Family Holidays in Les Arcs

If you’re heading to Les Arcs with children, pick accommodation near the lifts so you’re not lugging ski boots everywhere. The resort is made up of four main villages plus three quieter outlying ones, all with easy access to slopes. Arc 1950 is modern with pools, childcare and family entertainment. Arc 2000 is smaller and peaceful with ice skating and the Igloo Village. Arc 1800 is lively with a leisure complex and great beginner slopes, while Arc 1600 is quieter. Outlying villages like Plan Peisey and Vallandry offer traditional chalets and a relaxed pace.

Lift passes can take a big chunk out of your family holiday budget, so it pays to choose the right pass. In Les Arcs there are plenty of concessions to help, with children under five going free and reduced rates for those aged five to twelve. You can also buy passes just for beginner areas, half-days if little ones can’t manage a full day, or a pedestrian pass if you’d rather watch from the slopes. Families of four or more can save with a family lift pass, giving everyone a discount on the standard price.

Getting your kids into ski school is a must if you want them to pick up the basics safely and have fun. Most schools take children from three years old and offer full or half-day lessons with English-speaking instructors. Young children get their own area with inflatables and games and most beginner zones have ‘magic carpet’ lifts to avoid the main slopes. Half-day lessons are usually enough for novices. Ski passes aren’t included, so for children over five make sure they have a valid pass, skis, helmet, goggles, warm clothing and sunscreen.

Les Arcs has a great mix of terrain to keep the whole family happy. Each village has its own beginner slopes with gentle runs and slow drag lifts and with the lowest nursery areas at 1,600m, you’re guaranteed good quality snow for learning. The resort is part of the famous Paradiski ski area, offering over 425km of pistes, modern lifts and some fantastic snow parks for kids and teens to explore. Whether you’re sticking to the nursery slopes or venturing higher up, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained on the snow.

Les Arcs has plenty to keep kids busy off the slopes during the winter season. Children and families can try sledging at Rodeo Park in Arc 2000, a 3km run with banked turns. There are bowling and amusement arcades in Arc 1800 and 2000 and an outdoor ice rink in Arc 2000. The Mille8 complex in Arc 1800 has a pool, restaurants and a gym, with access included in your lift pass. For a break from the snow, head to the cinema or Laser Quest in Arc 1800 for indoor fun.

Les Arcs offers plenty of childcare options to make your family holiday easier. Each village has children’s ski schools and clubs, so the children can be looked after while you hit the slopes. Independent nannies can also be arranged to care for kids in your accommodation or pick them up from lessons. During the summer holidays, local sports centres often run kids clubs with activities like swimming, climbing, tennis, basketball, ice-skating and organised hikes and picnics. Whatever age your children, there’s usually a solution to keep them entertained and safe while you enjoy some time on or off the mountain.