The Vanoise Express
The Vanoise Express is the “one of a kind” cable car that links the ski areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne.
Inaugurated in January 2004, the lift can carry 2,000 people per hour in its two huge double-decker cable cars.
Travelling at a world record speed of 45km/h, it takes less than four minutes to span the 2km between Plan Peisey (1,612m) and Les Coches (1,548m) and when it first opened, it was the biggest, longest and fastest cable car in the world!*
The final design of the lift was created from a set of demanding specifications that aimed to maximise capacity whilst causing the least impact on the surrounding environment. The designers, POMA, and the investors, SELALP (Societe d’Exploitation de la liaison Les Arcs La Plagne), opted for a link with no interim towers; stretching in a single span from one station to the other and therefore minimising the areas that required development. By using double-decker cabins, their volume is significantly reduced which consequently limits their impact on the natural surroundings. The aesthetics of the lift stations were also taken into consideration by POMA, and their resulting streamlined shape and larch cladded exteriors blend in well with the local surroundings.
Each car can hold a maximum of 200 people (over two levels) and they run independently of each other on two separate cables. This means that in the event of a technical hitch on one side, service can continue as normal on the other. The aerodynamic shape of the cabins and their dual-cable technology also ensures that they have good wind stability for a more comfortable journey. Customer surveys conducted at the end of its first winter revealed that, of the 400000 skiers that had used the lift, over 95% of them were delighted with the service provided, comfort and above all the views of the new installation.
In the summer, hikers, bikers and sightseers still flock to use the cable car; if only to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks or down into the Ponthurin valley, 380m below.
Costing €15 million, the Vanoise Express is the largest aerial lift of its kind ever built.
*The Canadian resort of Whistler's Peak2peak Gondola is the only one in the world that links two mountain peaks - the Whistler and Blackcombe mountains. In terms of distance between towers (3.03km) and height above the valley floor (446m) it's the biggest.
Vanoise Express – the stats
- opened: December 2003
- cost: €15 million
- designed by: POMA
- links: Plan Peisey (1,612m) in Les Arcs to Les Coches (1,548m) in La Plagne
- distance: 1,830m
- height: 380m above the valley floor
- cabins: two double-decker cable cars holding 200 people each
- capacity: 2,000 people per hour
- speed: 12.5 km/h
- journey time: four minutes
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Hotels nearby
Hotels in Les Arcs
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Arc 1950 Le Village Premium Residence
This 5-star concept village with "Green Key" accreditation offers ski-in/ski-out access, swimming pools overlooking the snow-capped mountains and a Deep Nature® Spa for families and skiers to enjoy!Fully pedestrianised, it offers a wide range of activities and spacious apartments.
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Le Roselend Apartment Residence
Located just 500m from the centre of Arc 1800, the Le Roselend premium residence boasts breathtaking views of Mont Blanc!
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Le Belmont Apartment Residence
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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Arc 1950 Premium Apartment Residence
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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Les Alpages de Chantel Premium Apartment Residence
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!
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Taj-I Mah Hotel
Perched upon a cliff in Les Arcs' highest village, Arc 2000, this establishment was opened in 2016 as Paradiski's first 5-star hotel. From ski-to-door access to a fully equipped spa, gourmet restaurants and elegantly decorated rooms, it offers all the luxuries you expect from a five-star hotel.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Les Arcs
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Village Igloo Aperitif & Dinner
A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 180m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Les Arcs, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
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Hydrospeeding
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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Snowshoeing
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
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Mille8 aquatic and fitness centre
This huge 3800m² centre incorporates an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, water jets, bubble beds, massage jets, fitness room with gym and cardio equipment, spa with two steam rooms and two saunas, relaxation room and showers.
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Rafting In The Alps
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Dinner in a Mongolian Yurt
After a day on the slopes take a relaxing break in a rather unusual place!
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Les Arcs
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La Folie Douce - La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
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La Folie Douce - La Fruitière Restaurant
Located at the top of the Villards gondola in Arc 1800, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
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La Folie Douce - Le Butcher Restaurant
Le Butcher at La Folie Douce serves up quick and tasty burgers, sandwiches and snacks right on the slopes. It’s perfect for a speedy lunch before getting back to the ski action or joining the party on the terrace. Eat in or take away and enjoy the buzz of one of Les Arcs’ liveliest spots.
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La Table d'Emma Restaurant
Hearty home-made cooking, with changing seasonal menus. Eat in the cosy dining area or the sunny terrace with views over the mountains.
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Le Chalet du Friolin Restaurant
You can dine on the sun terrace with fantastic views of the mountains or in the warm and cosy dining room with log fireplace.
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Belliou La Fumée Restaurant
Open in the winter and in the summer, this little restaurant tucked away in the mountains is a culinary delight.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Les Arcs
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La Folie Douce
Experience the La Folie Douce's infamous après-ski on the slopes of Les Arcs.
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Red Rock Café Restaurant & Bar
Lively bar and street food in Les Arcs 2000 serving generous helpings from morning to late. You’ll find pizzas, pasta and huge burgers alongside grilled meats and salads. Ideal for a quick bite or to keep the après going into the night.
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Bowling Arc 1800
Everything you need for a fun evening out. Challenge your friends to a game of skittles, play some pool or take to the arcade games, all with a cold beer in your hand.
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Mojo Bar
Located at the bottom of the Vallandry lift, this bar offers great après-ski until 02:00. Homemade cocktails, wine, beer, snacks and happy hour every day make it a popular spot.
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Mont Blanc Bar and Restaurant
Lively piste-side bar and restaurant in Vallandry serving hearty pub grub, pizzas and tasty burgers. Expect regular live music, themed nights and all the big sports on screen. A popular all-day hangout right at the foot of the slopes.
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O'Chaud Lounge Bar
A smart and cosy lounge bar designed to create a soothing daytime environment or a more lively atmosphere in the evening.
Sights nearby
Sights in Les Arcs
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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
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Maison de la Pomme
Exhibits and short films about pressing apples in the Savoie region which includes information about experiments conducted to see how to preserve the juice.
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Grotte de Glace Ice Caves
Situated at the top of the Transarc gondola in Arc 2000, the “Grotte de Glace” is quite an extraordinary place to visit. Dozens of sculptors from all over Europe spend a week here at the start of each season, carving wonderfully exotic figures out of the snow and ice.
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Minerals and Fauna of the Alps Museum
Alpine collection of minerals from around Bourg St Maurice and Mont Blanc and slideshows on the wildlife of the Alps.