Les Arcs is a ski resort in the Savoie Alps

Les Arcs is not just an Alpine resort, but a true adventure above the clouds. Born from the magic of the mountains and a touch of French charm, it stretches high across the slopes of the Savoy Alps. Here, at over 2,000 metres, that first breath of crystal-clear air makes time seem to slow. Before you lie endless peaks dissolving into the sky; underfoot — soft snow that crunches like the finest velvet.

This is where the legendary Paradiski ski area begins, uniting Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne — a true paradise for anyone seeking freedom in motion. It’s a place where mountain grandeur meets the comfort of a modern winter holiday, and every run feels like flight — a blend of inspiration and harmony. Even first-timers find themselves thinking: “I’ve found my place in the Alps.”

The Les Arcs resort in the French Alps is a patchwork of four main stations: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. Each has its own rhythm and vibe — from family-friendly calm to energetic après-ski. With convenient lifts and smartly planned infrastructure, it’s easy to reach any summit or ski right back to your hotel.

Les Arcs — a journey into the heart of the French mountains

If you’re dreaming of a winter getaway in the French Alps — with runs framed by Mont Blanc panoramas, mulled wine in a mountain chalet and quiet evenings beneath snow-capped peaks — Les Arcs is the perfect choice. It’s where things to do in Les Arcs meet a peaceful atmosphere and unmistakable French flair. Beginners will love the many gentle green pistes and experienced instructors; experts can chase thrills on black runs and in freeride zones that deliver a proper shot of adrenaline.

• Location: Savoie, France (department of Savoie, commune of Bourg-Saint-Maurice)
• Skiing altitude: from 1,200 to 3,226 m
• Ski area: over 425 km of pistes within Paradiski
• Season: from early December to late April

In winter, Les Arcs is a ski resort that draws thousands of travellers from around the world. In summer it transforms into a hub for hiking and mountain biking, with flower-strewn hillsides and crystal-clear lakes. Whatever the season, it’s a place you’ll want to return to.

The story of the Les Arcs ski resort begins in the mid-20th century, when France experienced a true Alpine “renaissance”. After the Second World War, as the country looked to rebuild, the Alps became a symbol of new life, freedom and forward momentum. Winter sports ceased to be a luxury for the few — they became a national passion. The French wanted a place that embodied modernity, openness and a love for the mountains. That’s how the idea was born to create an Alpine resort that would break with old conventions: no chaotic development, no car noise — just maximum comfort, beauty and respect for nature.

Out of this emerged the concept of a high-altitude mountain complex marrying architectural elegance with natural harmony. The idea was revolutionary: not to conquer the mountains, but to live alongside them. Architects, engineers and enthusiasts worked above 2,000 metres, creating a settlement that “flowed” with the terrain. It was more than construction — it was a philosophy of life in the Alps, where people and nature don’t compete, but inspire each other.

Alpine Les Arcs is a story of a dream made real — not only an architectural or sporting one, but a dream of a harmonious life in the mountains, where everyone can find their rhythm and inspiration. Up among the clouds and pines you realise the main thing isn’t how many pistes you’ve covered, but those moments when you pause, breathe in the frosty air and watch the sun rise over the snowy peaks. Les Arcs became a living symbol of a dream drawn on paper turning into a whole world where architecture, nature and people sing in unison.

Everyone who comes here becomes part of this story: some take their first steps on skis, others master black runs, while some simply find the peace that everyday city life lacks.

The resort is born in the heart of Savoie

In the 1960s, France embraced a bold idea: to create a mountain settlement that didn’t just host tourists, but lived to nature’s rhythm. Modernist architect Charlotte Perriand and visionary urbanist Roger Godino were among the first to sense Savoie’s potential. They laid the foundations for the future Les Arcs resort in the Tarentaise Valley — a project blending design, engineering and respect for the landscape. Perriand dreamed of spaces where architecture wouldn’t dominate nature, but echo its lines. She rejected grandiose buildings and created something radically new — a car-free resort focused on people, their comfort and a sense of belonging to the mountains.

