As its name suggests, this pedestrianised village sits at 1950m, in a wider ski area that reaches all the way up to 3226m making it as snow-sure as can be. Bear Resort is the culmination of six year’s design and development during which we have tried to create the ultimate ski experience. Our new wing of Arcs 1950 blends seamlessly into the picturesque high-altitude village but offers a completely new level of comfort and convenience. Choose a room in our hotel, Bear Lodge, or one of the fabulous self contained suites. Unsure which will be best for you, call our Sales Team today on 0208 892 4060.
Please contact Louise, Jess, Maxine or Millie if you have any questions.
22 Apr 2023
Stayed Apr 202317 Apr 2023
Stayed Apr 2023Hello, Overall, we really enjoyed our recent trip to Bear Lodge. We have previously travelled with Scott Dunn, Mark Warner and the Chalet Edit - this was our first experience with VIP Ski. The hotel was really comfortable. The views from our interconnecting room were breath taking. The pool, an utter delight to unwind in after a day of skiing. The ease of the morning routine, from breakfast to boot room to piste with multiple children in ski lessons was seamless in contrast to other locations. ESF were excellent value and the groups small enough that the children each had a positive ski experience despite the onslaught of snow, almost daily! The restaurant staff all so friendly, food good, and concierge attentive and able to answer all questions readily and gladly. We chose VIP, on the recommendation of friends, for their fantastic reputation for childcare. The ski lessons finished outside the hotel, so the seamless collection of the children, to lunch meant for a longer ski day for us, worry-free. Whilst logistically, this all worked, the childcare department wasn't at all what we had hoped for.
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Stayed Mar 2023Arc 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.
| 6 day Paradiski lift pass | ||
| Adult (13-64) | £329 | |
| Adult 65-74 years | £264 | |
| Child 5-12 years | £264 | |
| Les Arcs Classic Pass | ||
| Adult (13-64) | £282 | |
| Adult 65-74 years | £225 | |
| Child 5-12 years | £225 | |
| Carre Neige | ||
| Adult and children 6 day | £18 | |
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.
You will certainly not be bored on your ski holiday in les Arcs. Les Arcs offers a variety of activities for both the non-skier and those wanting some alternative entertainment after a day on the mountain. Our resort staff will have further details and would be able to assist you in booking. We’ve listed details of the most popular activities below.
(Please note there are numerous choices of companies for all options so please speak to your Chalet Host once in resort for further details. With all extreme sporting activities please ensure you check your own insurance policy to see if you are covered to take part.)
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. Early booking is essential.
Luge 2000 is an ultimate exhilarating experience, with 3km of track, encompassing challenging bends and twists along the way. Steerable sledges are provided on site. From 10€ for one run or 7€ for two runs. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, minimum height restriction 125cm.
There is an ice rink open daily between 18:00 and 20:00 in the upper part of Arc 2000. On Monday and Thursday evenings, special entertainment is organised on the ice rink (weather dependent) and challenges are set for prizes to be won!
Once the ski runs have closed for the day, try your hand at driving these two-seater motorbikes built specially for the snow. 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 adrenalin rush of being in control of a snow scooter. Available in Arc 1800 or 2000.
A fun activity for all 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 with ski lifts we can now easily move around the mountain if you are looking to get back to grass roots, or 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 with a bar, ice grotto, statues, restaurant and hotel, and a dance floor. This is a hotel made entirely of ice, accessed on skies or snowshoes from Arc 1950. Entry from 4€ for children and 5€ for adults (free for children under 6).
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 in a helicopter, marvelling at the wonderful scenery beneath you.
Similarly to our own pool and spa complex within the 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 1000m2 complex complete with various relaxing pools, themed cave pools, etc. Afternoon child spa access from 23€.
Finally available to earthlings these contraptions from the future, resembling something between a bobsleigh and a tramway, may be enjoyed with no-limits in groups of 2 to 20 people. These bizarre sledges that couple together may be enjoyed by all ages from 7 to 77 years. Gloves are compulsory and ski boots are not allowed. It takes place late afternoon from the ice rink in Arc 2000.
