Les Arcs Snow Report: 12th December 2011

Well the winter season is finally upon us! After a long summer and mild weather in November that stretched into December, we were all starting to worry whether we would be having a white Christmas, let alone any snow for the start of the season. However the snow gods have delivered and lifts opened for the first time on Saturday. More than 100cm of snow fell in Arcs 2000 last week, with snow gradually decreasing as you go down the mountain. The plus side of the snow arriving so late is that we now have a good thick solid base that will stick around for the rest of winter. That base was improved today with around 10cm falling at Arcs 2000. Looking at the forecast, there is more good news with some light snow scheduled for the early part of the week, then a good dump of up to 25cm booked in for Friday. So far things are looking great for holiday makers heading over before Christmas.

At the moment around 50% of the lifts are in operation. The majority of the slopes available are blue and red runs with only 3 black slopes on offer and 1 green slope. However with the main influx of tourists expected to arrive on Friday, this will change and more runs will be made available. For beginners there will be some nursery slopes up and running this week with the rest to follow by the weekend. For those lucky enough to be able to beat the rush and hit the mountain during the week, enjoy the peace because come Saturday things will become a whole lot busier. The pistes should be relatively quiet and there is some good off-piste to be found where the black runs will soon be made.

If you do manage to get out this week you’ll also find you’ll have a little bit more money to spend on après as lift passes have been reduced until the 17th of December. A six day lift pass for Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry this week will cost €169.50; if you’re buying a six day pass starting on Saturday you will pay €214. If you’re staying in Les Arcs, you are completely spoilt for choice this winter and have three choices of ski pass depending on your skiing level, time on holiday and sense of adventure. The first option is to buy a pass that covers the Les Arcs resorts and Peisey-Vallandry. This will give you access to the five areas in Les Arcs: Bourg St Maurice, Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 as well as the ski area that includes the villages of Vallandry, Peisey, and Plan-Peisey. Prices start at €35 for a half day pass and go up to €536.50 for a 15 day pass. A 6 day pass for children aged 6-13 and seniors is €160.50. The second option is to buy a Paradiski Discovery pass that covers the Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry areas and includes 1 Paradiski day pass. A six day adult Paradiski Discovery pass will set you back €237. If you think this isn’t enough, and you’re feeling adventurous then the third and final option is to purchase the Paradiski Unlimited pass. This has 425km of runs, 153km of cross-country trails and covers three resorts including La Plagne, making it one of the most extensive ski areas in the world. With such a vast area there is something for everyone including 2 snow parks, 5 boardercross areas, and 2 half pipes for the seasoned pros. A six day adult unlimited Paradiski Pass is €254. If you’re travelling in a group then there are some bargains to be found, a Paradiski Unlimited Family Pack consisting of 2 adults and 2 children for 6 days is €799. If you’re 18-28 years old, travelling in a group of four and don’t want to ski during the French school holidays then you’re in luck, there is a 20% price reduction if you purchase a 6/7 day Adult pass for Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry. There is also a pay as you go option called the Zen 2.0 card and a special for locals who can only ski on Saturdays.

Off the slopes and Les Arcs is once again hosting the Les Arcs /European Film Festival. The festival features 60 films from across Europe, as well as hosting parties, concerts, and DJ receptions at night. The festival started on Saturday and will run until the 17th of December.

With some fresh snow on the horizon and an International Film Festival underway, treat yourself to an early Christmas present and come hit the slopes in Les Arcs.