Les Arc 1950 Ski Holidays
"Arc 1950 is the perfect mix of high-alitude, extensive slopes, with a convenient ski in/ski out resort, that has been built in a tradtional and charming Alpine style."
Calum Crichton, Senior Sales Consultant
Known for its picturesque village and easy access to the jaw-dropping Paradiski ski area's 425km of epic slopes, Arc 1950 is an idyllic winter playground for beginners, intermediates, experts and pretty much anyone looking for a fun challenge. The resort boasts a family-friendly atmosphere thanks to its pedestrianised streets and activities designed for kids, but there's still a lively après-ski scene and astounding views of the awe-inspiring Mont Blanc. With fully customisable Erna Low ski holidays to Arc 1950, you can have everything you need for the easiest winter escape; extras like lift passes, equipment rentals, transfers and lessons are all part of the package.
A purpose-built ski resort, Arc 1950 was the latest addition to the Les Arcs villages after Arc 2000, Arc 1800 and Arc 1600. It's a great destination for a ski holiday that offers action, adventure and a safe environment for all ages.
Arc 1950 Mountain Facts
Towering at an incredible 3,226m, the Aiguille Rouge (aka the Red Needle) is the highest point in Les Arcs. The slopes here are easy to get to via cable car, so you won’t have to walk for miles in your ski boots to reach some of the best runs. They’re also a go-to spot for fresh powder when the snow starts to get a bit slushy on runs that sit under the mountain sun later in the season.
With the resort height sitting at 1,950m, slopes reaching 3,225m and 200km of pistes across the entire ski area, you’re never short on epic runs to explore! As long as you don’t mind heights, there’s a viewing platform on the terrace at the top of the Varet cable car that offers Insta-worthy panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alpine chain and the Villaroger Nature Reserve. Trust us when we say you’ll need to pinch yourself to make sure they’re real!
Snow conditions in Arc 1950
Thanks to its relatively high altitude, Arc 1950 benefits from pretty reliable snow conditions throughout the winter.
The northeast-facing slopes are sheltered and shaded, which helps keep the pow buttery-soft and fluffy (just the way we like it!). And with most of the slopes above 2,000m, the pistes are as snow-sure as it can get. The Aiguille Rogue has a small glacier (Glacier du Varet) that always has fresh snow, too – even during the warmer months.
But don’t just take our word for it. Snowsports meteorology site Weather to Ski has cited Arc 1950 as being “very snow-sure” and awarded the resort a perfect 5/5!
Why ski in Arc 1950?
With access to a network of 425km of runs, several snow-sure slopes above 2,000m and all the facilities you could want, Arc 1950 is arguably one of the best places for a ski holiday in France.
- The diverse and challenging terrain makes it a firm favourite with skiers of all levels and abilities. Here are a few of Erna Low’s top reasons to go skiing at Arc 1950.
- The Marmottes chairlift and Varet gondola link Arc 1950 to the wider Les Arcs area, offering access to an incredible selection of slopes that cater to every skill level. The wide, open runs at the nearby resort of Arc 2000 are super easy to get to and are suited to beginners wanting to build up their confidence at a slower pace.
- Beginners can also enjoy a decent selection of confidence-building blue runs like the Vallée de l'Arc, which winds through incredible Alpine scenery and allows you to take in the magic of the Arc 1950 ski resort. Take the Bois de l'Ours chairlift to reach other beginner-friendly blues.
- Confident intermediates should make a beeline for the Arandeliéres – a long red run that begins at the top of the Aiguille Rouge and offers stunning views of Mont Blanc before descending to Arc 1950. When you get back to the ski resort centre, you can enjoy a few cheeky après beers or a hot chocolate – something Arc 1950 is well-known for!
- Advanced skiers have more than 40 red and 17 black runs to choose from, all of which offer snow-sure conditions due to their location above 2,000m. If you're after a challenge, take the cable car up the Varet Glacier for some phenomenal skiing down a 7km black piste to Villaroger – a 2,000m drop! There are also several black runs and outstanding off-piste areas on Grand Col and Aiguille Rouge.
Snowboarding in Arc 1950
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With a perpetually maintained snow park and a selection of incredible slopes for riders of all levels and abilities, keen snowboarders will be in their element in Arc 1950. Here are a few highlights.