Thus the first station — Arc 1600 — appeared. Its chalets with flat roofs, wide windows and natural materials felt less like tourist hotels and more like part of the slope. Everything was considered — from façade angles to the buildings’ orientation to the sun. Soon came Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, forming a single high-altitude resort of Les Arcs that became a model for dozens of Alpine destinations across Europe. Over time it was hailed as an “architectural revolution in the mountains” — a symbol of balance between human creativity and wild nature.

The project’s technical realisation was no less impressive. French engineers wove a network of lifts and pistes linking different elevations, creating the first “mountain vertical” in history for mass tourism. Every stage brought challenges: storms, avalanches, transport difficulties. But the shared goal — to make the Les Arcs Alpine resort accessible and safe — prevailed. And today, standing atop Arc 2000 as the sun cuts through the morning mist over the Savoy Alps, it’s hard not to feel proud of those who crafted this masterpiece in the mountains.

A French Alpine resort that became a legend

Today, Les Arcs resort is not just part of the mountains of France — it’s part of the nation’s cultural heritage. Its architecture is studied in design schools, and its modular 1960s chalets are regarded as masterpieces of harmoniously fitting humanity into nature. The resort keeps evolving, yet preserves the spirit of its early years — a spirit of discovery, freedom and love for the Alps. Standing on the panoramic terrace at Arc 2000 today, it’s hard to believe this fairytale began with just a handful of people in love with the Alps.

The high-altitude Les Arcs mountain complex is a unique blend of wild mountain beauty and human creativity. The Savoy Alps surrounding the resort are famous for contrasts: majestic peaks neighbour gentle valleys, while crystal-clear glacial lakes reflect the sky as if nature itself were playing at mirrored harmony. In winter, everything turns into a white wonderland — snow blankets the firs and chalet roofs, and dawn light gilds the world like an impressionist canvas.

Architecture that merges with the mountains

The defining feature of the Les Arcs Alpine resort is its architectural philosophy. The resort wasn’t built to stand out, but to become a natural extension of the mountains. Buildings — from hotels to restaurants — use local materials: stone, wood and glass. Flat roofs, panoramic windows and earthy tones serve the principle of minimal intervention. That’s why the mountains at Les Arcs feel like part of a single space — no barriers, no excess forms, just a pure dialogue between people and nature.

Les Arcs’ architecture is considered a phenomenon among France’s mountain resorts. It’s studied in Parisian universities as an example of combining function and aesthetics without losing authenticity. It’s no coincidence that Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 have gained the status of 20th-century architectural heritage sites. Every building has a story; every balcony opens a new Alpine panorama; and at night, stars reflect in the windows, as if the whole resort breathed in unison with the mountains.

Nature that inspires year-round

The mountains of Les Arcs are captivating in every season. Winter brings a kingdom of snow and glassy slopes where even the air feels cleaner. In spring, valleys burst with Alpine flowers and the pistes turn into walking trails. Summer unlocks dozens of cycling routes and panoramic tours, while autumn becomes a season of calm, when mountain silence is music for the soul. This natural variety makes the mountain resort of Les Arcs not just a holiday spot but a universe that always reveals something new.

• Average number of sunny days per year — over 250;
• Setting: Alpine peaks, glaciers, pine forests, lakes and high-mountain meadows.

Stand on the viewing platform above the Tarentaise Valley and take in the panorama of the French Alps — you’ll realise Les Arcs isn’t just another mountain resort. It’s a living space where every metre breathes beauty, strength and calm that stay with you long after you’ve gone home. The air carries a special silence — not empty, but full of energy. The mountains seem to tell their own tale, and you become the listener: from the first skiers to conquer these slopes to today’s travellers seeking harmony among Alpine summits.

