The Louk · 8 min read · Resort guide
FamiliesIntermediatesSki-in ski-outTree-linedValue
Les Arcs is a cleverly car-free collection of purpose-built villages (1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000) rising up the mountain above Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all with ski-to-the-door convenience. It links via a spectacular cable car to La Plagne to form the vast Paradiski area, and its mix of tree-lined runs, wide cruisers and quiet corners makes it a superb choice for families and intermediates - with enough steep and off-piste to keep experts entertained.
Altitude1,600–2,000m villages · up to 3,226m (Aiguille Rouge)
Ski areaParadiski — ~425km (linked with La Plagne)
Best forFamilies · intermediates · ski-in ski-out
SeasonMid-Dec – late April
AirportGeneva ~2.5hr · Chambéry ~2hr · Lyon ~2.5hr
Trip typeFamilies · groups · value
Budget££ · family-value apartments
⛷The skiing
Les Arcs' own slopes run from gentle village nursery areas up to the mighty Aiguille Rouge (3,226m) and its 7km top-to-bottom descent. The Vanoise Express double-decker cable car links across to La Plagne, opening up the whole 425km Paradiski area. There are lovely tree-lined runs down to Villaroger and Peisey, wide intermediate motorways, and proper challenges for experts.
- Aiguille Rougea 3,226m summit and a huge 7km descent to Villaroger.
- Vanoise Express to La Plagnecross into Paradiski for a big two-resort day.
- Peisey-Vallandry treespretty, sheltered runs - ideal in poor visibility.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (lesarcs.com) →
The Louk tipBase yourself in Arc 1950 or 1800 for true ski-in ski-out, and save a clear day for the trip across the Vanoise Express to La Plagne - the cable car ride alone is worth it.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Hôtel Le Renée (Arc 1950)Smart ski-in ski-out comfort in the prettiest village.
- Le Taj-I Mah (Arc 2000)5-star with a big spa, right on the slopes.
Boutique & mid-range
- Radisson Blu Resort (Arc 1950)Reliable, family-friendly and superbly placed.
- Hôtel du Golf (Arc 1800)Large, well-run and handy for lifts and village life.
Chalets & cosy
- Arc 1950 apartmentsPurpose-built, ski-to-the-door and great for families.
- Peisey-Vallandry chaletsQuieter, tree-lined and characterful.
🍽Where to eat
On the mountain
- Belliou la FuméeCosy, atmospheric mountain restaurant at Pré-Saint-Esprit.
- Chalet de l'ArcelleSunny terrace and hearty lunches above Arc 1600.
- Les Chalets de l'ArcRustic dining high on the mountain.
In town
- La Casa (Arc 1950)Lively and family-friendly in the main square.
- Onyx (Arc 1950)Relaxed modern cooking and cocktails.
- L'Arpette (Peisey)Traditional Savoyard done well.
🍾Bars & après
- Le René Bar (Arc 1950)Central square hub for a first drink as the lifts close.
- The Red Rock (Arc 1800)Long-running British-style bar with live music.
- J.O. Bar (Arc 1800)Buzzy and sociable into the evening.
- Whistler's DreamCosy, friendly and reliable.
❄Off the slopes
- Sledging & snowshoeingFamily toboggan runs and quiet guided walks.
- Spa & poolsHotel spas across the villages for a rest day.
- Bourg-Saint-MauriceNip down the funicular for a proper French market town.
🚁Getting there
The clever bit: a funicular railway runs from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station straight up to Arc 1600 in about 7 minutes. So you can take the Eurostar/TGV to Bourg and be on the slopes without a mountain road transfer. Geneva is the nearest airport at around 2.5 hours.
Transfers & travel
- Train + funicularEurostar/TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then the funicular up - brilliantly easy.
- Ben's BusBudget shared transfers from Geneva & Chambéry.
- Alps2AlpsShared & private, good value.
- Mountain Drop-offsReliable private transfers for groups.
