Bourg St Maurice

Les Arcs ski area

Les Arcs is part of the large ‘Paradiski’ ski area and is the 2nd largest connected skiing area in the world. Paradiski has excellent facilities and with its huge variation in altitude (1200m-3250m) and with over 70% of the area being above 2000m, there is a multitude of different types of scenery and piste to explore. This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 18 ski resorts (the first 11 below in La Plagne and the other 7 in Les Arcs):

• Plagne Montalbert
• Plagne Bellecote
• Montchavin
• Les Coches
• Champagny en Vanoise
• Belle Plagne
• Plagne 1800
• Plagne Soleil
• Aime la Plagne
• Plagne Centre
• Plagne Villages
• Arc 1600
• Arc 1800
• Arc 1950
• Arc 2000
• Peisey Vallandry
• Villaroger
• Bourg St Maurice

Paradiski is linked by the Vanoise Express double-decker cable car (since 2003) which can transport nearly 200 people across the valley of Peisey-Nacroix in less than 4 minutes. It is the largest cable car in the world currently. Fun facts: the cabin is 380m from the ground at its highest point and travels at 45km/hour. Its quite a spectacular journey with stunning views.

The departure station is in Plan-Peisey at 1612m of elevation. The arrival station is at 1548m of elevation upstream to Montchavin. In winter, the cable car is accessible to skiers (and pedestrians, see below). On Montchavin side, the cable car arrives on a ski slope. You can't reach Montchavin by foot. It is advised to find a guide to find practicable paths via snowshoe.

Paradiski presents VertiGO thanks to a 1.70m2 transparent glass plate in the floor (since 2015) of the lower level of both of the 2 cabins, passengers can enjoy the view in 3 dimensions, combining a 360° panorama of the legendary surrounding mountain peaks and a plunging view of the Ponthurin valley under your feet!

With 70% of the ski runs at heights of more than 2000m, and one of the world’s most modern artificial snow systems, Paradiski guarantees top-quality snow conditions from December to April. With the peaks of Mont Blanc and Pierra Menta forming a dramatic panoramic background, Paradiski is also the gateway to the Vanoise national park, a nature reserve of 53,000 hectares.

Bourg St Maurice is directly linked with Les Arcs by the Arc en Ciel funicular railway. The simplest way to go skiing is to hop on the train to Arc 1600 above and begin to enjoy the 425km of terrain for absolutely all ability levels that stretch out in front of you and continue for miles right across the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car over to La Plagne.

There is no skiing in Bourg St Maurice itself so you need to take the funicular railway from BSM to Arc 1600 which runs every 20 minutes from 7.30am daily so you can get on the slopes as early as you like. Although there’s no ski run back down to Bourg St Maurice, the funicular runs until 8pm Monday – Thursday and 9pm Friday – Sunday, so there’s no rush to get back for the last train.

You can also get a shuttle to nearby La Rosière. You can pretty much ski a different resort each day from Bourg St Maurice: as well as La Rosière you can explore La Plagne, Val d’Isère, Tignes and Sainte Foy Tarentaise. From Bourg Saint Maurice, free regular shuttle service to the foot of Les Ecudets chairlift (ski access for La Rosière), pass through Séez.  For the other resorts, the easiest access is by car.

Arc 1600 is set in the trees and has views across to Mont Blanc. The lift served area extends from 1660m to the 3226m Aiguille Rouge. Including La Plagne there’s a total of 425km of lift served runs spread over 10,000 hectares.

The terrain will suit all levels of skier with Arc 1600 based in thickly wooded terrain, surrounded by largely gentle trails through the trees, and both 1800 and 2000 located at the treeline with wide open sunny slopes above. 