Snow-shoeing is a great way to see the mountains. You can truly find yourself in another world, with nothing but the sound of a marmotte scurrying in the undergrowth and maybe a mountain spring trickling by. Perhaps the best way to enjoy this breath-taking natural environment is to sign up for a guided trek with professional guides/instructors. They take you to the most remote spots to see the best of alpine scenery and wildlife, well away from the crowds. Ask for the “walking, Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing map” at the Tourist Office or ask your chalet host for more details.
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!
We understand that for many guests an important part of their ski holiday is enjoying an après ski beer or dancing the night away into the early hours. We’ve listed below just a few of our favourite bars in and around Arc 1950. Don’t forget to ask your Chalet Host for advice on which venues are the best, they will after all, probably have frequented most of them!
George Wine Bar
George’s Wine Bar is a popular, convivial spot to enjoy a post-skiing debrief. Aside from their impressive wine collection, they also sell a large selection of beers from around the globe. If you hang around for long enough, you may also get to enjoy some live music from George himself!
O’Chaud – Bar club
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 a brilliant place to dance the night away. They regularly host events throughout the winter, opening daily between 15:00 and 03:00. Make sure you check out their cocktail menu!
Pub les Belles Pintes
It doesn’t matter how far you travel, there always seems to be an Irish pub around the corner. With a wide selection of draught beers, wines and live music, les Belles Pintes is a great place to unwind after skiing and you will no doubt be able to catch the latest sporting events on a big screen. Don’t miss out on Happy hour between 16:00 and 17:00 every day.
Chalet Luigi
Chalet Luigi is the perfect spot from which to enjoy some delicious Italian specialities and an extensive collection of fine wines. Around 15:00 the restaurant transforms into a lively après party and this atmosphere continues throughout the evening and on into the night with great live music, DJ’s and discos running until the early hours of the morning.
Folie douce
The infamous Folie Douce rightly deserves its reputation as one of the best après destinations in the area. It's worth popping down to Arc 1800 to enjoy the live music, cabaret and après ski party like you've never seen before!
Once you’re on the slopes, you probably won’t feel like going back to your chalet to have lunch! There are a variety of restaurants to choose from for lunch, either on the mountain or in the village.
Mountain Restaurant;
Folie douce (Arc 1800)
La Folie douce offers something for everyone with three separate dining options: la Fruitiere, La Petite Cuisine and Le Butcher. 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 is a great option for those who are looking for a tasty but speedy bite to eat in a comfortable setting.
Les Chalets de L’Arc
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!
L’Altiport
The Altiport snack restaurant sits at a dizzying 2100m with panoramic views. Head up the mountain to enjoy their well-reputed burgers!
Belliou La Fumee
Belliou La Fumee is a local favourite. With an authentic stone and wooden chalet feal to it, enjoy a meal by the fireplace and choose from a large gourmet menu.
Le Chalet du Pre St Esprit
Le Chalet du Pre St Esprit offer a gourmet and traditional restaurant seating area with Savoyard dishes and as well as a 'Menu Du Jour' in their Cheminee area. Le Schuss is their self-service side of the restaurant for those looking for high quality food on a schedule.
Village Restaurants;
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.
Vache Rouge
With a funky, contemporary interior, Vache Rouge offer 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.
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.
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.
Mazot
Le Mazot is a characterful and family friendly restaurant, it’s cool interior and gourmet menu are hard to beat!
Hemingways’ Restaurant
Hemingway's serves a Steak House menu, ideal for meat-lovers. Discover a menu specialising in grilled meat dishes in a friendly and welcoming surroundings. The menu differs from lunch to dinner.
Nonna Lisa
For a traditional, heart-warming and authentic Italian pizza, look no further! With a friendly and relaxing feel to it, this is a lovely place to spend your evening. Of course, if you’re not in the mood for pizza, they have all of the Savoyard specialities available too!