In the evening, as the sun slips behind snowy peaks and the hamlets of Les Arcs light their warm lamps, the resort shifts into a different mood — homely and serene. The scent of mulled wine drifts through the streets, children laugh, and the snow squeaks gently underfoot. That’s when it clicks: this place isn’t just for skiing — it’s for rebooting the soul.

The Les Arcs winter complex is a high-altitude ski resort in France that brings together four main stations: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. Together, they form one of Europe’s best-known ski areas — Paradiski. Set in the heart of the French Alps, the resort charms with reliable snow cover, sweeping views and a real sense of Alpine freedom.

Les Arcs Alpine resort isn’t just a place to ski — it’s a complete mountain playground for active breaks. In winter you’ll find hundreds of kilometres of pistes; in summer the green slopes turn into a web of walking trails and cycling routes. It’s equally welcoming for families with children, seasoned skiers and anyone seeking mountain tranquillity.

Seasonality and ideal length of stay

The best time to visit is from early December to late April, when snow is deep even at lower stations. A week is plenty to get a feel for the different zones, try a range of runs and enjoy a winter escape in the French Alps. Many guests linger longer, pairing ski days with downtime in chalets, spa sessions and French gastronomy.

Difficulty levels and the Paradiski area

The Les Arcs ski resort offers over 200 pistes across all difficulty levels, weaving through pine forests, mountain terraces and open plateaus. Beginners thrive on the broad green slopes of Arc 1600, where instructors teach at your own pace and views over the Tarentaise inspire from the first turns. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can roam the lively blues and reds of Arc 1800 — the heart of the action, with music on the slopes and cafés dotted across the mountains.

Experts test themselves on the steeper terrain of Arc 2000 — a zone hosting international events and pro training. Here you’ll find the iconic Aiguille Rouge run — one of Europe’s longest: over 7 kilometres non-stop, from the glacier summit at 3,226 metres right down to the valley. Every bend tells its own story, and the sense of speed and space sets the pulse racing.

Thrill-seekers can hit modern snowparks, freeride zones and night-skiing areas, where floodlights sparkle off snow crystals for a touch of magic. Thanks to its link with La Plagne, the resort is part of the vast Paradiski network — more than 425 kilometres of skiing without limits. You can spend the whole day exploring without repeating a route. It’s pure freedom — a place where mountains and people move to the same rhythm.

Travel budget

The cost of a Les Arcs trip depends on your chosen station and the season. A mid-range daily budget is around €200–250, covering accommodation, lift pass, equipment hire and meals. Travelling on a tighter budget? €120–150 per day can be enough. Arc 1600 is generally the most affordable, while Arc 2000 offers maximum comfort and panoramic hotels.

How to get there

You can reach the resort via the airports of Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry. From there, transfers and trains run to Bourg-Saint-Maurice at the foot of the mountains. Then, in just seven minutes, the Funiculaire Les Arcs whisks you straight up to Arc 1600. It’s convenient, quick and wonderfully scenic — in a few minutes you leave the town behind and arrive in the heart of the Alps.

This is what makes the Les Arcs winter resort in Savoie special: everything is thoughtfully arranged — from transport logistics to the evening charm of streets scented with fresh pastries and mulled wine. It’s a resort you’ll want to revisit, because it leaves you with more than snapshots — it leaves you with a feeling of calm, beauty and genuine harmony.

Every mountain resort has its story, but Les Arcs in the Alps stands out for its special energy. It can’t be reduced to numbers or piste maps — it breathes with the memories, dreams and inspiration of its creators. Over the decades, dozens of legends, remarkable stories and traditions have taken root here, passed down from one generation of skiers to the next. Everything that seems ordinary — station names, roof shapes, even façade colours — has a meaning and a history. That’s why there’s no flashy gloss here — just authenticity, freedom and a sense that every Alpine day has its own unique purpose.

Les Arcs in the French Alps is a resort where every stone holds a memory and every slope a personality. Past and present are so naturally intertwined that it’s hard to separate fact from folklore. That’s what makes it special: a place where architecture tells human stories and nature keeps them safe. Read on for the best bits — secrets, small details and myths that give Les Arcs its singular soul.