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):

Les Arcs/Peisey local area - 200km of pistes, 123 slopes:

Green slopes: 18
Blue slopes: 55
Red slopes: 42
Black slopes: 16

Arc 1600 local area - 9 lifts (5 chairlift, 5 draglift), 23 slopes (3 green, 10 blue, 7 red, 3 black)

Les Arcs skiing info

Beginners
There are 10 green slopes in Les Arcs:

• Vezaille, Millerette, Piste des Animaux in Arc 1600
• Step by step progression zone 1-3 steps (first slides, turns and runs) at Les Cabanes in Mille 8 in Arc 1800
• Arc 2000 - see new area on Arc 2000 page
• Flocon, Cabri in Peisey Vallandry

Intermediates
Intermediates are sure to love the blue and red runs just above the resort of Arc 1800. The best snow can be found at Grand Col (2800m), which offers equally attractive runs for intermediates and experts. The fantastic Malgovert run into Arc 1600 is often quiet and is accessible from the top of the Comborciere chairlift. Arc 2000 is also brilliant for intermediates with the majority of the runs being red and black. 

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
Les Arcs has over 30km of black runs for experts. The Olympic speed-skiing track can be tested by strong-hearted members of the public, starting at various heights according to experience.

Arc 2000 is perfect for experts. If you want to try the impressive and demanding longest run in the world, then head to the top of the Aiguille Rouge cable car in Arc 2000. Here you will find the Aiguille Rouge black run which is 16km long! Handy tip: about a third of the way down it does change from a black to a red run and it can get quite busy, so we recommend that you head here early on and make it your first run of the day.

For the mogul lovers out there head to the top of the Comboriciere and Ours black runs. They are steep and demanding and are accessible via the Arc 1800 lifts.

Les Arcs deserves its very good reputation for fantastic off-piste skiing. The powder is excellent, due to the resort being spread over a large area, a lot of which is not touched by lift systems. Arc 2000 offers truly amazing off-piste possibilities. 

The main off-piste area is, of course, the Aiguille Rouge glacier (in Arc 2000), where you have the longest run in the resort at 7km, with a 2100m vertical drop! The most popular runs can be found on the north face with an immense area of off-piste skiing in the direction of Villaroger.

A large part of this area is, in fact, a restricted nature reserve so this really is one of the last untouched areas of the Tarentaise. The most accessible and easiest run is the ‘Petit Face Nord’ and is easy to get to from the Traversee chairlift. The next step up involves a hike: the ‘Couloir Canadian’.

Parts are very steep and avalanches are common. The ‘Couloir en S’ is one of the hardest descents – a rope and ice axe are useful! An easier alternative s the ‘Col du Génépi’. The north-east slopes of the Aiguilles Rouge are classed as moderate. For any off-piste skiing on the glacier we would highly recommend a mountain guide.

The ‘Grand Col’ at 2835m to Villaroger, beneath the glacier, is a popular off-piste area. Alternatively, a longer climb from ‘Grand Col’ takes you to ‘Col des Roches’ on a west facing slope – however getting there does involve a scramble and a cable attached to the rocks would be helpful!

For novices, from the top of the Dos Rond there is a gentle off-piste slope that follows the Les Bauches blue. There is also an eay route from Col de la Chal down towards Nancroix.

Snowboarders
Les Arcs is a hot spot and firm favourite with snowboarders, where many of the Pros choose to come. Les Arcs offers brilliant freeriding including steeps, trees, gullies, natural jobs and hits. Arc 1800 and Peisey-Vallandry offer the best wide-open rolling slopes for beginners and intermediates. 

Tips in bad weather
If the weather turns bad, the clouds creep in and the snow falls heavy it can be hard to know where to ski. Avoid the high and open glaciers at all costs. The trick is to head for the tree-lined slopes as they provide definition when the slopes and the sky merge into one and everything seems white! Head to the lower resorts of Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Peisey-Vallandry

From the top of the Chantel and Les Villards chairlifts, you can take some long blue slopes through the trees from Arc 1800 to Arc 1600. La Plagne Montalbert is another safe beat with gentle blues that cut through the trees and as you will be lower here you may even completely miss the high cloud causing the bad weather. There are also plenty of trees to be found in Vallandry, Plan Peisey and Montchavin/Les Coches.

