Arc 1950 is the Les Arcs village made for family ski holidays. So if having the best ever snow-sure break with your kids is top priority this winter, you need to know more about this fabulous French resort right now.
Why choose Arc 1950 for family ski holidays?
Arc 1950 is one of the most welcoming mountain resort villages. It’s pedestrian-only, as all vehicles are parked underground in designated car parks. So the village itself is completely ski-in-ski-out with no traffic at all making it one of the safest environments for families with children.
Pierre & Vacances Residence, Arc 1950 © Imagera
The residences of Arc 1950 Le Village are luxury holiday rentals offered by Pierre & Vacances Premium, maeva.com and private owners. They’re all are set within eight residences, worthy of the most luxurious five-star mountain hotels. And just like the best hotels in the mountains, they offer quality services and every one has a spa, wellness area and fitness room.
Everything in the Village is easily reached from the residences, on foot or skis. So you’re never far from lovely boutiques, lively bars and good restaurants, ranging from the simplest to the most elegant.
Luge, the Village © Andy Parant Arc 1950
Where is this beautiful mountain village?
Arc 1950 is a beautiful mountain village in the French Alps. It sits in the heart of the vast Les Arcs ski area and links to the Paradiski region which includes La Plagne: the second largest ski area in the world.
Direct UK flights to Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble or Lyon take from one hour, 30 minutes and the Village is an easy transfer. Alternatively fill the car and head down from Calais for a ski-drive break – underground parking in the Village offers the latest electric charge points. Or train lovers can travel all the way to Bourg St Maurice from London St. Pancras, then use the funicular up the mountain before a short bus journey into the resort.
Parade de Noel, Arc 1950 © Andy Parant
What happens in Arc 1950 during ski season?
Of course you can ski, the vast area has over 425 km of slopes. But what makes this ski destination really stand out is its extensive programme of activities, especially for families.
During the winter season, the Village invents new entertainment with a different theme every week, including sports, music and shows. So from opening week in mid-December right through to the end of April, there are events in the calendar. And you’ll find something for everyone, no matter what age, from Les Arcs Film Festival to magical Christmas spectacles, Carnival, concerts, the freestyle “#1950AIRSHOW”, European Gay Ski Week and so much more.
Freeriding, snow-sure Arc 1950 © Andy Parant
Is Arc 1950 snow-sure all winter?
As its name implies, Arc 1950 sits at over 1950 metres above sea level. As a result, it offers a snow-sure winter whether you visit over opening weekend in December or later in spring. You can ski right up to a height of 3250m here, and there’s a full mix of glacier skiing, forest runs for shelter and groomed runs, as well as two border cross parks and fun parks.
Plus, you’ll always find carefully groomed snow in the Village so children – and parents – can happily ski back to their accommodation, kids club or even the shops!
Fun pools are a feature at luxury residence, Arc 1950 © Imagera
Where will we stay this winter?
Arc 1950 is made up of a series of five-star residences. Each one has its own character as well as spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Plus, they’re all designed for easy access to the Village centre and slopes too. And this year, new flexible arrivals mean families can stay any length of time and even avoid the peak day rush.
Shopping the Village on skis, Arc 1950 © Andy Parant
What else can families do in Arc 1950?
There is so much to do in the Village. Whether on foot or skis, you can enjoy the shops along the Slope of Fame. You’ll find everything here from toys for children and souvenirs to designer fashion.
After a long day on the ski slopes, why not relax with a hot drink or a cocktail in one of the many Village pubs. Then extend the evening’s conviviality to a choice of great family restaurants.
If they’ve any energy left after a day on the slopes, kids can try ski-joering or dog sledding. Wild skidoo outings and toboggan rides are great fun too. You can even take off on skis for some speed riding or take to the skies on a helicopter flight. However, one must-do-visit is the Aiguille Rouge viewing platform – older kids can dare the 1.8km descent zipline here too!
Cariboo’s Club, Arc 1950 © Andy Parant
Arc 1950 is great at taking care of your kids
The Yeti Camp takes children from 3-11 years from mid-December right through to April. Spirit Ski School from Evolution 2 and ESF (L’École du Ski Français) offers children’s ski lessons at every ski level. Plus, teens can take part in Back Country courses, junior freeride, racing camps and more!
Families with babies and toddlers will be pleased to hear that luxury residences help with cots and high chairs, changing mats or strollers. And it’s easy to arrange babysitters through the residences too.