A number of obvious reasons spring to mind, and not just mine.
Why ski in Les Arcs in January
Why book a ski holiday in January?
January is an increasingly popular time to come away on a winter holiday, especially for those not tied to the school holidays. Christmas and New Year are a distant memory and spring still feels far away. So, what's so great about January in Les Arcs? Everything, that's what!
It's cold and snowy
The conditions in January are often phenomenal, and as long as you're prepared to wrap up warm you can benefit from some of the best conditions of the season. Altitude matters, and cold mid-winter temperatures help preserve the snow quality, keeping the pistes firm and fast - especially on the upper parts of the mountain.
The snow fall is usually good at this time of year, and heading off-piste can be done with a qualified mountain guide or instructor who can teach you techniques and help keep you safe. So pack good gloves, layers, a neck warmer, goggles for low visibilty and 50spf sun protection for those sunny days.
Travel is easier
Flights will be less booked up than during the school holiday weeks, transfers to resort easier to get and once in resort those shuttle buses around the resort will be less sardine-can-esque at peak times.
This is particularly useful if you're arriving late, booking a transfer and trying to keep costs under control.
Transfers for Les Arcs
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Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva to Les Arcs from CHF 82.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Travel directly to your accommodation with a convenient minivan connection, scheduled departures and experienced alpine drivers. With access across Les Arcs' four villages, this shared service offers added convenience without the expense of a private vehicle.
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Private Airport Transfers
Private service offering reliable transfers to and from Geneva Airport
Comfortable private airport transfer service connecting Les Arcs with Geneva Airport, with a choice of standard and premium vehicles.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to Les Arcs from CHF 525 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy exclusive vehicles, direct door-to-door travel and flexible collection times from four major airports. With experienced alpine drivers and premium vehicle options, private transfers offer a comfortable journey to any of Les Arcs' four villages.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable and professional airport transfer service offering comfortable journeys at great value
Providing year-round airport transfers across the Savoie region of the French Alps, this professional company is based in Peisey-Nancroix near Les Arcs. English-owned and French-registered, they offer a reliable service for travellers heading to the mountains.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Quick and secure way to organise transfers from local airports and stations
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost and professional shuttle bus transfer service to Les Arcs
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
Last-minute accommodation deals
Due to the laws of supply and demand, accommodation is inevitably cheaper outside the school holidays, and can be a good time to grab a bargain, especially for last-minute bookers. You're more likely to find a sensible balance between the snow quality and price. For couples, adult groups, early-season returners and flexible workers, this can be one of the best value windows of the winter.
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Le Belmont Apartment Residence
A four star apart-hotel in Les Arcs
Facing Mont Blanc, in the village of Charmettoger, the Pierre & Vacances Le Belmont Residence at Arc 1800 has been refurbished to a high standard, and offers an exceptional panoramic view and snow as far as the eye can see. It has an excellent position on the edge of the forest 500m from the centre of the resort, and 300m from the Les Villards shopping centre and ski lifts. Arc 1800 is a car-free resort.
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Les Alpages de Chantel Premium Apartment Residence
A 3 star aparthotel in Les Arcs
Located on the hillside of the resort, in Les Arcs 1800, “Les Alpages de Chantel” residence offers a magnificent panorama overlooking the valley, and direct access to the skiing slopes. The two buildings in stone and wood, standing in a forest setting, provide a welcome and restful change of scenery. Home to newly upgraded apartments!
Read more about Les Alpages de Chantel Premium Apartment Residence
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Arc 1950 Premium Apartment Residence
5 star rated aparthotel in Les Arcs
Pierre & Vacances offers you a wonderful ski experience in Arc 1950 through our 8 top-of-the-range residences. A car free village, free from turmoil and nuisance, our residences are built of stone, timber and stone roofing slabs, inspiring desires and well-being while offering comfortable, spacious accommodation. Services include bars, restaurants, free internet connections, individual ski lockers, outdoor pool a fitness room and much, much more.
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Arcadien Hotel
Ski in/ski out 3-star hotel with bar, two restaurants & spa
A fully renovated hotel with a contemporary mountain style and fabulous views over the Tarentaise valley.
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Emeraude Hotel
Comfortable 3-star hotel close to the slopes and lifts
Nicolas and Dominique welcome you to their hotel, located just 50m from one of the ski lifts and 400m from the “Vanoise express”. With snow cannons serving all of the Vallandry pistes down to the hotel, you can be sure of good skiing conditions back to the hotel throughout the season.
You'll get a table
Restaurants and bars will be a little quieter, so you've more chance of getting a last-minute table at one of the more popular eateries on the mountain and in resort.
