Les Arcs, France 2001

LES ARCS

I knew two things about Les Arcs before our trip. One: I'd seen pictures of lunatics with space helmets on, hurtling down the speed skiing run at 150 mph. Two: A LOT of people choose to spend their winter seasons in the resort. But nothing could have prepared me for the sheer diversity, size and quality of terrain that's contained within the resort. Generally when I've visited a resort I like to think I've covered most of it during my stay, but let me say this right from the start: I DIDN'T EVEN COME CLOSE. You could spend months in Les Arcs and you'd still be exploring new terrain and that's not including the 5 or 6 nearby resorts and the immense backcountry opportunities that are available.

View from
the top of the Aiguille Rouge

The view from the top station (3226m)

Check out
that lift pass picture

Jake Evans enjoying the first of 9 tagliatelle bolganaise lunches

Les Arcs is located two and a half hours drive from Geneva airport in the heart of the French Alps. The resort area contains 6 small villages spread all over the ski area, all of which have different features and characteristics, allowing you to choose a village that will be best suited to your needs. The resort is also located a short drive from several other ski resorts, both in France and Italy making it an ideal base for those wishing to sample the delights of this region (although this may be more difficult depending on your choice of location, as some villages are more accessible than others).

The Green Rooster in full effect The Silver Rooster in full effect

Myself and Lee in some nice powder under the gondola from Arc 2000

The resort is currently undergoing a massive expansion and improvement program, including the building of new hotels and apartments, and the expansion of snow making facilities. These improvements are in no small part, due to a massive investment in the resort by the North American giant, Intrawest. A cable car link between Les Arcs and the neighbouring resort of La Plagne is due to open in time for the 2002/2003 season, which will lead to the formation of a (stupidly large) ski area to rival any in the world. The cable car is to be built between Plan-Peisey (1650 m, Les Arcs) and Montchavin Les Coches (1470 m, La Plagne ski area). Once completed, the resulting area will have nearly 420 km of pistes, three glaciers and two peaks over 3000 m and will be one of the world's largest ski areas (in fact it'll probably be far too big in my opinion).

ACCOMODATION:

1) Bourg-Saint-Maurice:
Situated on the valley floor, BSM is easily reached by TGV (high speed train) from most European cities, or by bus from nearby Geneva airport. The free valley bus and funicular railway (7 minutes to Arc 1600) provide easy and direct access to the ski area. However, BSM is not very lively and doesn't give you ski in/out opportunities, all of which is reflected in the price of accommodation.

The
Reverend Rooster

Jake falls over again (contact lenses Jake, contact lenses)

2) Arc 1600:
A small-scale (5000 beds) car-free resort, Arc 1600 overlooks Bourg-Saint-Maurice (access via the funicular railway). Most of the residences in 1600 tend to be chalets or private hire. Ski in/out residences are available. Arc 1600 is allegedly not as lively as Arc 1800, so if it's nightlife you're after I'd stick with 1800.