Discovering Les Arcs: A Comprehensive Guide to the four Les Arcs ski areas

The Les Arcs ski domain comprises four distinct resort villages spread across an impressive vertical drop of 2,000 metres, from Bourg-Saint-Maurice at 840m to Arc 2000 at 2,100m. Each resort has developed its own character and appeal, offering everything from traditional Alpine architecture to purpose-built modernist developments. Understanding the differences between Les Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, and 2000 is essential for both skiers planning their next holiday and investors considering French Alps ski property.

Combined, the Les Arcs resorts form part of the vast Paradiski area—425km of linked pistes connecting to La Plagne via the Vanoise Express cable car. The diversity across the four villages means there’s genuinely something for every type of skier, from beginners seeking gentle nursery slopes to advanced riders hunting challenging off-piste terrain. More importantly for property buyers, each resort offers different investment propositions depending on rental yield expectations, capital appreciation potential, and personal usage preferences.

Les Arc 1600: The Family-Friendly Gateway

Arc 1600, the lowest of the purpose-built resorts at 1,600 metres, has established itself as the family resort within Les Arcs. Built in the 1970s with a focus on accessibility and convenience, the village maintains a more relaxed atmosphere than its higher-altitude neighbours whilst still offering direct access to the entire Paradiski domain.

The resort’s layout is particularly well-suited to families with young children. Ski-in, ski-out access is excellent, with most accommodation within a few minutes’ walk of the slopes. The nursery slopes at Arc 1600 are gentle and well-protected, providing ideal terrain for first-timers without the intimidation factor of more exposed higher-altitude learning areas. The ESF ski school here has built a strong reputation for children’s instruction, with dedicated zones and progression paths that keep young skiers engaged.

For intermediate skiers, Arc 1600 provides direct access to some of Les Arcs’ most enjoyable blue and red runs. The Cachette area offers tree-lined pistes that provide shelter on poor weather days—a significant advantage when visibility deteriorates at higher altitudes. The red runs down through the trees to Peisey-Vallandry are particularly popular, offering sustained vertical descent through beautiful forest terrain.

From a property investment perspective, Arc 1600 typically offers more competitive pricing per square metre than Arc 1800 or 1950, whilst still delivering strong rental yields during peak weeks. The family focus means consistent demand during school holidays, though shoulder season rental performance may be softer than higher-profile resorts. Properties here often appeal to buyers seeking genuine ski-in, ski-out access without the premium pricing of Arc 1950.

Les Arc 1800: The Beating Heart of Les Arcs

Arc 1800, positioned at 1,800 metres, functions as the commercial and social centre of the Les Arcs domain. This is the largest of the four villages, with the most extensive selection of shops, restaurants, bars, and amenities. The resort splits into three distinct quarters—Charvet, Villards, and Charmettoger—each with its own character and slope access points.

The resort’s central location within the ski area makes it particularly attractive for keen skiers wanting to explore the full Paradiski domain. Direct access to both the Aiguille Rouge cable car and the Transarc gondola means you can reach either extreme of the ski area within minutes. The Aiguille Rouge itself, at 3,226 metres, offers one of the most spectacular descents in the Alps—a 2,000-metre vertical drop back to Villaroger that challenges even accomplished skiers.

Arc 1800’s terrain variety is exceptional. The Arpette area provides excellent intermediate cruising on wide, well-groomed pistes, whilst the slopes towards Peisey-Vallandry offer longer, more varied runs through changing terrain. Advanced skiers have immediate access to challenging steep runs like the Grand Col, whilst off-piste opportunities abound in areas like the Nid Noir and slopes beneath the Aiguille Rouge.

The après-ski scene at Arc 1800 is the liveliest in Les Arcs, with multiple bars creating atmosphere throughout the season. The Red Hot Saloon and Apocalypse bars are particular focal points, drawing crowds from across the resort. For property investors, this vibrancy translates into strong rental demand across all weeks, not just school holidays. The mix of accommodation types—from studio apartments to larger chalets—provides options at various price points, with rental yields often competing favourably with purpose-built resorts across the Alps.

Les Arc 1950: The Premium Village

Arc 1950 represents a completely different proposition from its neighbouring resorts. Developed from 2003 onwards by Intrawest (the Canadian company behind Whistler), this is a pedestrian-only village built around traditional Savoyard architectural principles rather than the modernist designs that characterise the other Arc resorts.

The village aesthetic is deliberately charming—traditional stone and timber buildings with pitched roofs, cobbled streets, and carefully planned public spaces create an atmosphere far removed from typical purpose-built French ski stations. This attention to architectural quality comes at a price premium, with Arc 1950 properties typically commanding 20-30% higher prices per square metre than equivalent accommodation in Arc 1800.

The resort’s ski access focuses on intermediate terrain, with gentle blues and reds fanning out from the village towards both the Arpette area and the connection to Peisey-Vallandry. This makes Arc 1950 particularly suitable for intermediate skiers and families seeking comfort alongside quality skiing. The slopes immediately above the village are wide, well-maintained, and perfect for building confidence.