Architecture with international acclaim

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Les Arcs Alpine resort is its distinctive architecture. The buildings of Arc 1600 were designed to follow the lines of the slopes, and their forms are still studied in European architecture schools today. Charlotte Perriand’s “soft modernism” captivated the world — she was the first to prove that contemporary design can be warm and human, even at two thousand metres. In 2006 the complex was added to France’s list of cultural heritage sites, and in 2019 Les Arcs’ architectural legacy was officially recognised as a “national treasure”.

The legend of the “Red Needle”

The best-known Les Arcs legend centres on the summit of Aiguille Rouge — the “Red Needle”. Locals say its name owes less to the rock colour than to the setting sun, which paints the snow fiery red every evening. It’s said to be a good omen for those skiing its pistes. If you see the peak blaze crimson at sunset, make a wish — it will come true the next time you return to the mountains.

Invisible details that shape the mood

Each quarter of the Les Arcs resort has its own character: Arc 1800 means youth and music, Arc 1950 brings charm and cosiness, Arc 2000 stands for challenge and power. Few notice that most buildings face east — so the first rays of sun pour straight in. Even the night lighting follows a “soft light” principle to preserve natural harmony. All this creates an invisible yet tangible atmosphere — you don’t just feel like you’re at a resort; you feel the place breathing with you.

A favourite with stars — but not for show

Unlike glitzy destinations such as Courchevel, the Les Arcs winter complex attracts those who value authenticity. Regulars include French actors, athletes and artists — sans paparazzi and fuss. It’s easy to spot someone famous in the lift queue, and no one asks for autographs — in the mountains, everyone’s equal. Perhaps that’s why this resort is loved so genuinely — for its natural balance and its humanity, intact after decades of fame.

They say everyone who’s been to Les Arcs leaves a little of their energy behind. Maybe that’s why these mountains always feel “warm” — even when the mercury drops below zero.

Life in the high-altitude Les Arcs complex never really stops. As the sun rises over the Savoy Alps, you already hear music, laughter and the chime of skis. The resort moves to its own rhythm — now in the whirl of sporting contests, now in the glow of festival lights. This very atmosphere — crisp mountain air charged with energy, every day feeling like a small celebration — makes the Les Arcs Alpine resort unique. It’s where sport, culture and emotion meet at altitude, and it seems even the Alps join the party.

Winter: the energy of snow and sport

From December to April, the Les Arcs ski area turns into a stage for big sporting events. The most famous is the Speed Ski World Cup, a World Cup stage in which athletes top 250 km/h. The resort crackles with adrenaline, music and competitive spirit. For amateurs there’s the annual Les Arcs Winter Trail — a mountain snow run where the views matter more than the podium.

Winter festivities bring their own magic: in December the festival of lights and torchlit descent — Descente aux Flambeaux — takes place. At night, hundreds of skiers snake down the slope with torches, forming a glowing ribbon of fire. It’s unforgettable: snow and sky lit bright, and a feeling of unity and joy in the air. In the run-up to Christmas, central squares host markets, live music plays — even the cold feels kinder.

Spring and summer: art in motion

When the snow melts, Les Arcs in France doesn’t sleep — it just changes tempo. May brings the Mountain Bike Festival, one of Europe’s best-known MTB gatherings. Hundreds of riders flock here to take on Paradiski’s trails. The resort buzzes with energy, music and colour — a real celebration for anyone who loves active time in the mountains.

Mid-summer sees the Les Arcs European Film Festival — a fixture that long ago outgrew sports tourism. Filmmakers, actors and journalists from across Europe gather among the peaks to premiere new work and talk culture. Audiences watch films under the stars and, by day, ride mountain bikes or wander panoramic paths. It’s a rare blend of art and nature that keeps the Les Arcs Alps special well beyond winter.

