Les Arcs , Skiing & Snowb...

It was in Les Arcs that the “Ski Evolutif” (ski evolutionary) method of teaching was devised. The method starts beginners off on smaller skis that feel less alien once attached to your feet and more manageable when trying to execute maneuvers that are without a doubt strange and unnatural to first timers. The most suitable places for beginners to stay are in Arc 1600, 1800, 2000 & Plan Peisey with their designated nursery areas. Les Arcs doesn’t have oodles of green graded pistes but does have loads of long easy blues making it suitable for most progressing beginners.

Les Arcs is without a doubt, a top resort for intermediates. Throughout the Paradiski there is an awesome array of pistes to suit skiers and boarders alike. There are stacks of red and blue pistes riddling the area. Some are in the open bowls above the tree line and others wind their way through the forests lower down. From the top of most lifts you can pick from several routes. Each will eventually lead down to one of the resort bases and a welcoming watering hole. Home to the Flying K, those that fancy tasting extreme speed (on skis) can hire the space age helmet and lycra (suits you) ski suit and have a go. Not for the faint hearted!

Les Arcs has a good number of black graded pistes, the best being on the Aguille Rouge where one will also find some vertiginous off-piste runs in the bowl above Arc 2000. Down towards Arc 1600, Vallandry and Plan Peisey there are more opportunities for tree dodging which after a fresh snowfall can be particularly fulfilling. Bump fiends will find plenty of the steeper reds and some of the blacks serving up their chosen dish. Back Country gourmets should aim for La Plagne which offers much to whet their pallet. Be sure to leave early in the day to give yourself enough time to get there and sample some action before having to head for home again.

The Apocalypse Parc located below L’Arpette peak above Arc 1800 has courses with rails and kickers for first time freestylers through to courses for the more advanced plus a half pipe. There is also a Rider-cross track just above Arc 2000 for those that are more gladiatorial.