One thing to know about a Les Arcs ski trip is that skiing is always the number one priority – which is great news for powder hounds! Beyond the increasingly wide range of resorts, accommodation, amenities and nightlife, the area is renowned for its almost 200km of pistes, which cater for all types of skiers.
The region is particularly celebrated for its more difficult slopes aimed at those looking for a bit more of a challenge on their holiday. With a number of testing pistes lower down the mountain and day trips to the surrounding regions readily available, it’s the perfect place for intermediate and advanced skiers to push themselves and discover the extent of their abilities.
The Slopes
Les Arcs is located on the mountain above the village of Bourg St Maurice and, as such, there is a lot to choose from in terms of altitude and difficulty. For those of intermediate ability, the lower slopes – the 1600m-2400m – are highly recommended. They feature lovely tree-lined pistes and around 125km of fast long blue and red runs. Descents range all the way up to 7km, and with the high-speed lift network in operation all over the mountain, you’ll have no problem getting up and down, experiencing that full-throttle rush over and over again.
The advanced crew have nothing to worry about either though, as there’s plenty on offer for experts at Les Arcs ski resort. The challenges include the Aiguille Rouge area, which features an infamous and awe-inspiring 2000m descent from the top of the ridge right down to the commune of Villaroger. There’s also plenty of room for the freestylers, with the Apocalypse terrain park offering some excellent and varied courses.
Day Trips
The other great thing about a Les Arcs ski holiday for those looking for a proper adventure is its brilliant location, which is within easy travelling distance of numerous other resorts. If you really want to challenge yourself, there are several fantastic day trips that can take you to some unfamiliar and world-renowned pistes. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
•La Rosiere: situated on the border between France and Italy, La Rosiere is primarily known for its collection of excellent bars and restaurants.
•Sainte-Foy: a good one to get away from the hubbub of resort life and find some truly freeing skiing experiences, including some great off-piste opportunities on the north face of the mountain.
For those who visit Les Arcs, ski time is usually top of the itinerary – albeit with the opportunities for some serious relaxation at the end of the day! With an average snowfall of around 500cm a year, good cover is virtually guaranteed throughout the season. The low altitudes of the more advanced pistes, however, mean that for the intermediates and experts the middle of winter is the best time to come.
Les Arcs ski holidays cater for that perfect combination of high-class skiing opportunities and comprehensive accommodation and amenities – making it a prime destination for all ski-loving tourists. See you there this season!
Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're looking for a Les Arcs ski holiday, or anywhere else in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the ski break of a lifetime.
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