One of the most fashionable of the French purpose-built resort complexes that were originated in the late 60s. Les Arcs has its own unique design of curving apartment block complexes which seem to hug the mountainside and, timber clad, seem more in keeping with their natural environment than most. The Arcs are car free, with covered walkways between buildings and doorstep skiing throughout.
There are four `Arcs`, at 1600, 1800, 1950 and 2000 metres each with its own reputation. At different times the Arcs have had various names but at present 1800 and 2000 are known simply by their numbers whilst Arc 1600 is now called `Arc Pierre Blanche` after the resort`s designer . 1600 is known as the `family` resort with 1800 the main centre with most of the facilities and night life. Arc 2000 was originally the sporting mecca with little there besides first rate sports facilities for those who needed a fully equipped gym to work out in after a full day on the slopes. The resort has one of the world`s largest ski areas, linked to the villages of Villaroger, Vallandry and Plan Peisey, there is also a funicular railway down to Bourg Saint Maurice from where you can easily reach La Rosiere on the other side of the valley with its lift link over to La Thuile in Italy. In 2003 the resort was lift linked by the spectacular Vanoise Express double decker cable car to another neighbour, La Plagne, to create the Paradiski area of 425km of trails. Finally it participates in the Savoie Olympic Pass which also includes Val d`Isere and Tignes in the Espace Killy and the Trois Vallees resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. Apres Ski Good après ski in Arc 1800, more limited in Arc 2000. • Red Hot Saloon Bar with live music in 1800, El Latino Loco for a lively, informal atmosphere and more live music in 2000. Discos include the Apokalypse in 1800 and the KL92 in Arc 2000. Eating Out • Fantastic choice in Arc 1800 • Meat or cheese fondue for around €25 including wine and dessert • Chez Eux for gastronomic meals, Belliou la Fumée for grills, Red Rock Bar for great burgers. Activities • Flying Kilometre speed track normally open to the public from January, for around €8 • Parapenting • Floodlit skiing (1600,1800 and 2000) • Ice rink (1800 and 2000) • Ski biking Other Amenities • Shops • Cinema • Supermarkets • Banks (1800) • 25kms of prepared walking paths. |
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