Les Arcs ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Les Arcs ski hire and/or Les Arcs lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

We offer different types of lift pass to pre-book. By choosing the 'Essential Pass' for instance, you gain unlimited access to the vast Paradiski area and can explore endless slopes while enjoying unique experiences. This ski pass offers a wide range of benefits: 13 express lanes*, discounts on activities, advantages in mountain restaurants, Aiguille Rouge Fast Track at €4 (instead of €8), discounts on Zipline, First Tracks, luges, swimming pool (included once for the duration of the Pass)...Included in your 6 day+ pass: free extra ½ day afternoon preceding your stay with every pass.

*Grizzly / Peisey / Derby / Vallandry / Villards / Comborcière / Mont Blanc / Carreley / Vagère / Arpette / Bois de l’Ours / Marmottes / Varet

Arc 1600 group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 5 years to 14 years in Arc 1600 with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+. There are also lessons for 3-4 year olds but we cannot pre-book this, please book direct with ESF ski school (number below).

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Arc 1600 private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF Arc 1800 for private lessons - 0033 04 79 07 43 09

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in Les Arcs

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Les Arcs as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

We have included activities below as a whole of Les Arcs and mentioned which part of Les Arcs these are in. It's easy enough to travel around Les Arcs on foot or by ski.

Mille8 - Arc 1800
Located just above Arc 1800, Mille8 in an experience unlike any other for young as for old. Consisting of an aquatic centre and snow sports areas such as a tubing run, a fun trail course for all abilities, a beginners' area, discovery trail and a children’s practice area.

All of Mille8's developments were completed in 2016, with the new Carreley 6-seater high-speed chair lift and lodge with slope-side restaurant (Le Lodge), golf simulator and dance floor. With Mille8, Les Arcs has completely re-invented ‘apres-ski’. Mille8 is served by the dedicated Villards gondola (new at the time) and remains accessible every day until at least 7.30pm.

• LA LUGE- choose your toboggan/helmet (Speedy model for the more adventurous or the Roquette or Big Bus models with room for an adult and a small child), hop on the Villards gondola (accessible to pedestrians/skiers) and get ready for the adrenaline-fuelled ride down 900m of twists and turns with a dash through the illuminated tunnel at the finish line. Open from 2pm-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm on Thursdays. From 3yrs old.
  
• LES CABANES - a beautiful ski run winding its way through the forest with wooden cabins, lights, and sound. Don't miss out on the Giant Xylophone. Open from 9.15am-7.30pm daily with opening until 8.30pm on Thursdays. Stop off at les Cabanes to enjoy the majestic view over Mont-Blanc and the valley!
  
• LE SLALOM - compete with friends and video it!
  
• LES PINGOUINS - a dedicated environment for children to progress and play, featuring igloos, a sledging area and a magic carpet. FREE access. Open from 9am-5pm. Access is FREE.
  
• LES SAPINS - starting at the top of the Villard gondola and winding through the forests, the Sapins footpath offers walkers a unique ambience and areas to relax, rest, or take in the exploits on nearby ski and toboggan runs. Open from 9.30am-5pm daily. Access is FREE.
• LA PISCINE - a stunning 3800 square metre indoor aquatic centre directly on the piste with breath-taking views over Mont Blanc … An indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzis, whirlpools, waterfalls, slide, water play area for children and grottos. A wellness and fitness centre with saunas, steam baths, and a gym. For easy access, a covered walkway and elevator whisk clients directly from Arc 1800 to the LA PISCINE aquatic centre. Sunday-Friday from 11am-7pm (Saturday from 2pm). Late nights Tuesday and Thursday.
  
