Why Les Arcs Should Be Your Next Alpine Destination

May 19, 2025 pierce

If you’re starting to think about where to head for your next ski break, Les Arcs might not be the first name that pops into your head. But maybe it should be.

Tucked into the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, this high-altitude ski resort has a bit of everything – sweeping views, a huge range of terrain, villages with different personalities, and some excellent surprises when it comes to après ski. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or planning a family trip, Les Arcs quietly ticks a lot of boxes.

Let’s take a closer look at why more and more people are choosing Les Arcs ski holidays over some of the more obvious options.

Four Villages, Four Vibes

Les Arcs isn’t just one village – it’s more of a collection. Each of its main hubs has a different feel, and depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll find one that suits.

Arc 1600 is the original, with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find mostly families here and a bit of retro charm. Over in Arc 1800, things are livelier – there’s more going on in the evenings, plus plenty of bars and shops to browse between ski sessions.

Arc 1950 is newer, purpose-built with alpine style in mind – cobbled streets, a central square, and even ski-in ski-out apartments that make life easy. Then there’s Arc 2000, which sits highest of all. It’s a favourite among serious skiers – steeper runs, quicker access to the glaciers, and fewer crowds.

The choice is yours – and if you’re staying for a week, it’s worth spending a day or two exploring beyond your base.

The Skiing Itself – Big, Varied, and Surprisingly Quiet

Now for the main event. Skiing in Les Arcs is brilliant – genuinely underrated.

There are over 200km of pistes here alone, ranging from wide, cruisey blues to forested reds and the odd black to keep you sharp. Beginners can find their feet on gentle nursery slopes, and intermediates are absolutely spoilt for choice. If you like a bit of a challenge, head to Aiguille Rouge – at over 3,200m, it’s the highest point in Les Arcs and offers a 7km run with some jaw-dropping views across to Mont Blanc (on a clear day, at least).

But the real secret weapon? The Vanoise Express. This double-decker cable car links Les Arcs with La Plagne, forming the vast Paradiski area – one of the largest linked ski zones in the world. With one lift pass, you’ve suddenly got 425km of terrain at your disposal.

And even in peak season, it doesn’t feel hectic. Les Arcs handles crowds well, and you often find you’ve got a whole slope to yourself, especially early morning or around lunchtime.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice – A Gateway That’s More Than Just a Stopover

Most people arrive in Les Arcs via Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which is connected to the resort by funicular railway. It takes just seven minutes to glide up the mountainside – and for train travellers arriving from London or Paris, it’s about as seamless as mountain transfers get.

But Bourg itself is worth a look, too. A proper working town, with bakeries, local cheese shops, cafés, and the kind of rustic charm that doesn’t feel overly curated. Spend a night here if you’ve got time. It’s not flashy, but it’s warm and real.

Après Ski? Yes, There’s Life After Lifts Close

Les Arcs might not have the wild reputation of other Alpine party towns, but it certainly holds its own once the sun dips behind the peaks.

In Arc 1800, the Red Hot Saloon is a firm favourite – buzzing, casual, and known for its live music and lively atmosphere. Expect a mix of locals, seasonnaires, and tourists all sharing ski stories over a beer or vin chaud.

Then there’s Folie Douce in Arc 1800 – the infamous chain that brings a bit of Ibiza-style energy to the Alps, with DJs, dancers, and mid-afternoon champagne spraying (if that’s your thing). It’s loud, colourful, and definitely not boring.

That said, if you’re after something quieter, the other villages offer plenty of mellow bars where you can sit by the fire, tuck into a fondue, and call it a night.

It’s Not Just for Winter, Either

Although Les Arcs is best known for its winter sports, the area’s pretty active in summer too. Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding – or just sitting with a coffee and looking out across the valley. There’s something about the pace of life up here when the snow melts – it’s slower, greener, and less intense.

Peisey-Vallandry, a nearby resort linked by the ski area, is particularly lovely in summer. Quieter, with access to forest walks and waterfalls, it’s perfect if you’re into nature and want to avoid the high-season winter crowds.

Still, it’s the snowy months that steal the spotlight – for good reason.

Small Details That Make a Difference

It’s often the little things that set a resort apart.

In Les Arcs, you’ll notice how well the slopes are maintained. Even late in the day, pistes are in decent shape. The signage is clear, the lifts are modern, and the queues – well, they’re manageable, even during February half-term. That matters.

Accommodation is also surprisingly varied. You’ll find modern apartments, cosy chalets, budget-friendly options and five-star luxury. Arc 1950, in particular, offers a high standard of self-catered lodgings that feel more like a hotel than a rental flat.

And the snow? Les Arcs has a solid reputation for good coverage throughout the season, with north-facing slopes and access to glacier skiing up high – making it a safe bet from December through to late April.

What You Might Not Expect

Les Arcs isn’t showy. It doesn’t need to be. And that’s part of the appeal.

There’s a groundedness here. A sense that it’s still, somehow, about the skiing first and everything else second. That’s not to say there isn’t luxury or comfort – there is – but it’s not trying to be the Alps’ answer to St Tropez.

Families feel welcome. Solo travellers don’t feel out of place. And if you’re travelling with a group with mixed abilities or interests, there’s more than enough to keep everyone happy.

Even if someone wants a spa day instead of a ski day – that’s fine. It all works.

Getting There

Transfers from Geneva are straightforward, and Alps2Alps offers a direct, reliable option. Journey time from Geneva Airport to Bourg-Saint-Maurice is around 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on traffic and snow conditions.

Once you reach Bourg, you can either hop on the funicular up to the resort or continue by road to your specific village. Either way, the final stretch of the trip offers some brilliant views and a proper sense of arrival.

So – Is A Les Arcs Holiday Worth It?

In a word: yes.

If you’re after reliable snow, an enormous ski domain, and villages with character, Les Arcs delivers. It’s not the flashiest Alpine resort, but it doesn’t need to be. It offers real variety, proper skiing, and enough charm to keep things interesting off the slopes too.

Maybe the best thing? You can tailor it to suit the kind of holiday you want. Go hard on the slopes, or take it slow. Explore Paradiski or stick local. Head for La Plagne one day, then have a long lunch in Arc 1950 the next. There’s space to breathe here.

And yes, the après scene exists – if you want it. Or you can skip it entirely and wake up fresh for first lifts.

If you’ve done the better-known resorts and are ready for something that still feels a little bit like a discovery, Les Arcs is definitely worth a look.

Thinking of booking?
Plan ahead, compare options, and don’t forget to sort out your transfer early – especially during peak weeks. For a smooth start to your trip, Alps2Alps offers reliable Geneva to Les Arcs transfers with door-to-door service and competitive rates.

An Alps2Alps privateski transfer vehicle in the snow

Les Arcs might not shout the loudest – but it might just be the one you end up recommending to everyone else next year.

Author Information

This article was co-written by…

Kaspars Simanis, Product Manager

Kaspars, product manager at Alps2Alps, is an experienced strategist with a strong focus on travel, mobility and customer engagement. With a creative mindset and a dedication to delivering exceptional experiences, Kaspars plays a key role in shaping how we connect with skiers and adventurers across the Alps. When not crafting innovative campaigns, you’ll find Kaspars out on the slopes.