Autumn: calm and harmony

In autumn, as the crowds thin, the high-mountain complex settles into calm. It’s the season of local-food festivals, tastings of Savoie cheeses and wines, intimate concerts and folk fairs. The Les Arcs ski resort is particularly beautiful now — the air is crystal-clear, the French mountains take on copper hues, and the first snow sparkles on the summits. Photographers and painters come to capture a light found only in the Alps.

No two seasons in Les Arcs are alike. Perhaps that’s the resort’s greatest asset — it lives, breathes and changes, while staying true to one idea: to bring joy, motion and inspiration to people in the heart of the mountains.

Les Arcs is a place where the mountain landscape is entertainment in itself. You can spend whole days watching the light change the colour of the snow, listening to the wind through the spruces, or greeting dawn as a blush lingers over the Alps. For those who want more than just skiing in the Alps, this French Alpine resort opens up countless ways to feel the mountains anew — from adventure and sport to silence and inspiration.

The most famous viewpoint is the summit of Aiguille Rouge. It’s not only skiers who come up — anyone keen to see the Alps in France in all their grandeur: Mont Blanc, the glaciers, the deep Tarentaise Valley. In winter it’s a festival of white; in summer, an ocean of green tumbling towards the villages.

Travellers on a Les Arcs break often discover another side to the mountains — a silence with its own voice. In summer it sounds different: instead of the hiss of skis, the chorus of cicadas; instead of cold air, the scent of Alpine herbs and sun-warmed rock. Cowbells echo across the valleys and a light breeze carries hints of honey, resin and mountain flowers. It’s when the mountains feel alive and every breath feels deeper.

Follow the Sentier des Arcs footpath or the trail to the Les Moulins waterfall, where cool air, rushing water and sunlight filtering through green leaves create perfect harmony. Time slows, and even your heartbeat finds nature’s rhythm. Nearby lie the picture-book mountain lakes — Lac des Moutons and Lac Marloup — so clear the peaks mirror back like glass. It’s ideal for a picnic or a quiet meditation, sitting on a rock with nothing but sky, mountains and a rare, profound silence.

Activities for body and soul

Beyond skiing, the Les Arcs ski resort in France offers plenty: paragliding over snowy summits, husky sledding, an open-air ice rink, sunrise yoga and even horse-riding in the Alps across snowy valleys. Seeking calm? Head to wellness centres with saunas, thermal pools and massages after an active day. Families can enjoy easy hiking routes and lifts that reveal sweeping Savoie views.

Evenings to remember

After sunset, the ski resort changes mood. Lights dot the slopes, music drifts from chalets, and wine warms both hands and heart. Try Savoie fondue or hot raclette, bask by the fireplace and linger over unhurried conversation. If you’re lucky, catch a night-skiing session: under floodlights, the snow seems to shimmer like stars as you glide.

For seekers of authenticity

Hidden near the main ski zones are old Alpine villages — Villaroger, Hauteville-Gondon, Landry. Here you’ll feel the true Savoie spirit: stone houses, chimney smoke, local cheeses and welcoming hosts. Time runs slower, and the mountains seem to breathe differently — calmer, deeper. It’s the perfect way to end the day and realise that Les Arcs is more than a resort — it’s a living part of the Alps where people and nature remain in harmony.

So when you come, don’t rush to ski from dawn till dusk. Listen to the mountains, wander a trail, pause by a lake. It’s in those moments you realise a mountain holiday in Les Arcs is more than sport — it’s a genuine reset for the soul.

Even if it feels like the Les Arcs mountain resort in France has everything you need to stay forever, it’s worth venturing beyond for a day. You’re in the heart of the Savoy Alps, the Tarentaise Valley and dozens of places where nature, culture and authenticity come together. Every Alpine day trip from here reveals another facet of France — where mountains hold centuries of memory and small villages whisper their stories along cobbled lanes.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice — gateway to the Alps

At the foot of the resort sits Bourg-Saint-Maurice — the beating heart of the Tarentaise. Trains and cableways depart from here to the Les Arcs ski resort. Visit the local market for cheeses, wines, honey and mountain herbs to taste the spirit of Savoie. Wander the old centre’s narrow lanes, try fondue or raclette in a tiny restaurant, and listen to church bells echoing through the hills.