What Arc 1950 offers beyond skiing is comprehensive resort amenities managed to exceptionally high standards. The Deep Nature spa, multiple restaurants, shops, and the general level of finish throughout the village creates a more polished, resort-style experience. For property investors, this translates into premium rental rates and strong occupancy across the season. Buyers here are often seeking luxury ski property that can command top-tier rental income whilst also providing exceptional personal usage.

The village management structure—with mandatory membership of the property owners’ association—ensures consistent standards but also means higher annual charges than unmanaged properties in other Arc resorts. This is a critical consideration for investors calculating net rental yields after all costs.

Les Arc 2000: The High-Altitude Hub

Arc 2000, perched at 2,100 metres, holds the distinction of being the highest base altitude in the Les Arcs domain. This elevation delivers reliable snow conditions throughout the season and provides immediate access to the most challenging terrain in the ski area.

The resort’s architecture is uncompromisingly functional—this is 1970s French ski station design without embellishment. The focus here is entirely on skiing rather than village ambience. For some buyers, this represents excellent value; properties at Arc 2000 often offer the most competitive pricing in Les Arcs whilst still delivering direct access to world-class skiing.

The terrain accessible from Arc 2000 skews towards advanced and expert skiers. The Aiguille Rouge cable car departs from here, providing access to the famous black runs and off-piste routes. The Grand Col and Col de la Chal runs offer sustained steep skiing, whilst the couloirs and off-piste zones attract accomplished skiers throughout the season. That said, the resort maintains excellent beginner facilities, with a dedicated learning area and progression routes that allow novices to build skills in a high-altitude environment.

For intermediate skiers based at Arc 2000, the entire Paradiski domain is readily accessible. The slopes towards Peisey and down to Arc 1800 provide hours of varied terrain, whilst the connection to La Plagne opens up even more options. The high altitude means morning skiing conditions are often exceptional, with firm, well-groomed pistes before the sun softens the snow.

From an investment perspective, Arc 2000 properties appeal to a specific market—serious skiers prioritising snow quality and immediate access to challenging terrain over village charm or comprehensive amenities. Rental yields can be strong during peak weeks, though the resort’s functional aesthetic may limit appeal during quieter periods compared to Arc 1950’s more polished offering.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice: The Valley Base Alternative

Whilst not technically part of the Les Arcs resort villages, Bourg-Saint-Maurice deserves consideration as an alternative base for both skiing and property investment. This authentic French Alpine town sits at 840 metres in the valley, connected to Arc 1600 by the funicular railway—a seven-minute journey that climbs 800 vertical metres.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice offers genuine year-round living rather than a purely ski resort environment. There are supermarkets, schools, medical facilities, and the infrastructure of a working town rather than a seasonal resort. For skiers, the funicular runs frequently throughout the day, providing reliable access to the slopes without the inconvenience often associated with valley-based accommodation.

Property prices in Bourg-Saint-Maurice are substantially lower than any of the altitude resorts—often 40-50% less per square metre than Arc 1800 or 1600. This creates interesting opportunities for investors willing to accept the funicular dependency. Some buyers find the town’s authentic French character and year-round usability more appealing than purpose-built resort living, particularly for longer stays or potential permanent relocation.

The rental market in Bourg-Saint-Maurice is more limited than the altitude resorts, with most skiers preferring slope-side accommodation. However, properties here can appeal to summer visitors, long-term rentals, and budget-conscious ski holiday makers. The calculation becomes more complex—lower purchase prices and annual costs offset by potentially reduced rental income and the funicular requirement.

Making the Choice: Which Les Arc Resort Suits You?

The diversity across Les Arcs’ four altitude resorts and valley base provides genuine choice for both skiers and property investors. Arc 1600 delivers family-friendly convenience at competitive prices. Arc 1800 offers the most comprehensive resort experience with lively atmosphere and central ski access. Arc 1950 provides premium village charm at corresponding premium prices. Arc 2000 prioritises high-altitude skiing over village amenities, with pricing to match.

For investors, the optimal choice depends on target rental market, personal usage intentions, and budget. Those seeking maximum rental yields might favour Arc 1800’s central location and vibrant atmosphere, whilst buyers prioritising capital appreciation might look to Arc 1950’s architectural quality and managed village environment. Arc 1600 and 2000 offer value-focused alternatives without sacrificing skiing quality, whilst Bourg-Saint-Maurice represents a completely different investment proposition with its year-round town environment.

The entire Les Arcs domain benefits from excellent ski-in, ski-out access, reliable snow conditions, and comprehensive links to the broader Paradiski area. Understanding the specific character and investment dynamics of each resort ensures buyers can make informed decisions aligned with their skiing preferences and financial objectives. Whether seeking Les Arcs ski property for personal use, rental income, or long-term capital growth, the domain offers options across the full spectrum of Alpine property investment.