Whilst the bars and clubs will still be putting on the usual entertainments, you're more likely to get served at the bar and get back to your seat without losing half your drink, and your seat in the process.
It's a time of year that suits those who want to ski all day, eat out at a good restaurant and enjoy a sociable atmosphere at their own pace without the intensity of the peak holiday weeks.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for our top tips and local insights on what's going on in January.
Bars & Clubs in Les Arcs
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La Folie Douce
Accessible on foot and skis via the Gondola des Villards, La Folie Douce offers it's classic apres-ski party in Paradiski
High in the mountains above Les Arcs, La Folie Douce brings its legendary energy to the slopes, transforming every afternoon into a spectacular celebration. Known for its vibrant mix of music, dance, and performance, this iconic après-ski venue is where the mountain meets the party in true Folie Douce style.
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Le 2134 Rooftop Bar
Panoramic rooftop views with high-end local produce
Le 2134 Rooftop Bar is the go-to spot in Arc 2000, offering one of the most impressive panoramic views in the resort. Set above the rooftops, its spacious terrace looks out over the surrounding peaks, creating a breathtaking backdrop for relaxed afternoons and memorable evenings in the mountains.
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Red Rock Café Restaurant & Bar
Apres-ski bar and street food restaurant with non-stop service in Les Arcs 2000
This lively bar and street-food spot in Les Arcs 2000 serves generous portions from morning through to late evening. The menu features pizzas, pasta, huge burgers, grilled meats and fresh salads, offering something for every appetite. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying bite between runs or a place to keep the après-ski going into the night, it’s a vibrant and welcoming destination where good food, drinks and a buzzing atmosphere come together in the heart of the resort.
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Benji's Pub Restaurant 
Benji's Pub Restaurant
Piste-side restaurant serving steaks, Tex-Mex, burgers, beers and cocktails with a large sunny terrace
Benji’s in Les Arcs 1800 is a lively, no-nonsense spot serving Tex-Mex dishes, juicy steaks and hearty burgers right by the piste. Its sunny terrace is ideal for a relaxed lunch or a refreshing après-ski drink while soaking up the mountain views. With generous portions, a welcoming pub-style atmosphere and a convenient location, Benji’s is a favourite for skiers and snowboarders looking for satisfying food, good drinks and a fun, relaxed vibe in the heart of the resort.
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Bowling Arc 2000 
Bowling Arc 2000
Pool, bar and bowling in the centre of Les Arcs 2000, perfect for bad weather days
Right in the heart of Arc 2000, Bowling des Arcs 2000 is the ultimate après-ski and evening destination for all ages. Open daily from five pm until two am - or earlier if the weather closes the slopes - it’s the perfect spot to relax, play, and socialise after a day on the mountains.
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Chalet de Luigi Bar
Restaurant, bar and nightclub all in one venue with a large south-facing balcony
Perched at an altitude of nineteen hundred and fifty metres in the heart of Les Arcs 1950, Chalet de Luigi is both a bar and restaurant - a true must-visit in the resort. This cosy Savoyard chalet, with its large south-facing terrace of four hundred square metres, sits right next to the Marmottes slope, making it a perfect meeting point for skiers in winter and walkers or hikers in summer.
It's quieter on the mountain
The pistes aren't deserted exactly but there are minimal lift queues, optimum ski conditions (due to the typically colder weather), and you don't have to contend with the school holiday crowds. The whole mountain feels easier to navigate. For many skiers that will mean the joy of more skiing and less waiting.
Sometimes the lift pass companies do special deals on January skiing, so it's worth taking a look at what is on offer.
Also the ski schools will have more availability whether it's a group beginners lesson or private instructor you're looking for. And the equipment hire shops will have more stock to choose from, and their staff will have more time to discuss with you any rental requirements, help you with boots, skis, boards and any changes you need during your stay. We'd still recommend you book as early as you can for these… it's quieter yes, but ski schools and hire options can still fill up.
Ski School Lessons in Les Arcs
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
Qualified private instructors in all snow sports activities from freeride to heli-ski
This ski school offers private snowboard and ski lessons for adults and children. They provide a personalised service for all abilities.
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Private ski lessons
Qualified private instructors in all snow sports activities from freeride to heli-ski
This ski school offers private snowboard and ski lessons and more for adults and children in Arc 1600 and 1800. They provide a personalised service with private lessons for all abilities.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Private ski lessons
British ski and snowboard school with British instructors offering private lessons
This British Ski School was set up by John Paul McCarthy, a fully qualified British instructor, who has successfully created a school of like minded, passionate snowsports professionals, who care about promoting safe and enjoyable skiing experiences.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
