VIP SKI Blog

This modern, yet cosy, lounge-bar offers a relaxing environment in the day and a lively party scene by night. With a high standard of food, drinks, and music, it’s also been dubbed as the nightclub ‘made in Arc 1950’, so it's a brilliant place to dance the night away.

The O’Chaud bar regularly hosts events throughout the winter, with music ranging from R’n’B to house and a daily opening time of 15:00 - 03:00.

Plan your trip to O’Chaud’s:

• Opening Times: 3pm – 3am (Winter only)
• Prime Time: Thursday Night
• Speciality: Cocktails

Here’s a peek into what a night at O’Chaud’s looks like…

With a wide selection of draught beers, wines and live music, Les Belles Pintes is a great place to unwind after skiing with a taste of Ireland. ‘Dublin’ down on that traditional pub vibe, you’ll also be able to catch live sports on the big screen and enjoy a round of darts or pool.

Oh, and make sure you don’t miss out on Happy Hour between 16:00 and 17:00 every day.

Plan your trip to Les Belles Pintes:

• Opening Times: 11am - 12pm
• Prime Time: Tuesday Afternoon
• Speciality: Pints!

Chalet Luigi is the perfect spot from which to enjoy some delicious Italian specialities and an extensive collection of fine wines on the large south-facing balcony. Around 15:00, the restaurant transforms into a lively après ski party and this atmosphere continues throughout the evening and on into the night with great live music, DJs and discos running until the early hours of the morning.

Plan your trip to Le Chalet de Luigi:

• Opening Times: 9am - 10pm
• Prime Time: Sunday Afternoon
• Speciality: Italian cuisine

Although this one is technically not in Les Arcs 1950, La Folie Douce gets an honourable mention as it's worth popping down to Arc 1800 to enjoy the live music, cabaret, and ultimate après-ski party! Dancing on the tables – optional. The infamous Folie Douce rightly deserves its reputation as one of the best après ski destinations in the area.

They have a packed schedule too with DJ’s and clubbing every day and huge event parties every Friday - just see for yourself on their Instagram page @foliedoucelesarcs

Plan your trip to La Folie Douce:

• Opening Times: 9am – 8:30pm
• Prime Time: Wednesday Evening
• Speciality: Huge parties & DJ’s

Last but far from least, the bar and lounge of the Bear Lodge is one of the most popular drinking spots to unwind after a long day on the slopes. The classy, modern decor is the perfect setting to enjoy a fancy cocktail or a tasty meal to warm your insides.

The ski in/ski out lodge has more to dazzle you with than just cocktails too, there’s also a spa, pool, and cinema room.

Check out the Bear Lodge for yourself on our website, or take a closer look through our Instagram.

Plan your trip to Bear Lodge:

• Opening Times: Varies
• Prime Time: Every day!
• Speciality: Fun & activities for all ages

Whether you’re staying in our hotel or chalets we’d love to see you for an après ski or pre-dinner drink. We have a selection of beers, cocktails and soft drinks, and our attentive staff waiting to hear about your day on the slopes.

See you there.

Cheers!

Get a taste of Alaska on a husky-powered sledge whilst taking in the breath-taking mountain scenery. This activity takes place daily with ParadiSled. The starting point is between Arcs 1600 and 1950 and can be accessed by free shuttle from Arc 1950.

• Bookings available from Monday – Sunday
• Ride length between 20 to 30 minutes
• Children must wear a helmet (supplied if needed)

Luge 2000 is a fun and exhilarating experience as you toboggan down a 3-km track with challenging bends and twists along the way. This is a great one for kids who are too young to take part in some of the more ‘extreme’ activities as sledging still provides that addictive adrenaline rush no matter what age you are!

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum height restriction 125 cm
• €12 per run
• Sledges and helmets are provided on site

Swap the slopes for the ice rink and enjoy gliding about with family and friends of all ages. On Monday and Thursday evenings, special entertainment is organised on the ice rink (weather dependent) and challenges are set for prizes to be won!

• The ice rink is open daily between 18:00 and 20:00 in the upper part of Arc 2000

Once the ski runs have closed for the day, try your hand at driving these two-seater skidoos. With the rear wheel replaced by a caterpillar track for momentum and the front wheel swapped for a pair of skis for steering, these snowmobiles are incredibly quick. After some expert instruction, you will soon be out on an open country trail enjoying the buzz and adrenaline rush of being in control of a Ski-Doo. 

• Available in Arc 1800 and 2000

A fun activity for those who love skiing and horses! Ski joering is the original drag-lift. Before Pomas, chairlifts and cable cars were installed in the mountains, the only tow to be found was either behind dogs or horses. Although it’s easy to move around the mountain using ski lifts these days, if you fancy a trek through the woods away from the queues and ski schools, then ski joering might be for you. 

