Ski holidays in Les Arcs, Arc 1950

Arc 1950 and neighbouring Arc 1600, 1800 and 2000, combined with la Plagne form the vast Paradiski region, reaching up to a whopping 3226m high. It is in the Tarentaise Valley in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region of the French Alps.

Arc 1950 offers easy access to wide, tree-lined runs, as well as challenging pistes at great heights. It's rare to find such a pretty ski village surrounded by something for everyone both on and off the slopes

With 425 km worth of pistes, the Paradiski area is a playground without limits for all ages and abilities. Les Arcs offers a gentle introduction to skiing/snowboarding with reliable snow to first timers, thanks to a number of gentle green and blue pistes equally spread throughout the resort; but with over a hundred of the more advanced pistes it’s also a haven for those more confident to make the most of the region. Whilst they have a dedicated team of snowploughs to groom the piste, they also offer ‘NATUR’/non-groomed piste for the thrill-seekers wishing to enjoy off-piste skiing in a safe and monitored environment.

Arc 1950 is the newest addition to the Arc villages, designed tastefully and practically. Its entirely pedestrianised nature means you can ski around the village and back to your chalet door without removing your gear!

For beginners

An array of wide, high-altitude blue runs make les Arcs a good place for beginners to find their feet (or skis). The free Cabriolet gondola lift runs from the centre of Arc 1950 to the upper village of 2000 where you will find a large and varied beginner zone. There is also an excellent beginners’ enclosure for those booked into the ESF ski school with conveyor belts and pully lifts.

Snow parks

For the real daredevils, head to the Apocalypse Park just above Arc 1600. Groomed daily, the park is filled with rails, boxes and jumps geared towards all levels, from first-time skiers to experts alike. To access the park from 1950, you can take the Bois de l’Ours chairlift or the inter-resort bus running between 1600 and 1950.

Off piste

Les Arcs has a well earnt reputation for its powder snow and thanks to its dizzying heights, the best of it can be found on the Aiguille Rouge located at an astounding 3225m! Head up the Grand Col and hike up to drop over on the North Face. Here you can discover trickier and steeper routes when taking the Aiguille Rouge cable car. It is imperative that you take all the safety precautions you can, shovels and probes and beepers can be purchased or hired. Speak to lift operators prior to going off-piste as they will have a better idea of what is safe and what isn’t. To be extra safe professional guides can be hired who have all the local knowledge to take you to the best spots without compromising safety.

Cross country skiing

There are plenty of tranquil trails for you to explore around les Arcs. Starting from the top of the Jardin Alpin chairlift, you can enjoy a 5km loop, or another one just 600 metres from Arc 2000. If you’re looking for something more challenging, a 15km route can be reached via the funicular from 1600 but this is reliant on good snow conditions. You will find ‘walking, Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing maps’ at the Tourist Office, alternatively lessons and guided excursions are available from the various ski schools, ask a member of staff for details.

Over 70% of the pistes in the Paradiski region are based at 2000m or higher, making snow conditions the least of your worries!

It doesn’t get any easier
We have partnered with Ski Service in Arcs 1950 to provide the ultimate service. Pre-booked equipment is ready for collection in the ski room when you arrive, any problems with fitting and our Ski Service technician is on hand to assist. At the end of your stay just leave your equipment in the ski locker. Can’t get easier than that.

Be careful of other suppliers offering great discounts online
We guarantee the quality of your equipment waiting in your locker when you arrive and we have wrestled the price down to be extremely competitive. Others online might promise cheaper equipment but at what price? Is it available when you arrive? How far away is the shop and how do you get there? How easy is it to change? What happens when it breaks?

Don’t forget to pre-book
It is ever so important that you book your equipment before you arrive as there is only so much quality kit in a resort to go round. You can book equipment on my VIP SKI shortly after you have made an accommodation booking, here are the guide prices. Alternatively, email us at ski@vip-chalets.com, or call us for further guidance. 

Possibly one of the most important aspects of a ski holiday, the lift pass is vital unless you plan to walk up the mountain before skiing down!

Pre-book your lift pass directly with us before you travel. Your lift passes will be delivered to your chalet before breakfast on the first morning, in plenty of time for you to make it up the first lift. 

Prices shown below are a guide for a 6 day lift pass and may fluctuate due to exchange rates.

Ski & snowboard lessons at Bear Lodge & Suites. A happy time in ski school, whether you are 6 or 60, will make for a happy holiday. We can’t guarantee that you won’t fall over but we can do everything in our power to find the right person to pick you up.

Learn with like-minded neighbours in smaller groups
We are delighted to have partnered with the Ecole de Ski Français in Les Arcs to bring you smaller classes of up to six with carefully chosen English speaking instructors who will meet our groups at the ski room door. This is a chance to learn with like-minded neighbours of similar ability with whom you can share some ski banter in the lounge over your afternoon tea.

Focus on fun and progression
Smaller groups and carefully chosen English speaking instructors mean the focus can be on fun and progression with individual attention and a relaxing and stress-free environment. Instructors might even join you in the Bear Lodge bar of an evening for a drink and a giggle over the mishaps of the day.

Little ones
A parent cannot relax until they are sure that their children are enjoying their skiing and being looked after well. There is nothing more pleasing than the excited glow of your kids fresh from the piste. We have our own Club Piou Piou snow garden outside the Bear Cub playroom for the little ones to learn safely and close to the loo ! If you have booked full day or half-day childcare then our nannies will liaise with the instructors, check your child has gloves, googles and sunblock in the morning and collect your precious package in time for lunch.

Group classes: the detail
Classes run from 9h30 to 12h Monday to Friday (Thursday to Monday for December departures) and cost just £200 per person. Our groups are simply described by type: skier or boarder, ability: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced, and age: under 6, 6-12 or 12 and over. Read more about ski lessons.

Private lessons
For just £450 you and two others can secure your own private instructor between 9h30-12h on any three mornings during your stay. £700 pays for all five.

Please don’t wait to book
It is ever so important that you book ski lessons long before you arrive as there are only so many instructors to go round. You can add group classes on my VIP SKI shortly after you have made an accommodation booking. Alternatively drop us an email or call us for private bookings and for any other guidance and assistance you might require.

Ski & board guiding is back. We have partnered with the ESF in Les Arcs to provide complimentary guiding on the first two mornings of your holiday when staying with us in Bear Lodge. Sociable skiing and boarding with like-minded guests of similar ability.