It is worth noting that Les Arcs is deliberately configured to be user friendly in all areas possible, and to all levels of skier. It is possible for first week skiers to tour the entire resort, from Vallandry in the West to Villaroger in the East, passing through all of Arcs 1,600, Arcs 1,800 and Arcs 2,000 purely on blue pistes, and not exceeding a height of 2,600 M. This, and the general ease of use, gives a real sense of achievement to beginner skiers.

The ski area also offers incredible off piste skiing, both for ski touring and for more advanced skiers, and for powder hounds during those days of fresh powder, blue skies, and crisp, painfully bright sunshine. Should the weather close in, the area of Peisey-Vallandry offers more sheltered, tree-lined skiing, and completes the selection of areas, offering all skiing options to all skiers in all conditions. Snowboarders are also admirably catered for.

Off piste has already been mentioned, and add to that the resort snowpark set aside for their exclusive use, ( above Arcs 1,800, and marked on the piste map), with constructed jumps and table tops and a double length half pipe in permanence, and you have a facility most boarders have only ever dreamt about.

APRES SKI

Hang gliding, parapenting, snow scooters, horse riding, tobogganing, cinema, three squash courts, table tennis tables, a ten pin bowling alley, an ice skating rink, fitness suite with sauna, over 30 bars, numerous restaurants of all descriptions, and several night clubs are all immediately available. In fact the facilities available match, or even perhaps exceed, those available in a small town in Britain. There is also a chance to try the “bottle run” - ie the speed skiing piste.

Amateur participants cannot depart right from the top, but there is still “fun” enough, and more besides, for most people. Lastly, the resort opens up a couple of floodlit pistes until seven p.m. on two evenings per week, just in case people didn’t get enough during the day. Free shuttle bus between Arcs 1600 / 1800, and Arcs 1800 / 2000.