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Plenty of snow, quiet slopes and some spectacular events
It's very cold, so wrap up warm and get outside to find new year adventures.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This lively bar and street-food spot in Les Arcs 2000 serves generous portions from morning through to late evening. The menu features pizzas, pasta, huge burgers, grilled meats and fresh salads, offering something for every appetite. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying bite between runs or a place to keep the après-ski going into the night, it’s a vibrant and welcoming destination where good food, drinks and a buzzing atmosphere come together in the heart of the resort.
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.
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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.
Learn the skills needed for Ski Joering in Les Arcs.
In Place de la Patinoire you will find the natural outdoor ice skating rink.
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.
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.
Want to run in the fresh groomed snow at night during your winter sports holiday? This beautiful course is 11km long and has over 600m of vertical ascent through forests and snowy slopes. It takes place on the pistes between Arc 1800 and Arc 1950.
Riding, sliding, DJ sets and live concerts in Les Arcs for the Electronic Peak festival.
These may be the headliners but there is always something going on in the Les Arcs resorts, with welcome drinks a usual feature of the villages’ snow fronts on a Sunday evening. You can go cross-country ski joëring pulled by a horse, play laser games, compete in a parallel slalom race, have a snowball fight or do a little night skiing.
Check out our events calendar for more ideas.
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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