European Ski Resorts A-Z

Les Arcs, France

Resort height:

 1600-2120m

 

Slopes:

 1200-3225m

  (1200-3250m Paradiski)

Pistes:

 200km

  (425km Paradiski)

 

General snow cover

 

 

4/5

Snow quality (upper)

 

4/5

Snow quality (lower)

 

3/5

Resort level snow

 

 

Arc 1950/2000

 

5/5

Arc 1800

4/5

Arc 1600

Peisey Vallandry

3.5/5

3/5

 

Powder potential

 

4/5

 

The slopes around and above Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 are very snow-sure. This is partly due to their altitude, but also because the main bowl is sheltered, shady and faces north-east. There is also quick access to the 3200m Aiguille Rouge which has a small glacier. 

 

The slopes above Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 are also fairly reliable, but face west/north-west and snow quality is more variable, particularly in spring.

 

The runs around Peisey-Vallandry are the first to deteriorate in warmer weather, but do offer lots of tree skiing – unusual for big French resorts and invaluable in poor visibility.

Where to ski in bad weather:

In poor visibility, head for the trees above Peisey-Vallandry. There are also a few above Arc 1600 and 1800, but not nearly as many.

 

The skiing around Arc 2000 can be very bleak in bad weather.

Where to head in poor snow conditions:

Arc 2000 usually has the best snow, particularly in the main bowl and on the upper half of the Aiguille Rouge (the very top of which is glaciated).

Peisey/Vallandry (Les Arcs) is one of our:

 

Top 10 weather-proof ski resorts - Europe

 

Arc 1950/Arc 2000 (Les Arcs) is one of our:

 

* Top 10 late season ski resorts - Europe

 

Top 5 late season ski resorts - France

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