Arc 2000 Ski Holidays

With an actual resort height of 2100m (it was named ‘2000’ in the 60s to sound futuristic), ski lifts as high as 3230m providing access to Aiguille Rouge glacier skiing, and easy links to the wider winter wonderland of the Paradiski area, Arc 2000 is an awesome place to ski. Here’s some savvy advice:

• Arc 2000 offers some of the most challenging but satisfying skiing in the entire area and the most famous run might be the tough east facing 7km Aiguille Rouge to Arc Villaroger de Pre (which comprises a 2000m vertical drop), but there’s also plenty of outstanding off-piste skiing available from the top point of the Aiguille Rouge cable car and Le Grand Col chairlift.

• The various wide blue and red runs leading back to the resort are excellent for novice and intermediate skiers building their confidence and every village in Les Arcs has nursery slopes for absolute beginners.

• The fabulously efficient ski lift system means it’s easy to reach the rest of the Paradiski area, which has 435km of pistes, runs at elevations of 1200 to 3250m and three peaks at an altitude of over 3000m.

• Many of the runs around Les Arcs afford fantastic views across the valley to the neighbouring resort of La Rosiere and magnificent Mont Blanc. When the sun sets after a gloriously sunny day, Mont Blanc takes on a magical pink hue which is simply stunning.

• Les Arcs is linked to La Plagne by the double-decker Vanoise Express cable car from Plan Peisey.

• When weather conditions are wild around Arc 2000, snow patrol may only open the Marmottes and the heated and bubble protected Pre St. Esprit chair lifts but you can still find good skiing spots in tree-lined runs at Arc 1600 (accessible via shuttle bus) or alternatively, the Rhonaz drag lift will deposit you at the Villaroger area, which is also more sheltered.

• As you can see, Arc 2000 is a sweet spot for every type of skier, the area around Les Arcs offers even more variety and Paradiski has more pristine pistes than you can shake a stick at!

If your idea of a good time means riding on one plank instead of two, set your sights on Les Arcs for your winter getaway. Here’s the lowdown on snowboarding in Arc 2000:

• The Les Arcs Snowpark covers an impressive 7.5 hectares and includes three pistes, woops, 4 lines of kickers, a box, a jump and a mini-pipe for beginners. If you’re a bit more advanced, there’s a shred line with hip, rail and transfer where you can master the manoeuvres against an incredible mountain backdrop. The team of 4 shapers perpetually maintain the park to keep the kickers sharp and fresh.
• Want to step it up a notch? The Snowpark has a huge airbag where you can try out new freestyle skills and push yourself to the limits knowing you’re covered by a soft landing.
• To reach the Snowpark from Arc 2000, head downhill to Arc 1950, catch the Bois de l’Ours chairlift and head down the other side towards Arc 1600 where there’s a decent selection of runs for all levels leading to the Snowpark.