Thermal springs at La Léchère and Brides-les-Bains

Nearby towns La Léchère and Brides-les-Bains are famed for thermal waters known since the 19th century — places where Alpine scenery meets the healing power of water. After an active day in Les Arcs, this is the spot to unwind — mineral pools, aromatherapy and Alpine-inspired massages. In winter, steam rising above the pools contrasts beautifully with falling snow — a sight you should witness at least once.

Castles, villages and culture trails

History fans will enjoy the old castles of Saint-Pierre and Monton-Saint-Bernard, as well as the medieval town of Conflans near Albertville. Time seems to pause here: wooden shutters, stone steps, flowers on window sills and the scent of damp mountain air create a special mood. Summer in the valley brings craft fairs, wine festivals and days celebrating Savoy culture — brilliant chances to meet the locals’ warmth.

The Tarentaise Valley and protected nature

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Vanoise National Park — one of France’s oldest. Trails start just a few kilometres from Les Arcs. Spot chamois, Alpine marmots and even eagles soaring over glaciers. Edelweiss blooms in summer; in winter the paths become quiet routes for snowshoes. It’s where the Alps show their truest face — majestic and wild, yet wonderfully balanced.

Ideas for one-day escapes

From the Les Arcs resort it’s easy to visit Albertville — host of the 1992 Winter Olympics — or the picture-perfect lake of Annecy, often called the “blue pearl of the Alps”. Nearby are the villages of Chamonix and Megève — legends of French mountain tourism. Each has its own story, and the road there is another adventure with panoramas that steal your breath.

So even if the Les Arcs mountain resort is your main destination, don’t limit yourself to its slopes. Let the mountains show you more — old roads, bridges, rivers and the people who call this valley home. These are the touches of authenticity that make the French Alps linger in the heart for ever.

Les Arcs is designed so everyone feels at home — regardless of age, travel style or budget. It’s a prime example of how a ski resort in the French Alps can be modern, accessible and in tune with nature all at once. Everything is thought through: from transport and accommodation to services for children, families and travellers arriving in the Alpine mountains for the first time.

As soon as you arrive, you sense this is more than a mountain resort — it’s a well-run destination where life flows easily and unhurriedly. Ski areas are linked by convenient lifts, streets smell of fresh coffee and warm bread, and a calm atmosphere somehow blends with the buzz of movement. The Les Arcs Alpine ski resort is planned for everyone: athletes, families with children, couples seeking romance, and those simply escaping the city rush to find harmony among the peaks.

Most importantly, everything is done with respect for nature. The architecture doesn’t disrupt the landscape, transport is eco-minded, and hotels and restaurants support “Green Alps” initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. This balance between human comfort and natural beauty makes this French mountain resort a standout example of modern tourism — one that cares not only for its guests, but for the mountains themselves.

Accommodation for every travel style

The choice of places to stay in Les Arcs is wonderfully varied. You’ll find everything from cosy apartments and classic Alpine chalets to five-star hotels and residences with spa facilities. Arc 1950 exudes luxury — think crackling fires, the aroma of coffee and views of snow-dusted summits. Arc 1800 suits younger guests and anyone who values a lively vibe close to the pistes. For families, Arc 1600 is the easiest option — peaceful, green, with plenty of playgrounds and spacious apartments. And true lovers of quiet often choose Arc 2000, where evenings are spent in harmony with nature.

Facilities for families and first-timers

The Les Arcs Alpine resort is renowned for its warm welcome. There are ski schools, play zones, ice rinks and winter clubs for children. Parents can safely leave little ones with instructors and head for the slopes or the spa. Beginners have dedicated areas with gentle gradients, where you can learn at your own pace. All of this creates a sense of care — the resort becomes not just a holiday spot, but a second home in the Alps.