• Available on selected dates

Visit an extraordinary 400m2 igloo village complete with a hotel, bar, ice grotto with impressive ice sculptures, restaurant and dance floor. Made entirely of ice, the hotel can be accessed on skis or snowshoes from Arc 1950. Keep your ski gear on, as the igloo is kept at 0°!

• Open every day of the winter season from 10am to 5pm
• €5 for adults
• €4 for children
• Free for children under 6
• Entry to the magical ice grotto with sculptures costs €2 (no reservation needed)
• Accessible to skiers via the Arcabulle chairlift and walkers via a 20-minute walk from Arc 2000

Similarly to our own pool and spa complex within Bear Lodge, the majority of residences in Arc 1950 have wellness areas with indoor and/or outdoor hot tubs, pools and saunas. In the Deep Nature Spar, you will also find a 1000m2 complex complete with relaxation pool, themed ice and sauna caves and treatment rooms, some of which enjoy magnificent views of Mont Blanc. 

• Child spa access is available from €25 (age 4-15)

If you are looking for a fun and exciting après-ski activity, then you have to give the Snakegliss a try! Several sledges are linked together one behind the other to create a sliding snake steered by an instructor at the front with 6-10 people per ‘snake’. 

• Minimum age 10
• Helmets and ski gloves are compulsory
• Ski boots are not allowed
• Sessions take place in the late afternoon from the ice rink in Arc 2000

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a newcomer to winter sports, snowshoeing is a low-impact yet highly rewarding way to explore the mountains and immerse yourself in nature. With nothing but the sound of a marmot scurrying in the undergrowth and maybe a mountain spring trickling by, you will feel like you’re in another world. Ask for the “Walking, Cross-country skiing and Snowshoeing map” at the Tourist Office or ask your chalet host for more details or sign up for a guided trek with professional guides/instructors. They will take you to their favourite spots, away from the crowds, to see the best Alpine scenery and wildlife. 

What you need to know

• Snowshoes and walking poles can be hired

  
  

Want to try something new? Tired of having your feet firmly on the ground? Discover a new type of sport which combines the likes of paragliding and kite surfing to make the increasingly popular sport of Speedriding! You’ll be kitted out with a wing, harness and safety equipment ready to fly down the mountain at adrenaline-inducing speeds.

• Group courses are limited to 5 students for one instructor

For a truly amazing and thrilling panoramic bird’s eye view of the mountains, choose a sightseeing scenic helicopter tourist flight. Hover over the slopes or tour around the resorts by helicopter, marvelling at the wonderful scenery beneath you.

• 10min, 30min or 60min private tours available
• Max groups of 5 people

There is plenty of choice when it comes to choosing the companies which provide the activities we’ve listed above and if you need any more information on the providers, please speak to our Concierge Team once in resort for further details.

If you haven’t already selected your holiday you must check out our Arc 1950 hotel and chalets with pool complex, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, gym, cinema & kids’ playroom.

* For all extreme sporting activities please ensure you are covered by your own insurance policy to take part.

Folie Douce (Arc 1800)

La Folie Douce offers something for everyone with three separate dining options: La Fruitiere, La Petite Cuisine and Le Butcher Shop. La Fruitiere offers an a la Carte menu with high class dining on the mountain. The menus are designed around sourcing high quality local produce. La Petite Cuisine offers a shabby chic environment with a plentiful menu. Last but not least, Le Butcher Shop is a great option for those who are looking for a tasty but speedy bite to eat in a comfortable setting.

What you need to know:

• Opening times: 9am - 8:30pm
• Menu: Burgers, fish dishes & cakes
• Perfect for: A warming evening meal

Les Chalets de L’Arc (Arc 2000)

This large chalet restaurant boasts fantastic views across the mountain, in a great location. Make the most of the sun-soaked terrace, and an array of dishes from the traditional Savoyard options to everyday gourmet pub grub. Make sure to book ahead!

• Opening times: 9am - 5pm
• Menu: Traditional French dishes
• Perfect for: A lunchtime treat

L'Altiport (Arc 1800)

The Altiport snack restaurant sits at a dizzying 2100m with panoramic views. The outdoor seating area is a great place to tuck into some hearty food whilst watching other skiers enjoy the slopes. Head up the mountain to enjoy one of their famous burgers!

What you need to know:

• Opening times: 9am - 5pm
• Menu: Hotdogs & burgers
• Perfect for: Enjoying snacks with a stunning view

Belliou La Fumée (Arc 2000)

Belliou La Fumée is a local favourite. With an authentic stone and wooden chalet feel to it, enjoy a meal by the fireplace and choose from a large gourmet menu. This restaurant also features an outdoor terrace so you can enjoy the sun on your face whilst tucking in.

