If you were designing the perfect ski resort, what would it look and feel like?
Traditional architecture combined with contemporary convenience?
Comfy accommodation with doorstep skiing?
Car-free and family-friendly?
Well-groomed lift-linked slopes for skiers of all abilities?
Great apres-ski and off-slope entertainment for all ages?
Arc 1950 is the newest, purpose-built ski village in the Les Arcs resort and part of the popular Paradiski area in the French Alps.
It ticks all of the above boxes and more ̶ so here are a few good reasons it might be your perfect ski resort!
photo source
Arc 1950: Old-style charm
While much of the architecture in Les Arcs is modernist (some of which polarises opinions), most of the buildings in Arc 1950 are characterized by the traditional Savoyard design, with adaptations of the authentic Alpine chalet silhouette and local materials like wood, stone, and slate.
The aesthetic appeal of a ski resort has a huge influence on its general ambiance and many visitors feel more comfortable and calm wandering amidst charming old-style buildings, streets, and squares than more stark, contemporary alternatives.
Although Arc 1950 is actually a reasonably new village, its design delightfully tips its hat to Alpine traditions while including all the mod cons you expect.
Superb skiing
The skiing around the wider Les Arcs area is snow-sure and high-altitude, with several runs over 2000m and 3000m, so you’ll always be satisfied with the conditions of the slopes, which you can access via the Varet Gondola and Marmottes lift.
You’ll find exciting black runs and off-piste opportunities around Aiguille Rouge and Grand Col, cruisy blue and red runs for intermediates around Arc 1800 and expansive runs with gentle gradients around Arc 2000 which are excellent for novices finding their feet.
If you want a ski package break with accommodation, ski passes, and equipment hire factored in, Erna Low Arc 1950 skiing holidays are a good choice.
Apres-ski and children’s facilities
On and off the slopes in Arc 1950, there are plenty of facilities and amenities to keep adults and children alike happy. If you’re looking for a gourmet meal and fine wine, La Table des Lys fits the bill, while at Le Chalet de Luigi you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in a stunning Savoyard chalet with a sun-kissed terrace.
Later in the evening, you might want to slake your thirst with a pint of a certain black stout at Irish bar Les Belles Pintes or refresh yourself further at Hemingway’s Café.
Kids will have a terrific time at Cariboo’s Club, a super facility that caters for children aged 3-13, with ski and snowboard lessons in the morning followed by indoor educational and creative activities in the afternoon ̶ handy when you want a rare adults-only day on the pistes.
As you can see, if you’ve been yearning for a ski holiday that satisfies every member of the family, Arc 1950 has you covered and it’s also easy to access from Geneva, Chambery or Grenoble airports ̶ have fun hitting the slopes!
