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This month sees the start of the winter season
It may be the last month of the year, but the ski lifts are open and Christmas is on the horizon.
We can expect sports competitions, opening parties, and there will obviously also be lots of festive celebrations including a visit from a certain Papa Noël. As you are no doubt aware, most things in December revolve around the last two weeks of the month, schools break up and travellers from near and far descend on the valley. There are a plethora of events coming up, from parades to special Christmas menus and New Year's blowouts.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout December.
It's generally rather cold here in December. It is, on average, the second-coldest month of the year after January with temperatures averaging from -8°C to 0°C. This is at least partially due to the long nights, although with Les Arcs being near to the South of France, even on the shortest day of the year the sun rises at approximately 08:00 with sunset just after 17:00, leaving plenty of time for skiing. This is certainly the time to pack your thermal underwear.
Whilst there will be snow up the mountains, a white Christmas is never a guarantee. But more than 70% of Les Arcs ski slopes are situated above 2,000m, therefore 'up there' it's always colder and snowier, and with regular snowfall throughout the month - an average of 12 snow days - the chance of serious powder days is high. And the new snow often comes during the night, but it's worth bringing low-light goggles in case of reduced visibility. One great thing about December is the fact that the snow base just keeps growing week after week, with the low temperatures ensuring practically no melt-off.
Christmas and New Year is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the Paradiski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. From mid-month the draglifts, chairlifts, ‘lobster-pots’ and gondolas all work that little bit harder.
Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
Practically every bar and club will have an elaborate opening night, often with live music and DJs, sometimes with deals on drinks and food. If, like a lot of people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, especially during the festive season, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions. Down at the bottom of the slopes you'll find a range of eateries and bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours. For late-night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.
Always a big night, the area is full of revellers popping Champagne corks. The restaurants will be busy, so it would be best to make a reservation to ensure you can get a table, and many of the bars and clubs are ticket-only, so if there's somewhere you plan to see the New Year in, make sure you've planned ahead.
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.
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.
Perfectly located opposite the Grizzly Lift in Vallandry, Bar Mont Blanc is a true legend of Les Arcs. Known for its lively atmosphere and unbeatable views, it’s the perfect meeting place for skiers, boarders, and mountain lovers alike.
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.
Benji’s in Les Arcs 1800 serves up Tex-Mex, steaks and hearty burgers right by the piste. The terrace is perfect for a sunny lunch or après drink. A lively, no-nonsense spot with generous portions and a proper pub-style atmosphere.
O’Chaud Lounge Bar in Les Arcs offers the perfect blend of cosy charm and vibrant nightlife. By day, this stylish bar-club provides a relaxed atmosphere where guests can unwind with a warm drink or a light snack. The elegant décor and welcoming ambience make it ideal for a leisurely afternoon, while the gourmet finger food - perfect for sharing - adds a touch of sophistication to your break from the slopes.
Christmas is synonymous with the school holidays. As hundreds of children and their families descend on the pistes, the Paradiski puts on a show for them. There are lots of activities to keep the little ones entertained on and off the mountain.
There's also sporting activities for those with or without children, such as ski touring and night skiing under the floodlights.
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Learn the skills needed for Ski Joering in Les Arcs.
In Place de la Patinoire you will find the natural outdoor ice skating rink.
With so many families visiting Paradiski for the festive season, there is a real child-like excitement as the big day draws ever closer, and usually there's an opportunity to spot the main man himself meeting and greeting people. When the streets lights are turned on it's hard to ignore that Christmas is nearly here.
The early bird catches the worm... enjoy empty quiet slopes and the first rays of the morning sun ski touring on groomed tracks of Arc 2000.
The festival has become a major cultural event, promoting the diversity and many talents our continent has to offer.
Christmas markets, Father Christmas parades, après-ski festive events, ice caves and much more.
Some of the best up-and-coming freeride skiers and snowboarders will be in town, trying to rack up points to get them into the main event, the Freeride World Tour.
If you're looking for a special way of celebrating Valentine's with a loved one then Les Arcs is a great choice.
La Belle Aventure is a free night-time excursion for keen ski-tourers of all abilities. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Les Arcs ski area unlike ever before.
December is a magical time of year to come to visit. Book your holiday now and enjoy Christmas in the snow.
Find out all about what is happening in Les Arcs and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsEach of the Les Arcs resorts holds a number of events throughout the year. International freestyle and freeride ski competitions, film festivals and snow & music parties take place in the ski area in the winter months, in addition to the usual après-ski parties featuring live bands and DJs. The summer, on the other hand, attracts a number of trail running and cycling competitions, as well as live concerts.
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