- Arc 1950 offers something for everyone. Not only is the resort set next to a scenic 60m waterfall, but nearby Arc 1800 (which is only a short bus ride away) is renowned for its table-stomping après-ski. Plus, if you’re travelling with the little ones, Arc 2000 is an excellent place to book snowboard lessons for kids. There are also tonnes of wide and quiet beginner-friendly slopes for newbies and less confident intermediate snowboarders at Vallandry.
- The absolute highlight for any snowboarder has to be Les Arcs Snowpark. Covering an impressive 7.5 hectares, you’ll find plenty for beginners and advanced snowboarders alike, including three pistes, woops, 4 lines of kickers, a box, a jump, a mini-pipe and a shred line with hip, rail and transfer. Phew, that’s a lot to explore!
- Fun fact: Les Arcs is where pioneering snowboarder Regis Rolland filmed his slightly bonkers 1983 movie Apocalypse Snow, which saw a band of evil monoskiers attempt to capture a “snow surfer” to steal the secrets of skiing.
All ski resort accommodation in Arc 1950
Arc 1950 has some of the best self-catered and chalet-style apartments for skiers looking for comfort, flexibility, and a dash of luxury. The village is made up of modern, alpine-style residences with cosy interiors, full kitchens, and easy access to slopes right from your door.
All Ski Resort Accommodation in Arc 1950
Ski Holidays in Arc 1950
Aprés Ski in Arc 1950
Though Arc 1950 is known for being a lower-key, family-friendly resort, there are still some brilliant bars and restaurants that offer a great night out once you’ve had your fill of the slopes. Here are a few of Erna Low’s top picks.
- Sizzling steak hotplates and French culinary delights are sure to hit the spot after an exhausting day on the hill, and that’s exactly what’s on the menu at La Vache Rouge. We highly recommend trying the tartiflette – you can thank us later!
- Be sure to make your way to Village Igloo if you’re after an after-hours experience that is the definition of magical. This one-of-a-kind, dome-shaped venue is carved out of solid ice! It’s a working hotel with an ice grotto, ice statues, comfy bedrooms, a bar, a restaurant and a dancefloor that’s perfect for making shapes at the end of a tiring day.
- O’Chaud is the spot if partying into the early hours sounds like your idea of fun. It serves up a great selection of cocktails, wines and spirits alongside electronic music, renowned DJs and musicians. Basically, all the ingredients that make for the best kind of après-ski action.
- Plain and simple: Les Belles Pintes is the best place in town to enjoy some proper Irish craic as you refuel after a full day on the hill. Expect a warm welcome and a raucous atmosphere.
Facilities in Arc 1950
Arc 1950 has all the holiday-making facilities you could want from a one-stop-shop ski holiday, including ski rental shops, supermarkets, spas, wellness centres and a great selection of lively bars and restaurants for eating out and enjoying a cheeky après beer after an exhausting day on the hill. There are also handy places to pick up or top up your ski pass, should you need it.
Facilities for children in Arc 1950
Seeing as Arc 1950 is one of Les Arcs' top ski resorts for families, it has a range of excellent facilities for little ones both on and off the slopes. Much of the accommodation is child-friendly thanks to its ski-in, ski-out convenience, with easy access to pools, baby equipment and kids' fun areas.
You’ll also find schools offering some of the best ski lessons Les Arcs 1950 has to offer, as well as plenty of childcare options that make the logistics that much simpler.
Why book a ski holiday to Les Arcs with Erna Low?
- Experience and service: Take advantage of the knowledge and trust that comes with a lifetime of ski experience.
- Incredible-value holidays: Save plenty on accommodation, food & drink, lift passes, equipment rentals and more with our ski deals!
- Huge choice of accommodation: From cheap hotels to luxury getaways with amazing facilities, we’ve got something to suit every budget.
- Customisable travel: Our handpicked deals include thousands of options designed to suit your budgets and preferences.
- Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct
"Arc 1950 is car free with a winding piste that runs through it so there is unbeatable easy access to the skiing. Plenty to do off the slopes too with Deep Nature spa, shops and restaurants."
Jane Bolton, Product Director.
