It's the school holidays and the resort is full to the brim with families.
February in Les Arcs: What's on and weather
A busy time in resort coinciding with some great skiing conditions
On the slopes and throughout town it's buzzing with activity. Les Arcs lays on plenty of entertainment, with regular events and parties going on around town.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout February.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
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.
Nightlife in Les Arcs
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.
Bars & Clubs in Les Arcs
See all Bars & Clubs in Les Arcs-
La Folie Douce
Accessible on foot and skis via the Gondola des Villards, La Folie Douce offers it's classic apres-ski party in Paradiski
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
Panoramic rooftop views with high-end local produce
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.
-
Bowling Arc 1800
Bowling, billiards and a bar in the heart of Les Arcs 1800, great for bad weather days
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.
-
Benji's Pub Restaurant
Piste-side restaurant serving steaks, Tex-Mex, burgers, beers and cocktails with a large sunny terrace
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.
-
Chalet de Luigi Bar
Restaurant, bar and nightclub all in one venue with a large south-facing balcony
Perched at an altitude of nineteen hundred and fifty metres in the heart of Les Arcs 1950, Chalet de Luigi is both a bar and restaurant - a true must-visit in the resort. This cosy Savoyard chalet, with its large south-facing terrace of four hundred square metres, sits right next to the Marmottes slope, making it a perfect meeting point for skiers in winter and walkers or hikers in summer.
-
Bowling Arc 2000
Pool, bar and bowling in the centre of Les Arcs 2000, perfect for bad weather days
Right in the heart of Arc 2000, Bowling des Arcs 2000 is the ultimate après-ski and evening destination for all ages. Open daily from five pm until two am - or earlier if the weather closes the slopes - it’s the perfect spot to relax, play, and socialise after a day on the mountains.
Ski Schools in Les Arcs
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:
- group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early - so make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment
- 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
- ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break
- 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
- seek out the peripheral areas, avoid the busy main ski areas
- 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
Ski School Lessons in Les Arcs
See all Ski School Lessons in Les Arcs-
Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
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
British ski and snowboard school with British instructors offering private 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
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Private ski lessons
Qualified private instructors in all snow sports activities from freeride to heli-ski
This ski school offers private snowboard and ski lessons and more for adults and children in Arc 1600 and 1800. They provide a personalised service with private lessons for all abilities.
-
Private ski lessons
Qualified private instructors in all snow sports activities from freeride to heli-ski
This ski school offers private snowboard and ski lessons for adults and children. They provide a personalised service for all abilities.
-
Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
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.
Winter Things To Do in Les Arcs
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.
Wintersport Things To Do in Les Arcs
See all Wintersport Things To Do in Les Arcs-
Snowshoeing
Half day guided snowshoeing walks suitable for all ages and abilities
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
-
Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
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.
-
Snowshoeing
Half day guided snowshoeing walks suitable for all ages and abilities
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
-
Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
-
Patinoire Naturelle (Ice Rink)
Natural outdoor ice rink in Les Arcs 2000
In Place de la Patinoire you will find the natural outdoor ice skating rink.
-
Horse drawn skiing
Try your hand at the classic sport of Ski Joering & enjoy some horse drawn skiing
Learn the skills needed for Ski Joering in Les Arcs.
February events in Les Arcs
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.
Events in Les Arcs
See all Events in Les Arcs-
Xplore Alpes Festival Film Tour
Film festival screenings to highlight the world of outdoor sports
Enjoy a film festival showing prize-winning outdoor films.
-
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
-
First Ascent Les Arcs
Make first tracks ski touring in Les Arcs.
The early bird catches the worm... enjoy this early season chance to make the most of empty slopes and the first rays of the morning sun ski touring on groomed tracks of Arc 2000.
-
Les Arcs Film Festival
Celebrating the best of European film and filmmakers
The festival has become a major cultural event, promoting the diversity and many talents our continent has to offer.
-
Christmas in Les Arcs
Christmas festivities across the resort villages
Christmas markets, Father Christmas parades, après-ski festive events, ice caves and much more.
-
La Grande Odyssée
Europe's biggest husky dog sledding competition
The Grande Odyssée is Europe's largest husky dog race, an epic event that sets teams of dogs and mushers against each other as they attempt to cross fourteen resorts across the Savoie region including Megeve, Bernex, La Plagne, Val Cenis and Bonneval-sur-Arc.
