountains above Arc 1600, serving homemade regional cuisine. The sunny terrace overlooking the valley makes it an appealing stop for lunch or an afternoon drink.
• L’Arpette – Located between Arc 1600 and Arc 1800, this is a popular mountain restaurant with both self-service and table-service options. It’s a handy choice if you’re after a relaxed lunch, with a terrace, mountain views and a lively après-ski atmosphere.
• La Folie Douce – A famous après-ski venue with restaurants, bars, music and entertainment. There are several dining options, and we found the burgers and pizzas good choices for kids. It’s worth knowing that you can enjoy lunch here without staying for the full après-ski party.

We spent our evenings eating in Arc 2000 and Arc 1950, so these are the villages where we can share our own recommendations. Both have a good choice of restaurants, and the pedestrianised centre of Arc 1950 makes it particularly pleasant to wander around in the evening.

• La Vache Rouge (Arc 1950) – A popular restaurant specialising in grilled meats and traditional Savoyard dishes. we had a great steak-fueled meal with friends here one evening. The menu also includes options such as seafood and pizza, making it a useful choice for families or groups who don’t all want the same thing.
• Le Chalet de Luigi (Arc 1950) – An Italian restaurant serving fresh pasta, Italian specialities and mountain dishes in a tradtional chalet setting. A good alternative if you fancy a break from the traditional cheese-heavy Savoyard menu.
• Le Perce Neige (Arc 1950) – A restaurant and bar in the heart of the village. We skied in here a couple of times for lunch and also enjoyed a raclette and hot-stone evening here.
• La Bohème (Arc 1950) – One of our favourites – a welcoming restaurant and pizzeria serving huge pizzas (that they are happy for you to share), pasta, salads, meat dishes and Savoyard specialities. Also good cocktails. They always had interesting specials on offer too. It’s a versatile option if your group fancies a mix of Italian, traditional mountain food or something a little different from the norm.
• Le Savoy (Arc 2000) – A restaurant in the centre of Arc 2000, handy if you’re staying in this part of the resort and want somewhere to eat without travelling to another village. The food here was good but the waitstaff weren’t the most friendly.
• Le 2134 (Arc 2000) – A rooftop restaurant and wine bar with views towards Aiguille Rouge. The terrace is a lovely option for a sunny lunch, while the indoor restaurant serves traditional and Savoyard cuisine in the evening.

We stayed at Hotel Taj-I Mah for our 10-day ski holiday and loved it. This 5-star hotel is right on the slopes, so we could ski straight out in the morning and back to the hotel at the end of the day. We had interconnecting rooms, which worked really well for our family and we loved the view of the slopes from the bedrooms.

The hotel also has a spa, restaurants, a lounge bar and a ski shop. It’s also located right next to the Cabriolet gondola, meaning you have easy access to the restaurants and amenities of both Arc 2000 and Arc 1950.

If it’s within your budget, I’d definitely recommend it for a comfortable stay with excellent access to the slopes.

Click here to check prices and availability for the Hotel Taj-I Mah.

Other good hotels in Les Arcs:

• Altezza Arc 1800 Hotel & Spa – A contemporary 4-star hotel in Arc 1800, with family rooms, larger suites, a swimming pool and spa. A good choice if you want hotel facilities and plenty of restaurants and activities nearby. Click here to check prices and availability.
• L’Aiguille Grive Chalets Hotel – A chalet-style hotel in Arc 1800, with individual chalets sleeping four to twelve people. It has a restaurant, hotel services and ski access, making it a good option for families or larger groups. Click here to check prices and availability.

Apartments in Les Arcs

• Chalet des Neiges, La Source des Arcs – Upscale apartments in Arc 2000 with ski-in/ski-out access, fully equipped kitchens and balconies. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam and fitness room. Click here to check prices and availability.
• Chalet des Neiges, La Cime des Arcs – Modern, fully equipped apartments in Arc 2000, with kitchens, balconies and access to a swimming pool, sauna and hammam. A good option for families who want their own space close to the slopes. Click here to check prices and availability.
• Pierre & Vacances Premium, Arc 1950 – Apartments in the pedestrianised village of Arc 1950, with equipped kitchens, ski-in/ski-out access and wellness facilities. I particularly liked the atmosphere here, with shops, cafés and restaurants clustered around the village centre. Click here to check prices and availability.

There are two main ways to get to Les Arcs: fly into a nearby airport and arrange a transfer (or self-drive), or travel by train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and take the funicular up to the resort. The train option is particularly convenient if you’d prefer to avoid hiring a car or organising an airport transfer.

We flew into Geneva and booked a private transfer with SnowDrone, and we were really happy with the service. I’ll explain more about why I’d recommend them below.

The Nearest Airports to Les Arcs

• Chambéry Airport (CMF) – approximately 1.5–2 hours by car.
• Grenoble Airport (GNB) – approximately 2 hours by car.
• Lyon Airport (LYS) – approximately 2.5 hours by car.
• Geneva Airport (GVA) – approximately 2.5–3 hours by car.

These are approximate driving times and can be considerably longer during busy ski weekends or bad weather.

You can also travel by train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then take the funicular up to Arc 1600 in around seven minutes. From there, you can continue to your accommodation by local shuttle or taxi.

Another option is to hire a car, if you’re comfortable driving in winter conditions. Remember to factor in insurance, road tolls, fuel and parking, and check the requirements for winter tyres or snow chains before setting off.

Private vs Shared Transfers

Private transfers offer more flexibility with pick-up times and drop-off locations. You won’t have to wait for other passengers to arrive, and you can travel directly to your accommodation. They can also be a good option for families travelling with lots of luggage and ski equipment.

The main disadvantage is the cost, although the difference can be smaller than you might expect if you’re travelling as a family or group.

Shared transfers are generally cheaper, but operate to fixed schedules and may involve waiting at the airport or making additional stops along the way. Some services only run on Saturdays or Sundays, so check availability carefully if you’re travelling midweek.

Private Transfer Options

• SnowDrone Transfers – This is the company we used for our Les Arcs transfer, and I was really happy with the service. They have their own fleet of vehicles, which I prefer to booking platforms that match you with independent drivers using their own cars. We had a great experience and I’d happily use SnowDrone again. They offer private transfers to Les Arcs from Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble airports, subject to availability.
• Mountain Drop-offs – Offers private transfers to Les Arcs from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble airports, with door-to-door service where access allows. They also offer shared options on selected routes, so it’s worth checking what is available for your dates.

Shared Transfer Options

• Ben’s Bus – A budget-friendly option for shared airport transfers. Services from Geneva Airport go directly to the main les Arcs resort areas. Services from Lyon and Grenoble generally terminate at Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where you’ll need to arrange onward transport. Services operate on selected days, mainly Saturdays and Sundays, depending on the route.

If you’re travelling with a larger family or group, it’s worth comparing the total cost of a shared transfer with a private vehicle before booking. The private option may be worth the extra cost for the convenience of travelling directly to your accommodation.