• LE LODGE - is right in the centre of Mille8 slopes and a great place to meet up. It’s a restaurant, snack bar, a dance floor and an events location. The restaurant creates chic brasserie food, elegant and refined French cuisine. A prestigious wine list and producers in the restaurant regularly to talk about French wines. Open from 9.30am-7pm daily with opening until 11pm 3 nights per week. Hop on the Villards gondola for access (accessible to pedestrians/skiers).
  

Zipline
Passes over the old Flying Kilometre run which held the world speed skiing record for many years of 251.40km/hr. After your descent, don't forget to collect your souvenir photo to share with friends! 

Panoramic Terrace 
If you want to admire the views, a new panoramic terrace 2700m above sea level has been installed with an eco-friendly cafe! With all products being organic and fairtrade, warm up with a homemade soup and baked bread from the woodfire, or enjoy a calzone or pie!

Instagram Terrace 
Get the perfect Instagram on the terrace of Carrely, with its 180-degree panorama of Mont Blanc, skiers can relax on a deck chair with WIFI, take a picture in the swing, have a picnic, or get a selfie with the huge 'LES ARCS' letters. 

Electric Scooter
Take a 2-hour outing on an electric scooteron the snow! Make the most of the mountain scenery, while having fun with friends. 

Arc 1600 toboggan
Built in 2018, take a flight in a buoy and land safely on the Big Airbag. From Monday-Friday 2pm-5pm from 8 yrs old. Located near the snowpark at Arc 1600.

Arc 2000 luge in Rodeo Park
Toboggan track in Arc 2000 - 3km of pure sensations in a dream setting, an absolute must! Track with banked turns, alternating fast and sliding sections, thrills guaranteed. This activity is open to everybody with a valid lift pass. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Entry restricted to a minimum height of 1m25.

Snake gliss - Arc 2000
Toboggan train attached together.

Ski joëring - Arc 2000
Pulled by a horse on your skis.

Ski touring - Arc 1600 & 1800
Try ski touring for a different way of getting about the mountains! Ski touring is the way to get up the steep slopes at the heart of the Alpine landscape like a mountaineer. «Seal skins» fitted under the skis for the climb enable you to lift your heel and turn happily! Take the skins off and ski down like normal. Get away from it all in the countryside at Arc 1800 & Arc 1600’s great Alpine landscape by ski touring on a fully marked piste. There are 3 secure tracks - La Trace des Arcs, Les Tetras and Les Verdaches.

The Aiguille Rouge
With its peak at over 3226m, the Aiguille Rouge reveals a breathtaking 360° panoramic view. On foot or on skis, you can discover the Italian Alpine Chain, Mont Pourri, the Pierra Menta and the magnificent Mont Blanc facing you.
To get there from Arc 1800 if you’re on skis, you just need to take the Transarc gondola and ski down to the Varet gondola. Once there, go up in the Aiguille Rouge cable car which will take you right to the top.
From Arc 2000, go to the Varet gondola and then the Aiguille Rouge cable car. Easy!

The Aiguille Rouge walkway
A great new addition since 2018, a walkway has been installed so that everyone can admire the exceptional beauty of the Alpine Chain. Access is free for people on foot, children and skiers and bordered with a glass safety rail at the end of each overhang, for extra effect.

Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.

Les Arcs Tourist Office
www.lesarcs.com

Top activities to experience in Les Arcs

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Les Arcs as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

Swimming pool at Mille 8
See snow activities tab

Village Igloo
See details under eating tab

Yoga and Brunch
Start off the day with yoga and brunch. Enjoy a one-hour yoga session with a coach and followed by a healthy brunch. You can even surprise your loved one with a healthy message in their coffee. 

Paragliding - Arc 1800
Paragliding School, courses for all levels. Tandem flights for children and adults, summer and winter. 

Bowling - Arc 1800
A bowling alley, games room, bar, giant screens. 8 bowling lanes, 5 snooker tables, mini football, pinball machines, video games, bar and lounge with tapas. From 4 yrs old. Daily.