What you need to know:

• Opening times: 12pm - 6pm
• Menu: Seafood dishes, mixed grills & local cuisine
• Perfect for: A luxurious lunch or early evening meal

Le Chalet du Pré St Esprit (Arc 2000)

Le Chalet du Pré St Esprit offers a gourmet and traditional restaurant seating area with Savoyard dishes and as well as a 'Menu Du Jour' in their Cheminée area. Le Schuss is their self-service side of the restaurant for those looking for high-quality food on a schedule.

What you need to know:

• Opening times: 9am - 11pm
• Menu: Traditional French cuisine
• Perfect for: A place to grab great food at any time of the day

La Table des Lys Restaurant

Enjoy traditional food and service with a smile with proper French local cuisine including the usual Savoyard specialities with a twist. This restaurant is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and perhaps take their lead on what you should order!

What you need to know:

• Opening times: 12:00 - 13:30 / 19:30 - 21:30
• Menu: Traditional French cuisine
• Perfect for: Trying something new

Vache Rouge

With a funky, contemporary interior, Vache Rouge offers a selection of local French specialities in a relaxed environment. Serving everything from spit-roast meat specialities to seafood or fondue, you will find something for everyone.
What you need to know:

• Opening times: 9am - 10.30pm
• Menu: Pizza & seafood dishes
• Perfect for: Families with varying tastes

Perce Neige

Sitting in the heart of the village, Perce Neige provides delicious alpine cuisine using locally sourced produce in a cosy yet sophisticated setting. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining with 80 seats available on the terrace.
What you need to know:

• Opening times: 11am - 10pm
• Menu: Traditional French cuisine
• Perfect for: Trying some delicious regional specialities

La Bohème

This cosy new restaurant in Arc 1950 offers a tempting array of pizzas, salads and traditional Savoyard specialities. The classy decor and warming atmosphere make La Bohème a superb place to relax after a long day out in the cold.

What you need to know:

• Opening times: 9.30am - 11pm
• Menu: Pizzeria
• Perfect for: Couples looking to enjoy a romantic meal

Brasserie Le 1950

In true traditional Brasserie style, the food, the setting and the service is of the highest standard. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, enjoy the relaxing and chic atmosphere.
What you need to know:

• Opening times: 7:30am – 2 pm / 6pm – 9:30pm
• Menu: Traditional French cuisine
• Perfect for: A quiet meal in an elegant setting

Chez Léontine

Chez Léontine is a characterful and family-friendly restaurant offering traditional cuisine and a wide selection of fondues cooked in front of you.

What you need to know:

• Opening times: 11:30 am – 2 pm / 6pm – 10pm
• Menu: Classic French cuisine
• Perfect for: Diving into an indulgent meal with vibrant flavours

If you enjoy a hearty lunch on the slopes (cheese fondue anyone?) and you would prefer a lighter dinner option back at the chalet, we offer a ‘Switch Menu’ where dinner choices such as Grilled Goats Cheese & Roast Beetroot Salad, Pan-fried Salmon fillet with sizzled ginger, chilli and red onion or Lemon Baked Chicken and Warm Quinoa Salad can be ‘switched in’ from our standard menu.

We can pre-book restaurant reservations on your behalf, just let us know which restaurant, date, preferred time and the number of people. Don’t forget we can also pre-book all the other extras such as lift passes, equipment hire and lessons. We’re here to make your Les Arcs ski holiday as seamless as possible.

OK, let’s be honest, there are plenty of smarter, glitzier, posher hotels out there, but for us this little project has been a seven-year labour of love on behalf of our loyal community of skiers. We consolidated everything that we had learnt over a couple of decades into a thirty-bedroom hotel for everyone: rooms for couples, rooms with bunks for families or interconnecting rooms for mum, dad and kids, plus private suites for groups of every shape and size. We didn't forget the toys; a proper sized pool, a spa with plenty of steam, piste-side kids’ playroom, ski shop, gym, cinema and small conference room. 1950m altitude, on the piste, next to the ski lifts and a short walk across the slope to the centre of the village. There must be better new hotels somewhere in the world, but for our little community of skiers, it’s just about perfect.

There are 6 hotels nominated in the 'Worlds' Best New Ski Hotel 2022' category. Who wins? You decide!  Voting is now open, so please cast your vote for Bear Lodge. 

We also see three of our newly completed Avoriaz chalets; Chalet Sakami, Kipnuk and Ipaka, nominated in the 'France's Best Ski Chalet' category. I guess we are also not entirely surprised to see three of our ski resorts nominated in ‘France's Best Ski Resort’ too. We'll be watching closely to see the results on this one.

We believe Bear Lodge deserves to win the title of Best New Ski Hotel 2022 ... not because it is the best, but because it is just about perfect (!) Help us achieve our dream by casting your vote today.