Making the Most of a Weekend in Les Arcs

Weekend ski breaks in Les Arcs

You only need a little time to have a lot of fun

Imprint: By Sam Birch, Updated 26 July 2026

When the winter nights are long and the work day seems longer, book a quick getaway.

Whether you have saved enough annual leave to enjoy a long weekend or simply want to maximise your normal two days off, there are plenty of ways to get seriously active or kick back and chill out. Check out our guide on why you should join us for a weekend in Les Arcs this winter. Sometimes, by travelling at late notice, you can benefit from deals on travel and accommodation. If you're fairly flexible in when you can travel, or simply enjoy the thrill of finishing work on a Friday and going straight to the airport, you can wait for the best possible opportunity before heading off for a few days away.

Keep an eye on our snow reports and the weather forecasts, aim for the best possible conditions and jump on a flight. In April, there are discounted passes for spring skiing, so why not pencil in a petite sojourn into your calendar before making an eleventh-hour decision on an end-of-season expedition?

Ski Hire in Les Arcs

Short ski breaks can be more cost-effective and efficient, especially for those who only ski once a year. Instead of a full week pass, a 2–3 day lift pass allows you to maximise time on the slopes. Many providers also offer discounts on equipment hire, making short trips great value overall.

Départ Funiculaire

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Ski hire shop located at the bottom of the funicular, near the train station and town centre. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
1950 Precision

Location
Arc 1950

In Arc 1950, just opposite the ‘Les Belles Pintes’ pub at the base of the Hameau de Glacier building, you’ll find this ski & snowboard rental shop.
Le Ridge

Location
Arc 1600

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les Arcs? Just visit the NetSki Le Ridge store!
Hôtel MMV Altitude

Location
Arc 2000

You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Arc 2000!
Snow Pro Charvet 1800

Location
Arc 1800

This ski hire shop is near to the lift pass office and the ski schools. Benjamin and his team will welcome you to the store and assist you with their technical knowledge and expertise.
Christina Sports

Location
Arc 1600

No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.

Ski Schools in Les Arcs

A benefit of Saturday being “transfer day” is the pistes are comparatively quiet; most tourists are travelling and most seasonnaires are working (driving the transfer buses, cleaning the chalets, etc). If you can arrive Friday night and stay until Sunday morning, you can enjoy the slopes at their most tranquil. Furthermore, you can often benefit from a reduced-rate all-day ski pass by buying it in advance.

And why not take advantage of the quieter pistes and book a refresher session to rediscover your ski legs. You can sign up with a professional instructor for a day or two of lessons, or simply find your nearest beginner’s piste and practice to your heart’s content.

Group ski lessons

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.
Private ski 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.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group snowboard and ski lessons for adults and children.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group snowboard and ski lessons for adults and children in Arc 1600 and 1800.
Private ski lessons

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.
Private ski lessons

This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.

Airport Transfers in Les Arcs

Saturday is the busiest travel day for Alpine ski holidays, often causing road congestion and slower transfers, especially in school holidays. But if you've gotten yourself to resort on a Friday night you're quids in so-to-speak. In addition to flying in, the rail options include Eurostar and high-speed connections via Paris or Lyon to Bourg St Maurice. Also frequent flights from UK airports and transfers are available year-round.

Shared airport transfers

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.
Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Les Arcs, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
Private airport transfers

The team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers private transfers from Geneva Airport to Les Arcs. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
Shared bus airport transfers

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.

Nightlife in Les Arcs

Everyone knows back home Friday and Saturday nights are ‘the’ nights to party, and that's no different in a ski resort. Head for après-ski, out for dinner, on to a bar for a cocktail or two and into one of the Les Arcs late night spots to keep the party going until the small hours.

See our Nightlife Guide

La Folie Douce

Location
Arc 1800

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.
Le 2134 Rooftop Bar

Location
Arc 2000

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.
Mont Blanc Bar and Restaurant

Location
Arc 1800

Perfectly situated opposite the Grizzly Lift in Vallandry, Bar Mont Blanc is a true Les Arcs legend. Famous for its lively atmosphere and unbeatable mountain views, it’s a favourite meeting spot for skiers, snowboarders and mountain enthusiasts. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink between runs, catching up with friends, or simply soaking up the scenery, Bar Mont Blanc offers a welcoming, energetic setting that captures the spirit of the mountains and the fun of après-ski life.
Benji's Pub Restaurant

Location
Arc 1800

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.
Mojo Bar

Location
Arc 1800

Right in the heart of Vallandry, Mojo Bar is, as the English say, the place to be! Easily accessible on foot, it’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves a lively après-ski and long, festive evenings.
Bowling Arc 1800

Location
Arc 1800

Bowling des Arcs 1800 is the ultimate place to unwind and have fun, welcoming guests from seven to seventy-seven - and everyone in between! Perfect for families, friends, and groups, it combines a lively atmosphere with a touch of mountain charm.

Things to do in Les Arcs

You do not need to strap your feet to a board, or a couple of planks, to have a good time in Les Arcs. There are innumerable ways of enjoying yourself, from pampering massages, through delicious cuisine, to unforgettable outdoor pursuits like paragliding.

See our Activity Guide

Village Igloo Aperitif & Dinner

Location
Arc 1800

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.
Snowshoeing

Location
Arc 2000

This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
Mille8 aquatic and fitness centre

Location
Arc 1800

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.
Rafting In The Alps

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

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.
Hydrospeeding

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

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.
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.