It's very cold, so wrap up warm and get outside to find new year adventures.
January in Les Arcs: What's on and weather
Plenty of snow, quiet slopes and some spectacular events
After the Christmas holidays are over, January is the quietest part of the main winter season in resort. Although the lifts have been open for a few weeks, this often feels like the ‘real’ start of the winter season. Typically, it's normally the first month of the year before the snow begins to arrive in earnest, opening up every area and turning the mountainside into an access-all-areas playground for snowsports enthusiasts. January generally brings a huge quantity of snow, leading to powder days galore.
The quiet conditions on the mountain don’t translate to quiet nights in the town. There are fewer families and more adult visitors, meaning it can be easier to get a table at a restaurant, and the bars are buzzing with plenty of live music and party nights to keep you entertained whilst you warm your hands on a glass of vin chaud.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
There is regular snowfall - on average 12 days - and subzero temperatures keep it nice and fresh. In January the average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of-1°C and a low of -9ºC, getting around five hours of sunshine. Definitely pack those thermals!
Nightlife in Les Arcs
At this time of the season we are looking forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Satriani, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.
Of course, that's if we've made it home from one of the many après-ski events taking place. In addition to the regular afternoon on-pistes parties, there are some big events that light up specific resorts throughout the month.
Bars & Clubs in Les Arcs
See all Bars & Clubs in Les Arcs-
Visit website 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Mont Blanc Bar and Restaurant 
Mont Blanc Bar and Restaurant
Bar and restaurant at the foot of the pistes with regular live music in the evenings
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.
-
Bowling Arc 2000 
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.
-
Enquire 
O'Chaud Lounge Bar
Trendy nightclub in Les Arcs 1950 with a great vibe both day and night
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
Ski Schools in Les Arcs
With all those empty pistes, no lift queues and perfect conditions, we like to get out into the mountains on our skis and snowboards as much as possible.
If you visit the resort in January you can buy a lift pass and join one of the local ski schools' many ski or snowboard lessons taking place around the resort.
Ski School Lessons in Les Arcs
See all Ski School Lessons in Les Arcs-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
Group ski lessons
Qualified instructors in freeride skiing, snowboarding and télémarking
This ski school offers group snowboard and ski lessons for adults and children in Arc 1600 and 1800.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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
Alternative winter sports
It doesn't just have to be piste based adventures you take part in. Ski-touring and split-boarding have become extremely popular in recent years, and there's nothing that gets the heart pumping like gaining altitude under your own steam. When it's a 'white out' you'll find us changing tack entirely, pulling on some raquettes (snowshoes) and venturing forth into the wilderness on one of the many snowshoeing routes around the valley, all the while dreaming of tomorrow's bluebird powder day.
Explore the great outdoors and landscapes of Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry while indulging in a gentle and invigorating sport with your family and try cross-country skiing.
Wintersport Things To Do in Les Arcs
See all Wintersport Things To Do in Les Arcs-
Visit website 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Patinoire Naturelle (Ice Rink) 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
January events in Les Arcs
January is always a busy month for international sporting events, that see some of the best up-and-coming freeride skiers and snowboarders in town to ride the Robert Blanc face. There are other events and comps, so make sure you keep an eye on what's on and where. There will also be parties and events in town to support what's going on up the mountain.
Events in Les Arcs
See all Events in Les Arcs-
Beaujolais Nouveau 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
Christmas in Les Arcs
Christmas festivities across the resort villages
Christmas markets, Father Christmas parades, après-ski festive events, ice caves and much more.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
Unlimited Folie Douce
The biggest open-air festival in the Alps returns for another winter of fun and craziness
Some true icons of electronic music will be bringing the party to the famous après-ski bar.
