French Alps ski resorts fall into two broad categories ̶ they’ve developed around a pre-existing town or village or have been completely purpose built, with every piece of infrastructure created solely for the purpose of snowsports and placed in a prime piece of mountain real estate.
Both have their charms, but the latter option definitely has benefits for family visitors and skiers who prize maximising their on slope time and one of its best examples is Les Arcs, which was mainly built in the 60s and 70s close to Bourg St Maurice and comprises the villages of Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000.
With a wide variety of well-tended slopes, great accommodation, cool activities for kids and plenty of apres-ski action, Les Arcs has all the ingredients for a legendary winter vacation.
But with a few insider hacks, you can ensure that your vacay here is completely hassle-free so that you’re in tip-top physical and mental shape throughout ̶ take a look at these three tips for a healthy Les Arcs skiing holiday.
- Plan your piste action
By planning which slopes you want to visit each day you, can plan according to your ability so that you either have an easy and comfortable session or one that’s enjoyable but perhaps a little challenging. The immediate ski area around Les Arcs has varied slopes on both sides of the tree line, but there are nice easy blue runs for intermediates on the slopes accessed from the St Jacques chair lift, trickier reds down from the Aiguille Rouge (3255m) and tough black pistes above Arc 2000 served by the Varet gondola.
- Spa sessions
Skiing is great exercise, a phenomenal cardio workout and definitely keeps you in trim ̶ according to one Harvard Medical School report, downhill skiing burns 223 calories per 30 minutes for a 155lb person and 266 calories per 30 minutes for a 185lb person. But it’s also crucial that you rest your body and unwind in between sessions, which is why many of the accommodations here have onsite pools and spas. Plus, there are facilities open to all such as the Deep Nature Spa in Arc 1950, which boasts a volcanic cave with sauna, sensory showers, ice cave and aquatic cave with relaxation pool. Swimming, saunas and complementary treatments like massages can definitely mitigate against injuries that could spoil your fun.
- Package trips
No matter how stress-free your skiing holiday is once you get there, if organising it makes you antsy, it defeats the purpose of taking a cathartic trip that helps you shake off everyday worries for a while. Therefore, booking a tailor-made trip which includes every component, from accommodation to ski passes and ski equipment hire, is often the best option. And also consider the peace of mind that comes with working with a professional ̶ for instance, an Arc 2000 skiing holiday from Erna Low ensures that every member of your party has the best time possible when based at that particular village.
That’s our list! Share your own Les Arcs ski holiday tips in the comments section.
