As British skiers start planning their next alpine escape, the French Alps remain a firm favourite and Les Arcs continues to stand out. With its high-altitude setting, forward-thinking approach, and growing focus on sustainability, this resort offers more than just great skiing. It’s leading the way in how we access the mountains and guarantees reliable snow throughout the season.
The Funicular: Fast-Track to the Future of Green Skiing
Funiculaire © Raj Bundhoo
One of the most unique features of Les Arcs is how you get there. While many alpine journeys involve winding roads and CO₂-heavy transfers, Les Arcs has long offered a smarter, cleaner option: the funicular railway from Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
@Yann Allègre
Straight from the Eurostar’s platform, you can hop onto this slick, electric-powered ascent to Arc 1600 which takes just seven minutes. This is where efficiency meets innovation, making this a benchmark in terms of reducing carbon footprints. Imagine stepping off the train in your ski jacket and being on the slopes within minutes, no long transfers or waiting around.
The funicular is part of Les Arcs’ bigger mission to make skiing more sustainable and for UK travellers, it could easily become your go-to way to reach the slopes: fast, simple, and far better for the planet.
Discover more about getting to Les Arcs
Villaroger: A Quiet Corner Gets a Bold New Lift
© Yann Allegre
If you’re after a quieter corner of Les Arcs with bags of alpine charm, Villaroger might just be your perfect base. Tucked away at the edge of the ski area, this traditional Savoyard village has long been a hidden gem for those in the know and it’s about to get a serious upgrade. Come December 2025, Villaroger will be home to a brand-new high-speed gondola, transforming how skiers connect to the wider Paradiski area.
© Freeski Academy
For confident skiers, it means quicker access to big-mountain terrain like the Aiguille Rouge. For families or those who prefer a laid-back vibe without compromising on access, it’s a game-changer. This opens up Villaroger’s quiet charm to the full 425km of pistes Les Arcs and La Plagne have to offer.
Snow-Sure Slopes from December to April
© Weare Merci
Let’s face it, snow conditions have become a bit of a gamble in recent years. But if you’re after altitude and reliability, Les Arcs has both in spades. Around 70% of the Paradiski area sits above 2,000 metres, with the Aiguille Rouge topping out at an impressive 3,226 metres. This is the kind of elevation which delivers throughout the season, offering some of the most consistent snow conditions in the Alps.
Natural snowfall is generous, and when needed, top-tier snowmaking tech keeps the pistes covered from the season’s opening turns in December right through to the Easter holidays. Whether you’re skiing in the heart of winter or making the most of spring sunshine, Les Arcs holds its snow exceptionally well.
And with more than 260 interconnected runs, there’s something for every type of skier. Try mellow cruisers perfect for families and beginners to tucked-away off-piste options that more confident skiers will love exploring.
More Than Just Skiing: A Resort That Lives and Breathes the Alps
Of course, Les Arcs is known for its skiing but there’s plenty more going on beyond the slopes. Discover the four villages of the resort :
© Weare Merci
- Arc 1600 – The first village of Les Arcs, created in 1968, has a calm vibe and is directly linked to Bourg Saint Maurice thanks to the funicular
- Arc 1800 – Created in 1974, Arc 1800 has a buzz and offers a plethora of activities for everyone, including a wide selection of restaurants and shops
- Arc 2000 – Since 1979, Arc 2000 is THE place for freeriders, offering ski in, ski out accommodation and direct access to the Aiguille Rouge (the highest part of the ski area)
- Lastly, in 2003 Arc 1950 was born : the resort’s charming, car-free village, blends ski-in/ski-out convenience with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to enjoy off the mountain.
You’ll find cosy lodges, stylish spas with views of Mont Blanc, and a good mix of places to eat and drink, from gourmet dining to laid-back spots like The Wool Socks Pub. It’s relaxed, friendly, and easy to get around and ideal whether you’re winding down after a big day on the hill or keeping things low-key.
There’s also a range of alternative activities to try: think Snake Gliss tobogganing, snowshoe hikes with Evolution 2, or even catching a freestyle ski show. And with regular events like the Les Arcs Film Festival, torchlit descents, and festive celebrations, the fun doesn’t stop when the lifts do.
Why UK Skiers Will Feel Right at Home
© Weare Merci
For skiers from the UK, Les Arcs is the kind of resort that ticks boxes before you even knew they existed. Easy access via train English-speaking ski schools, and accommodation partners like Erna Low and Pierre & Vacances that cater to British tastes all make the transition. And with the resort’s ongoing investments from transport infrastructure to lift innovation and snow reliability, it’s clear that Les Arcs is not just resting on its laurels. It’s actively shaping the future of alpine travel.
Whether you’re all about the powder, keen to cut down on travel hassle, or just want a reliable resort with big terrain, Les Arcs has you covered. Next winter’s new lift in Villaroger is only going to make it better. Get ready to ride higher, greener, and smarter.
Main Image Funiculaire @Yann Allègre