Laser Tag
Indoor fun and sports centre. Light meals. A chance to see the panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Minimum 4 persons. From 6 years old.

Please note: All the above is for information only. For the most up-to-date activities including prices, please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort or directly online/by phone with the tourist office or activity supplier.

Les Arcs Tourist Office
www.lesarcs.com

Les Arcs news & events

What's new for 2023/24 season:

• Transarc is beginning its metamorphosis - by 2024, the ski lift company aims to recreate the emblematic link between Arc 1800 and the mountain peaks.
  - PHASE 1: to facilitate and improve access to the ski slopes from Arc 1800, from December 2022 escalators and a lift will take skiers quickly and easily to the bottom of Transarc gondola. A new reception, advice and sales area will also be opening at the bottom of the slopes. Inside, there will be a display about the water cycle with fun interactive teaching aids to raise awareness of the importance of this essential natural resource.
  - PHASE 2: for December 2024, the new Transarc gondola will be operational. The 10-seat cabins will be modern and comfortable and will take skiers to Col de la Chal, 2600 m. above sea level, in just 13 mins, compared to 20 mins today. Discovery areas that will combine original viewpoints of the natural surroundings, exploration, curiosity and thrills, are to be developed at the midway station and at the top of this new lift. As part of the lift company’s strategy to reduce energy consumption, this project will reduce the lift’s consumption by 10% and allow it to produce its own electricity from 600m2 of photovoltaic panels integrated into the structure of the building

Events taking place in the 2023/24 season:

• Electronic Peak Festival - 16th-22nd March 2024
• Les Arcs Star Trail - 24 March 2024
• Les Arcs Archi' Design - 3rd-5th April 2024

Check out the Tourist Office website to find out more about what is going on in Les Arcs: www.lesarcs.com

Bourg St Maurice après-ski, bars & restaurants

Bourg St Maurice is a town so there will be plenty of restaurants & bars to choose from. Les Arcs /Bourg-Saint-Maurice have plenty of nightclubs across the area to keep you happy if you want go clubbing and stay out late!

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Arc 1800 for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2019, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018. Ski and pedestrian access by the Villards gondola for Les Arcs FD (free for pedestrians), La Folie Douce is on the left at the finish line. Last descent at 7pm (8pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Please note, to get back to Bourg St Maurice you need to take lifts from Arc 1800 and then the funicular (and then a walk back to your accommodation) so please check last funicular/lift times!

Amenities

Bourg Saint Maurice is served by a great range of amenities including banks, supermarket, butchers, bakers, hospital, doctors, dentist, pharmacy, hairdresser and a tabac.

Bourg St Maurice is a large town so many amenities will be at your disposal.

Getting to Bourg St Maurice, France

By road:
Our holidays include a return FlexiPlus Eurotunnel. Accommodation only and ferries can also be arranged. Listen to Autoroute FM (107.7 FM) for traffic news in English.

From Calais, take A26 Motorway to Reims and Troyes, then A5 Motorway to Dijon, then A39 motorway to Lons-le-Saulnier and Bourg-en-Bresse, then A40-A42 Motorway heading towards Lyon. Take exit 8, drive through Ambérieu-en-Bugey, follow N504 towards and up to Chambéry, then take A43 motorway and A430 motorway to Albertville. Continue on N90 towards Moutiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

By air:
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Bourg St Maurice is roughly 112km, approximately 1hr 15
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Bourg St Maurice is roughly 188km, approximately 2hrs
Geneva Airport to Bourg St Maurice is roughly 191km, approximately 2hrs
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Bourg St Maurice is roughly 188km, approximately 2hrs

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

The nearest train station is Bourg St Maurice. You can take the funicular railway from the train station to Les Arc 1600. It only takes 7 minutes and runs every 20 minutes, starting at 07:30 and running until 20:00 (until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays). From Arc 1600 you can then hop on the free Les Arcs shuttle bus to take you onto Arc 1800 – the buses run from 07:30-19:40.

Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.