Arc 2000 is, perhaps unfairly, considered one of the least pretty resorts in Les Arcs. Whilst the surrounding landscape is typically spectacularly beautiful, the village itself is not the most aesthetically-pleasing. It is, however, surprisingly compact and therefore very effective as both a winter and summer resort.
Much of Les Arcs was designed to make effective use of the mountain, inviting instant skiing during the winter whilst maintaining the environmental balance of nature over man-made developments. Featuring great access to the pistes, and sitting at such a high altitude, Arc 2000 is one of the most popular destinations in Les Arcs and therefore features plenty of things to do both in the village and on the mountain.
Sights & Attractions in Les Arcs 2000
Arc 2000 provides the easiest access to the highest point in Les Arcs, the Aiguille Rouge. Accessed via the Varet then Aiguille Rouge gondolas, it is possible to ski all the way down from the 3226 metres peak to Villaroger, a run approximately 7km long with 2km of vertical descent.
Pedestrians can ascend the mountain year-round, enjoying awesome panoramic (and eminently Instagrammable) views from the precipitous ‘skywalk’ at the top. In the winter season, an igloo appears near the bottom of the Arcabulle lift. You can ski directly to it or take a leisurely 20 minute walk from the centre of the village. It contains a bar and an impressive gallery of ice sculptures. The igloo hosts a variety of events, including special meals, and even has a couple of bedrooms which can be hired for romantic overnight stays.
Things to Do in Les Arcs 2000
During the summer, Arc 2000 is one of the mountain biking centres of Les Arcs, with the Arcabulle lift providing quick access to the Tranks easy downhill run and Yellow Stone, which is suitable for the more experienced rider. The village is also at the start of the Canal blue trail which, when combined with Route 66, can provide an epic run which stretches to over 25km in length.
In the winter, the concentration is firmly on skiing and snowboarding, however, Arc 2000 offers a variety of other activities both on and off the pistes. There is a large natural skating rink, which has been augmented by refrigeration technology to ensure it stays safely frozen for the whole season. You can ride nature-friendly electric skidoos, try snake-gliss (which is a unique mixture of sledging and a conga line), go snow-shoeing, paraglide, or experience the 3km long Rodeo luge from the top of the Col de la Chal. The village is also a hub for local events, so it’s worth keeping up-to-date with What’s On.
Dining in Les Arcs 2000
The Bulle Café is special. Located next to the Arcabulle chairlift it serves extravagant seafood platters on-piste throughout the winter. If your tastes are less elaborate, they also do a variety of pizzas and drinks to enjoy on a deckchair in the sun. Considering its location (on-piste, far from the sea) the prices are shockingly reasonable.
In the village itself, Le 2134 serves elegant renditions of Savoyard classics (think fondue and raclette) and inventive fusion food on its panoramic rooftop terrace. El Latino Loco is fun, has a number of Mexican dishes (as well as more traditional mountain meals) and turns into a club as the evening progresses. If you are looking for something more refined, the 5* Taj-I Mah hotel contains two restaurants; L’atelier, which has a fine brasserie feel, and the high-end Le Diamant Noir, where you can enjoy a seven-course tasting menu. A popular choice in the centre of the resort is Le Savoy, serving a good selection of regional specialities plus other favourites from around France. Be warned, however, portions are generous!
Nightlife in Les Arcs 2000
If you like fun and games, check out the Bowling Arc 2000 where you can play a few frames, shoot some pool, watch sports on TV and have a refreshing beverage (or two) until the early hours of the morning. Whistler’s Bar is a pub with a real ‘night out’ atmosphere, regular live music, DJ sets, karaoke nights, and pub grub you can take away. Other good restaurants which turn into bars are El Latino Loco and Red Rock Café, whilst the late-night venues of Arc 1950 are just a short walk away.
Chalets in Les Arcs 2000
Although stand-alone chalets are pretty rare in Arc 2000, there are a number of chalet complexes allowing capacious living spaces with multiple bedrooms. In wintertime, the pistes are never too far away.
Apartments in Les Arcs 2000
There are plenty of apartment options in resort, from compact studios to places to fit the whole family.
Hotels in Les Arcs 2000
Arc 2000 has a wide variety of hotels, from 5* establishments to temporary ones carved out of ice. Click below to see what’s available.
