What's new in Les Arcs winter 2016-17

There are lots of new things happening in Les Arcs this winter, so before the season starts, here's a quick look at a few additional reasons to visit here.. 

Les Arcs’ First 5* Hotel

Probably the most obvious addition to Les Arcs this winter is the Taj-I Mah hotel in Arc 2000. Situated practically on the piste at the entrance to the resort, the modern building provides excellent views and is a paradigm of ski-in/ski-out. The large south-facing terrace bar provides the perfect place for a slope-side beverage.

Opening to the public on 16th December 2016, the 5-star hotel has 48 rooms (including suites) and a comprehensive spa area featuring a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, salt wall, solarium, hammam and various relaxing treatments.

The new hotel also houses two restaurants: Le Diamant Noir promises fine dining with novel flavours and combinations, whilst La Rôtisserie provides local specialities, family cooking and refined Alpine cuisine. Both restaurants are overseen by Michelin-starred chef Eric Samson so the grand opening is, understandably, greatly anticipated.

Ski Touring

For those of you who like to march up a mountain before skiing down it, there are two new trails specifically for super-fit ski tourers opening in January 2017. The first, in Arc 1800, starts from the top of the short Villards telecabin (next to Mille 8) and finishes above the Tetras stadium, which is 440 metres of vertical ascent. The second one, over in Peisey-Vallandry, goes the 650 metres from the bottom of the Parchey chairlift to the top. That’s at least two reasons to bring your climbing skins with you. [Find them on the piste maps].

Freeriding

Les Arcs has hosted the French World Freeride Qualifiers for a number of seasons now and this year is no different. Including a unique 4*stage, Freeride Week spans 30th January to 6th February 2017 and there will be various complimentary events in Arc 1950 during this period. This year there will be more Natur’ runs in the resorts, which the piste-bashers leave alone, to allow everyone a chance to freeride whilst staying within the boundaries of the piste markers. [Find more events this winter].

Lift Pass Deals

Ski passes in Paradiski have now been simplified so that, if you buy a Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry pass lasting for 3 days or more, you automatically get one day’s free access to La Plagne. This means everyone can take a trip in the Vanoise Express and try out some runs on the other side of the ski area.

Families who are skiing for 6 to 8 days can benefit from the “family pack” offer whereby passes for two adults and (at least) two children each cost the price of a standard child’s pass. This can mean a saving of up to €149, which can be better spent on spa treatments, snowmobiling, or perhaps just an evening out (without the kids)... [Find Lift Pass Offers].

Ice Rink Upgrade

The ice rink in Arc 2000 is not new, but its state-of-the-art freezing system is. Previously the rink had been all-natural, requiring freezing-cold temperatures to maintain the integrity of the ice. This season, however, there is guaranteed skating every afternoon and evening, with 600m2 of room to learn, play about on, or practice your Choctaw turn.

Dog Sledding

When you are finally too tired to use your own energy, you can always be pulled along in a basket by a pack of dogs. With discovery rides suitable for families, night rides with a stop for dinner and a mini-museum of dog sledding, you may well be shouting “mush” before the season ends. Find out more about this and other winter activities in Les Arcs that you can do on and off the snow. 

Logos

Both Les Arcs and Bourg St Maurice have brand new logos this season. If that fails to lift your spirits and make your heart sing then you are either Naomi Klein or a perfectly normal human being. But expect to see these pictorial representations of “youthful dynamism” everywhere. To be honest, I quite like them. I may even buy a hat/hoodie/snood/car sticker emblazoned with one of them...

Camping Indigo

Formerly called Camping Versoyen, the newly branded Indigo campsite in Bourg Saint Maurice has been massively expanded throughout 2016 to include a large number of new accommodation options. As well as camping facilities for caravans and motorhomes, the site now offers individual self-catered chalets, with their own ski racks and wood-burning stoves, and “gypsy caravans” which comfortably suit a family of four and have their own kitchen and bathroom facilities. Being in Bourg St Maurice, the campsite is a great base for visiting Les Arcs and other nearby ski areas. Furthermore it provides a number of ski-specific features, such as equipment drying areas and a free shuttle bus to the funicular (which goes straight up to Arc 1600).