Les Arcs (1950)
Designer resort from Intrawest. Attractive buildings with quality family accommodation
Arc 1950 resort guide - a general overview
The main Les Arcs ski region is made up of four resorts and Arc 1950 was the last to be built (Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 being the other three). This new ski village was completed 2007 by Intrawest - the huge developer responsible for Whistler and Mont Tremblant in Canada, and more recently Copper Mountain in Colorado, USA. The buildings take on the architectural traditions of the Savoie region and combine modern convenience with a sympathetic quasi alpine village atmosphere. One has to say that the results are impressive - a village feel with high altitude snow reliability and ease of access to the slopes to rival any purpose-built resort.
Ski holidays in Les Arc 1950 have a certain amount of class and style compared to the slightly tired resorts of Arc 1600, 1800 and 2000 and are part and parcel of the rebirth of Les Arcs and neighbouring La Plagne, now collectively known as the Paradiski region.
Resort stats
425km
1,950m - 3,225m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Chambery
- 2hrs 15mins
- Lyon
- 3hrs
- Geneva
- 3hrs
16 ski chalets in Les Arcs (1950) View All
Les Arcs (1950), France
Apartment Suite Luk
Average Price
£1,704 ppLes Arcs (1950), France
Chalet Alouette
Average Price
£1,244 ppLes Arcs (1950), France
Chalet Coulicou
Average Price
£1,436 ppPros and Cons
Pros
- Recently built by Intrawest (Whistler, Canada) in cute, traditional mountain style
- Traffic free square and main residential area is great for families
- Lots of family style entertainment immediately after skiing in the main square
- High and very snow sure - all accommodation is ski-in and ski-out
Cons
- The resort is owned by a large corporation and lacks a little 'real place' feel as a result
- 'Captured' guests are faced with high cost ski rental shops owned by the corporation
Restaurants
Les Arcs (1950) Resort Restaurants
In Arc 1950 there are a few good restaurant selections, the Hemingway's Cafe is a great all round option and Chalet de Luigi has a good atmosphere. Some have said that La Table des Lys has by far the best food.
Les Arcs (1950) Mountain Restaurants
Like most large puropse built resorts, there is plenty of choice, though the mountain resaurants in Les Arcs can be quite unremarkable but are fine for a quick spot of lunch on the go and most have great views over the valley from their terraces. If you are after something a bit more flavoursome and charming, then it is best to head towards the lower villages. On the Vallandry side, a short taxi ride will bring you to the Ancolie, a traditional auberge with fantastic food, you will need to book ahead as it is quite small, or towards Le Pre, try the Belliou La Fumee at Pre-St-Esprit, The Ferme or the Aiguille Rouge are all friendly with very good food.
Les Arcs (1950) Apres Ski
In 1950 there is an Irish-style pub, the Belles Pintes and a bar in Hemingway's cafe
Les Arcs (1950) Nightlife
It's pretty quiet at night - mainly a family destination with small children.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
