February in Les Arcs: What's on and weather

There is still regular snowfall - averaging 12 snow days in February - and very much like January the daily temperatures generally fall between a high of -2ºC and a low of -10ºC, with around just over five hours of sunshine. Still very much a time for wearing a thermal under-layer.

February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four-week French holidays begin. Fortunately, the ski 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. More daylight equates to later lift closing which, in turn, means more ski-time for everyone. On average, the ski-lifts stay open for an additional 15 minutes, with it becoming possible to take a final ascent out of all the resorts at 17:15. This is extra time that can be advantageously spent having a refreshing beer on a slope-side terrace, or shredding down a near-deserted piste as the sun sets in hues of blue and pink.

Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:

1. Group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
3. Ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break.
4. Avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service.  
5. Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas.
6. Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.

If, like most people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, 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.

Family fun in Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Take the seven-minute ride on the funicular down to Bourg and enjoy an afternoon / evening strolling around and take part in one of the many events and activities they plan. Take a look at the schedule to see if there's something you'd enjoy, like a reindeer parade or ice sculpting to make the occasion fun for young and old alike. With the funicular running from Bourg Saint Maurice to Arc, 16:00 until 20:00, there is plenty of time for a festive evening sojourn to the valley.

Skiing in all it forms at the snow front throughout the month and usually a torchlit descent from the ESF instructors and a drone show on some of the evenings. And don't forget it's Valentine's Day, so take your pick of the best table or if you're after some entertainment while you eat, many places will put on live music, or you could head out after your dinner.

There are always local events happening throughout the resorts. Visit our events calendar for more information about what’s going on this and every other month.