skiing
let's face it, the main reason you are embarking on this holiday
is to ski - in the winter at least.
another major reason we bought the apartment in les arcs 1800 is a new
double-decker cable car link to la plagne, which forms one of the
largest ski-areas in europe. the link is now open, spanning 2km to la
plagne in just 4 minutes, there is not a single pylon
along the way, some feat of engineering and not one for the faint hearted!
les arcs offers fantastic skiing for all abilities. 117 pistes, ranging from the
gentle slopes - free for beginners to practice on, to the extreme, will exhilarate
and prepare you for that well deserved apres ski vin chaud. for the beginners,
les arcs is home to a unique method of ski tuition, whereby the novice will start
on short skis and progress to full length skis by the end of the week. for the
advanced among us, arc 2000 offers boundless off-piste bowls to play in, while arc
1800 has fantastic tree runs back down to the restaurants for lunch and great off
piste between the trees for the daring. for the extra brave, you can try and beat the
world champion speed skier philippe goitschel's record of 250.7 km/h on the arc 2000
speed ski course.
other activities
during the winter season, the main focus of the resort is obviously skiing.
however, for the non skier, injured or those needing a break from the skis,
there is plenty to do and see in the resort and surrounding region.
in the evenings there is night skiing available on flood lit pistes and
skidoo rides, paraponting and sledging for the adventurous, swimming
pools, gyms, squash and tennis for those not wanting to miss out on their work out
regimes. there is also an ice rink a short walk from the resort centre.
there are pedestrian lift passes available for those that wish to meet friends up the
mountain in the many piste-side restaurants, see the sites or vist the ice grotto full of remarkable sculptures.
snow shoes are available for hire if you want to take a stroll on any of the plentiful mountain
forest paths purposely reserved for walkers and cross country skiers.
buses run regularly from resort down to bourg st maurice where you will find a traditional savoie
french mountain town, which also has 21st century facilities from museums to hyper markets.
the international train station will take you to moutiers, albertville or even lyon, the larger
towns and city in the area. buses also run regularly to neighbouring resorts such
as tignes and val d'isere in one direction and corcheval, meribel and val thorens in the other.
so dont be afraid to go further afield if the snow happens to be poor in les arcs.
the resort has two cinemas with many english films shown daily, a bowling alley and
an ice rink. gift and high street shops are bountiful, including supermarkets for your groceries
should you decide to do a spot of cooking or simply to get some beers or savoie wine in before a
night around the resort. it doesn't really need mentioning that les arcs 1800 is the liveliest of the
stations having numerous restaurants, bars and, if you have the stamina, nightclubs.
although if you've been to the alps before you will know that the french music policy is a little unpredictable.
Competitions
les arcs is such a good resort that is often hosts world class ski and snowboard competitions.
in 2003, they hosted the ripcurl freeride, where the best freeride skiers in the world hurl themselves
down dangerous off-piste as fast and and crazy as possible to earn points from the judges for style,
danger and speed. breathtaking to watch.
also in 2003 there was the quiksilver 'quik cup' for freestyle snowboarders flinging themselves off
a huge half-pipe, assorted ramps, jumps and rails. again, amazing stuff.
this year, more of the same. 01-05 march 2004 - the freeride returns, sponsored by north face. look out for
further events, including speed skiing and more freestyle - les arcs attracts the best.
click here for our winter tariffs.
click here for our summer tariffs.
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