A Visit to the Igloo Village in Arc 2000

Throughout the winter season the vast majority of the Igloo’s visitors will be parched skiers wishing to quench their well-earned thirst. Situated at the confluence of three blue runs, it is a very convenient place to have both a breather and a beverage. When the weather is fine, its open location receives sunshine throughout the day and thanks to the close proximity of the slopes, the outdoor seating area is very popular indeed. However, it is only when you step inside that the unpretentious snow-dome starts to reveal its uniqueness. As well as the building itself being constructed entirely of hard-packed snow (hence the essential “Do Not Climb” signs), the interior is largely decorated and furnished with items made from ice and snow. From the physical bar to the (necessarily practical) lighting recesses, the whole Igloo is testament to the skill and artistry of its creators. The liquor shelves support bottles of vodka, rum and whiskey but also intricate figurines of bow tie wearing waiter penguins (I really hope they exist) and, when you peruse the cocktail menu, you do so under the benevolent gaze of a huge snow Inuit.

The lobby area is adjoined by two rooms, each containing six wooden tables and benches carved from the snow. Fortunately animal skins cover the seats, providing decoration and protection against unwanted numb-bum. All of the rooms are obviously made of snow, but the mixture of vaulted ceilings and subtle, tinted lighting really enhance the whole space, making it feel comforting as well as cool.

Prices are quite reasonable, with a good selection of drinks on offer, especially considering the whole construction is strictly temporary. The Vin Chaud Blanc (mulled white wine) is a real treat at €3.80 and a delicious alternative to its red counterpart. There is a good selection of wines, champagnes and spirits (which adventurous groups can purchase by the bottle) in addition to the usual soft and hot drinks. Cocktails are available from €7 and there are shooters for €4, although you can buy six of them (labelled “a ½ metre”) for €20. They offer some elaborate international bottled beers (tasting bucket of five for €30 anyone?) and Peroni on draught. During Happy Hour (15:00 until 17:00), prices are very attractive with pints of lager for €5 or soft drinks for €2.50.

The bar is good, but the most impressive thing about the Igloo must be the collection of Arctic scenes and statues which are carved into the walls of the surprisingly large “ice grotto.” Each room and walkway in the gallery contains beautifully carved depictions of animals and indigenous people from “the Great North” with larger-than-life dog-sledders, ice penguins, polar bears, seals, fishermen/women, etc. The attention to detail evident in each piece is quite remarkable and, unfortunately for me, practically impossible to capture in a mere photograph. In this “cave” area you will also find two double bedrooms, thematically-decorated, where it is possible to stay overnight.

Entrance to the Grotte de Glace is €5 for adults and €4 for children, which is a fair price for the experience, although holders of a week-long full Paradiski ski pass can enjoy unlimited free entry during the same period.

If you are looking for a dinnertime experience like no other, the Igloo hosts private evenings for groups throughout the winter season. From 19:00 you can have exclusive access to the bar and sculpture gallery, whilst each person is provided with complimentary hot wine and a selection of “polar” tapas dishes. If you also wish to enjoy a meal of traditional Savoyarde fondue and dessert, then that can be included for an overall price of €75pp. However, due to the exceptional nature of these soirées, they must be booked in advance.

If an evening in the Igloo is not enough, how about staying the night? With two double bedrooms on offer it is possible for four people, or even just a couple, to reserve the whole igloo for a truly extraordinary overnight stay. Your guide meets you in Arc 2000, providing snowshoes and leading you along the path to your accommodation. The whole evening is “all inclusive” with a full meal of charcuterie, fondue and dessert in addition to a wide choice of drinks. When suitably fed and watered you can retire to one of the distinctively-carved bedrooms for a night under a snow roof. In the morning, a continental breakfast is served, preparing you for another day on the slopes.

Shortly, the Igloo will become much, much more conspicuous when it is adjoined by a huge bouncy castle for the kids (in case they are still retaining some unwanted energy after ski school.)

Every Wednesday morning there will be a yoga session (outside when sunny, indoors if not) so you can practice your stretching enhanced by the natural environment. There is no need to book in advance, the yogi is British and the price includes a hot drink.

The Igloo is situated adjacent to the Arcabulle chairlift and can be easily reached by skiing down from the Col de la Chal, or by taking the “Plan” blue run from L’Arpette peak (see the piste map for further detail). Pedestrians can follow the footpath uphill from Arc 2000, which takes around 15-20 minutes. The bar is open from 10:00 every day until the lifts close. Soirées and overnight stays must be booked in advance by telephone or email.

Read more from Sam on his blog.