Getting around the resort

Free shuttles run between Arc 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000 every half hour. Chairlifts and gondolas feature modern safety systems, and each village centre has information points, equipment hire, cash machines and tourist offices. In summer you’ll also find bike trails, charging stations for e-bikes and e-scooter rentals. Convenience is in the resort’s DNA — everything is close by, logical and never rushed.

That’s why Les Arcs in the French Alps is considered a benchmark for blending natural beauty with modern visitor infrastructure. Everything is set up so your trip flows effortlessly — easy, beautiful and comfortable at every turn.

The resort in the French Alps — Les Arcs — is built for your comfort, but the mountains always demand respect. Even the most experienced skiers and travellers agree: a successful mountain trip — and any winter holiday in the Alps — is all about balancing adrenaline with caution. Follow a few simple guidelines to keep your break safe and stress-free.

Weather and getting slope-ready

Conditions in the French Alps can change in minutes. Check the forecast before you hit the slopes, especially for upper areas like Arc 2000 and Aiguille Rouge. Always carry an extra layer, gloves, goggles and sun cream — even on cloudy days, the mountain sun is intense. For freeriding, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are essential — you can rent a full safety kit at the resort.

If you’re travelling with kids, choose dedicated children’s zones with gentle slopes and ski schools. Instructors at Les Arcs, France hold international certification, so little ones are in good hands. Beginners should start the day with a short warm-up and easy runs to avoid fatigue. The golden rule — ski for pleasure, not “to prove a point”.

Navigation and routes

The piste network at the Les Arcs ski resort is well marked, but the area is vast and it’s easy to lose your bearings. Always carry a Paradiski map or use the official resort app, which shows open runs, lifts and avalanche risk levels. In fog or heavy snowfall, stick to marked routes and don’t venture off-piste — even a few metres can be dangerous.

If you prefer a gentler Alpine escape, Les Arcs also offers winter walking paths and designated stroll zones. In winter wear boots with good grip and use trekking poles. Always let your hotel reception know your plans, especially if you’re heading out alone.

Medical services

Each area (Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000) has medical points staffed by doctors and rescuers. In case of injury, call 112 or go to the nearest ski patrol station (Sécurité des Pistes). Rescue teams respond rapidly — usually within minutes. Make sure your travel insurance covers winter sports (look for “ski” or “winter sports”).

Responsible tourism

The Alpine resort of Les Arcs actively supports the “Respect the Mountain” programme, so every visitor can contribute to a safe and eco-friendly stay. Use refillable bottles, dispose of rubbish responsibly, keep the snowfields clean and save energy in your apartment. Here, safety isn’t only about skiing — it’s also about being mindful of the mountains.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a winter break in Les Arcs without unnecessary worries. The mountains reward those who treat them with respect — and every day in the French Alps becomes full of joy, ease and confidence.

When winter wraps the famous Alpine resort of Les Arcs in a white glow, the complex turns into a fairytale, and your winter getaway becomes a vivid adventure you’ll remember for life. So the winter holidays in the French Alps are a perfect chance to write a new page in your own story. Here, age-old Savoy traditions, warm French hospitality and the unique atmosphere of the mountains come together. The air smells of cinnamon and mulled wine, and the evening lights on the slopes make it feel as if the sky itself is celebrating with you.

A festive break in the mountains of Les Arcs isn’t just an escape from routine — it’s a way to feel the true spirit of the Alps. Winter is welcomed with warm hearts, twinkling lights and the aroma of fresh pastries, with friends’ smiles and the joy of new encounters. Snow sparkles underfoot, music drifts through the air, and stars glow above the peaks as if blessing the moment.

And when the clock strikes midnight and you’re standing on a viewing platform with a glass of champagne, it hits you: here, in the French Alps, is where the year truly begins — clear, bright and full of dreams. Because winter holidays in Les Arcs aren’t just an event — they’re a feeling you’ll never forget. Anyone who’s felt the magic of this place will want to return — to greet the first dawn of a new year or rediscover the wonder of Christmas amid snowy summits.

