Les Arcs

A modern, purpose-built ski resort, the holiday destination of Les Arcs comprises four resort villages situated above the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all linked by a free shuttle bus. Named after their respective altitudes, Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are built with glass and concrete apartment buildings, purposefully designed with convenience in mind, while the latest addition to the resort, Arc 1950, has a more traditional guise and a typically European village style.The large and diverse network of well-groomed pistes more than makes up for any lack of charm, however, and the highest station at Aiguille Rouge Peak (10,584 ft/3,226m) guarantees excellent snow conditions from December to April. Its vast trail system has been linked to that of La Plagne, making the combined Paradiski area one of the largest interconnected ski and snowboard areas in the world.Arc 1800 is the biggest and most popular resort, consisting of four villages, and is the most conveniently situated for all levels of skiers and non-skiers on holiday, while just below, Arc 1600 is smaller and suited to young families, although it can get crowded on weekends due to the direct funicular link from the town of Bourg Saint Maurice.More devoted snow enthusiasts prefer to head to the highest resort, Arc 2000, situated at the foot of Aiguille Rouge in the next valley, where the emphasis is on skiing and snowboarding rather than apres-ski holiday facilities. It has easy access to the glacier and is linked to Arc 1950 by a free cable car.There are a few other villages in the area that, while not officially part of the resort, are seamlessly connected and offer their own accommodation and ski areas as well. These include Vallandry, Peisey, Plan-Peisey, Le Pre and Villaroger.