Les Arcs (France)

Home of the snowboard

Beginners will feel at home in the dedicated beginner's zones at Les Arcs, while freeriders can let loose in the special off-piste area. Les Arcs has dubbed itself the "home of the snowboard" recently and does indeed offer excellent facilities for freestylers, including a boarder cross, boarder gliss and the Apocalypse snow park with its jumps for every ability level. High-altitude skiing with reliable snow cover is available on the Aiguille Rouge glacier (3226m).

Kids welcome

The ESF is omnipresent at all the villages of Les Arcs, guaranteeing a successful ski holiday if you've brought the kids along. Les Arcs 2000 is particularly popular with families as it has a calm atmosphere at night and a generally picturesque feel thanks to its traditional Savoyard architecture. Within easy reach of Les Arcs 2000 there are many blue slopes that are perfect for practising the first turns on skis. Les Arcs 1600 is also popular with families, with childcare and a children's snow area located nearby the Combettes lift.

Dining, après-ski and nightlife

Après-ski joints are easily reachable from the slopes, meaning you can get your après swing on early in the afternoon at Les Arcs. L'Arpette serves up great food and, starting at 3pm, a lively après-ski scene. In the evening you can take your pick of a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Arc 1800 is the most popular watering hole for young people, with places like Chez Boubou, Club 73, Chez Clarisse and the Red Hot Saloon providing flowing drinks and a festive atmosphere. Les Belles Pintes in Arc 1950 is another good bet. Families might want to head to the Chalet de l'Arcelle in Arc 1600 for its magical atmosphere and scrumptious food.

Non-skiing activities at Les Arcs

Off the slopes at Les Arcs you can partake in dogsledding, snowmobiling, paragliding, ice skating or cross-country skiing on 60km of slopes. Within the ski area and reachable via the Transac cable car there is an ice cave that's open for visiting. Want a unique experience? Try "ski joëring", skiing behind a horse! The villages also have a bowling alley and a cinema. With all the different non-skiing activities on offer, there is no way you can get bored in Les Arcs.