Christmas in Les Arcs

As evening falls and the first star appears, Christmas in Les Arcs shines with a special warmth. In the heart of the French Alps, the holiday feels truly enchanted — the air scented with cinnamon, vanilla and mountain frost, and snow-covered lanes like pages from an old winter tale. Each village square lights a majestic tree, with live music playing beneath it, children sledding, and adults savouring mulled wine by roaring chalet fires.

The traditional French Réveillon dinner is another highlight of Christmas in Les Arcs. Guests and locals gather around festive tables with foie gras, roasted meats, seafood and famous Savoie cheeses. After dinner, solemn masses are held in chapels high in the mountains, the singing echoing the wind in the snowy firs. Then comes the torchlit night ski, as skiers descend the slope in a streaming ribbon of fire — a scene that flares in the dark like a Christmas miracle.

This is what a true Christmas in the French Alps looks like — sincere, cosy and full of light. Even the cold feels gentle, warmed by an atmosphere of kindness, peace and comfort that only a Les Arcs winter can bring. So don’t postpone that trip to Les Arcs if you’ve long dreamed of it. Christmas is the perfect time not only for a wonderful Alpine holiday, but to get acquainted with this charming place where every day is filled with warmth, light and a little seasonal magic.

New Year’s Eve in Les Arcs

New Year in Les Arcs feels like stepping into a winter fairytale coming to life. On the night of 31 December to 1 January, the Tarentaise Valley glows with thousands of lights: skiers weave down with torches, and the sky over the Alps bursts into fireworks, their reflections dancing on the snowy slopes. The festive mood here is unique — a blend of French elegance, Alpine cosiness and genuine joy felt by every guest.

Restaurants and hotels in the high-mountain resort of Les Arcs lay on celebratory dinners with Savoy specialities — fondue, tartiflette, and wines from local vineyards. After midnight the party spills onto the streets: music, dancing, hot wine, hugs from strangers and that feeling you’re part of a grand European celebration among the peaks. Children can enjoy special shows, parades and open-air ice performances.

At this time of year, the Les Arcs winter resort in France becomes a symbol of happy new beginnings. Amid the sparkle of fireworks and the hush of falling snow, you realise the New Year’s magic is real — and in the French Alps, it truly feels at home.

They say everything in France has its own kind of charm — even the snow. Les Arcs proves it! Here, every morning begins with the aroma of fresh coffee brewed with Parisian passion — only instead of the Eiffel Tower, you’ve endless Alpine peaks. It’s a place where laughter carries louder than the wind, and red wine tastes warmer simply because you’re sipping it by the fire after a day on the slopes.

At Les Arcs you don’t just ski — you learn to savour the little things. Even a tumble on soft snow brings a smile, because someone nearby will wink and say, “C’est la vie!” — French philosophy in action. Les Arcs teaches you not to chase speed, but to enjoy the moment — the way sunlight dances on the snow, how the summits turn from pink to gold, how the mountains whisper, “one more day to be happy”.

The Les Arcs activity complex doesn’t just impress with its beauty — it heals with silence, fills you with energy and reminds you how wonderful the world can be without hurry. Each day finds its rhythm: mornings for skiing in the Alps, afternoons for adventure, evenings for fire-side warmth and the hush of snowy peaks. This harmony between motion and calm makes a trip to Les Arcs a unique experience that adds a glow to your winter holiday.

Everyone finds something here: some chase the thrill of skiing, others draw inspiration from the scenery, and many take home memories that last a lifetime. When it’s time to leave, your heart feels quietly grateful. Because the village of Les Arcs isn’t just a mountain getaway — it’s a meeting with yourself, with that feeling of freedom we miss in city life.

And if anyone asks you what a true mountain holiday feels like — think of Les Arcs. Here, among snow, wind and sky, the mountains really do become part of you.