Nestled in the core of the Alps and overlooking Mont-Blanc, Les Arcs stands out among French ski resorts with its five charming villages: Arc 2000, Arc 1950, Arc 1800, Arc 1600, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. As an integral part of the Paradiski area, offering access to 425 km (264 mi) of marked pistes, Les Arcs is a versatile, family-friendly resort catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
We've created this guide to make planning your Les Arcs ski holiday a breeze. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or unwind after skiing. At the end, we've also included downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's get started!
Les Arcs is a ski resort located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. It is part of the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice and is situated near the border with Italy.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Diverse skiing terrain with the benefit of accessing the expansive Paradiski region boasting 425km of trails | Some central slopes can become crowded, especially around the Arc 2000 area |
| Highly suitable for families and novices, with Arc 1800 being especially recommended | While the nightlife is generally subdued, L'Arpette stands out as a notable spot |
| Offers superb forested trails, which are perfect for days with adverse weather conditions | The most challenging slopes at higher altitudes tend to shut down during poor weather |
| Distinctive character across each resort village, coupled with an array of affordable lodging options | The majority of available stays are self-serviced apartments, which might not be ideal for everyone |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Les Arcs has to offer.
Beginners will find a generous selection of green and easy blue runs scattered throughout Les Arcs, along with several ski schools renowned for their expert instruction and learner-friendly environments.
Intermediate skiers will find themselves spoilt for choice in Les Arcs. The resort is renowned for its extensive network of long, cruising blue and red runs, offering a mix of wide-open pistes and tree-lined trails.
Advanced skiers will find plenty to challenge them in Les Arcs. The resort boasts a number of difficult black runs and mogul fields. The infamous black run from the Aiguille Rouge, at over 7km, is one of the longest and most challenging in the Alps.
Offering a staggering vertical drop of 2,100m, the Glacier du Varet presents a challenging terrain tailored for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Dubbed as the 'home of the snowboard,' Les Arcs is a magnet for snowboard enthusiasts. Strategically positioned between the altitudes of 1600 and 1800, the resort boasts one of the most impressive snow parks in the Alps, teeming with an array of challenges from intricate obstacles to a formidable half pipe.
The ski season in Les Arcs typically runs from mid December to late April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Les Arcs deals for the best offers available.
Les Arcs boasts excellent snow conditions from December to April. In December and January, the resort receives around 39 cm (15.3 in) of snowfall, respectively, spread over approximately 3.2 days weekly, guaranteeing consistently fresh powder. Although February sees a slight reduction in snow depth to 31 cm (12.2 in), it compensates with more frequent snow days, averaging 3.4 per week. December marks the peak of the season with the second week being the most prolific, delivering a substantial 54 cm (21.2 in) of snow across 3.4 days, ideal for those who revel in Bluebird Powder Days, characterised by sunny skies and light breezes following fresh snowfalls. The season continues into April, maintaining pleasant skiing conditions with 24 cm (9.4 in) of snow falling over 3.8 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 39 cm | 3.2 days |
| January | 39 cm | 3.2 days |
| February | 31 cm | 3.4 days |
| March | 34 cm | 3.7 days |
| April | 24 cm | 3.8 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
The resort boasts a variety of dining options, from traditional Savoyard eateries to contemporary restaurants.Arc 1800 stands out with the largest selection, featuring over 50 establishments that cater to different tastes and budgets. Highlights include:
Les Arcs' après-ski scene is lively, particularly in Arc 1800. The area features a range of bars and clubs, including the renowned La Folie Douce. Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 provide a more relaxed atmosphere. In contrast, Arc 1600 is quieter, appealing to families and those seeking a more subdued evening. Highlights include:
Download Les Arcs town map PDF here
