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Les Arcs Snow Report & Forecast

Discover the latest Les Arcs snow conditions

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By Nye Erskine, Updated

Welcome to Winter 2026/27!

The countdown to another ski season in Les Arcs is almost over! The resort is preparing to welcome skiers and snowboarders back to the mountains, with the lifts scheduled to open on Saturday 12 December. The neighbouring Peisey-Vallandry ski area is also set to open on the same day, with connections to La Plagne bringing the wider Paradiski area into play as conditions allow.

There are some exciting improvements to look forward to this winter, including a new gondola in Peisey-Vallandry, a magical forest trail for families and new facilities around the popular SPARK snowpark.

Whether you're a regular visitor or planning your first trip to Paradiski, we'll be bringing you weekly updates on snowfall, piste conditions, weather forecasts and everything happening around the resort. From the first turns of December to the final spring skiing days in April, we'll be keeping you informed about what to expect on the mountain.

Snow and Weather Summary

The beginning of December is always an interesting time in the Alps, with everyone keeping a close eye on snowfall and temperatures ahead of opening weekend. Les Arcs has the advantage of extensive high-altitude skiing, with slopes reaching the Aiguille Rouge at 3,226 metres and much of the ski area situated above 2,000 metres.

The higher slopes around Arc 2000 and the Aiguille Rouge generally offer the best chance of retaining colder snow early in the season. Lower runs through the forests towards Arc 1600, Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger may need additional snowfall or snowmaking before they can open.

The Les Arcs-Peisey-Vallandry ski area is scheduled to open on 12 December, with the season running through to 24 April 2027. The wider Paradiski area also includes La Plagne, connected by the Vanoise Express cable car, although the availability of individual pistes and connections will depend on snow cover and operational conditions.

The difference in altitude can be particularly noticeable early in the season. While the upper mountain may offer good skiing, conditions on lower slopes and village runs can be quite different, especially after changes in temperature.

Even once the lifts begin operating, it's worth checking which pistes and connections are available rather than assuming the whole ski area is open from day one. We'll be following the latest snow depths, fresh snowfall and weather forecasts throughout December.

What's New in Les Arcs This Winter?

There are several exciting improvements to discover across Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry this winter, including upgraded lifts, new family attractions and places to take a break around the mountain.

One of the biggest developments is the new Télévillage gondola connecting Peisey-Nancroix with Plan Peisey. Replacing the familiar red cabins after 43 years of service, the new lift features ten-person cabins and can transport up to 900 passengers per hour. The journey takes just three minutes and 20 seconds, making access from the valley to the ski area quicker and more comfortable.

Over in Peisey-Vallandry, the popular Pitchouns trail is being transformed into the Mélèza Forest, a magical adventure designed for families. Skiers will discover a fairy-tale world filled with pinecone-shaped huts, totem poles and woodland characters as they follow the trail. A new picnic area will also provide somewhere to stop and enjoy the surroundings.

There's another new place to relax in the Villaroger sector, where four panoramic wooden huts have been installed near the top of the gondola. Built using locally sourced timber and designed to blend into the mountain scenery, each hut can accommodate between six and ten people, providing a sheltered spot for a picnic or a break between runs.

Freestyle enthusiasts will also find something new at SPARK, the resort's snowpark. A new chalet is planned at the heart of the freestyle area, featuring a 70m² indoor relaxation space and a 180m² panoramic terrace overlooking the action. Inside, a collection of memorabilia will celebrate more than 40 years of freestyle history in Les Arcs.

Finally, a new exhibition exploring forests, biodiversity and conservation will open on 12 December at the funicular footbridge, offering visitors another opportunity to learn about the mountain environment.

Outlook & What's On

The first few weeks of December will be all about getting the ski season underway. Les Arcs is scheduled to open on 12 December, with more terrain becoming available as snow conditions permit. The weather over the coming weeks will play an important part in how quickly the ski area can expand, particularly on lower slopes and connections towards Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger.

There's also an opportunity to enjoy the mountains before the lifts open. On Saturday 5 December, La Première Montée des Arcs returns to Arc 2000 for a friendly ski touring event. Participants will climb approximately 700 metres from Pré Saint Esprit towards the Col de la Chal, with a shared lunch afterwards. The event is supporting Téléthon this year, with participants contributing to the charity.

Opening weekend also marks the start of Les Arcs Film Festival, running from 12 to 19 December. Now in its 18th edition, the festival celebrates European cinema with more than 120 films, premieres, discussions and opportunities to meet filmmakers. Spanish cinema will be in the spotlight this year, bringing a lively cultural atmosphere to the resort during the opening week.

The festive season will bring plenty of entertainment across the villages. Father Christmas is scheduled to arrive at Arc 1800 on 24 December at 18:00, while New Year's Eve celebrations include a free fireworks display near the Vagère chairlift in Arc 1800 at 18:30.

Getting Ready for the Ski Season

If you're heading to Les Arcs in the coming weeks, now is a good time to get the final details of your trip organised. Whether it's arranging airport transfers, booking ski hire and lessons, or reserving a table at your favourite mountain restaurant, a little preparation can make those first days on the slopes much easier.

Les Arcs is spread across several villages at different elevations, so it's worth checking the most convenient lifts and transport connections for wherever you're staying. The funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice provides access to Arc 1600, while resort shuttle buses connect the different villages.

If you're staying in Peisey-Vallandry or planning to explore La Plagne, it's also worth checking the latest lift and Vanoise Express operating information before travelling.

Snow Takeaway

The wait is nearly over, and Les Arcs is getting ready for another winter in Paradiski. With the slopes scheduled to open on 12 December, the new Télévillage gondola, the magical Mélèza Forest and improved facilities at SPARK, there's plenty to look forward to this season.

The return of Les Arcs Film Festival will also bring a lively atmosphere to opening week, while the Christmas celebrations offer plenty to enjoy away from the pistes.

As always at this time of year, higher slopes are likely to offer the best chance of reliable early-season skiing, with further terrain opening as conditions allow. We'll be back with our regular weekly reports to follow the snow and help you make the most of the winter ahead.

Scroll down to see live forecasts, lift status, links to webcams and above for real time photos from Les Arcs. We will be updating this snow report page every Wednesday so check back in with us next week to see how the pistes are doing and what you can expect from the snow forecast for the next seven days.

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If you are in Les Arcs this week we want to see your images especially videos of what you have been up to. When you post to Facebook or Instagram please tag us @SeeLesArcs #SeeLesArcs.

Every week we will be posting our favourite videos and images here and sharing on our social media along with our weekly resort snow report.

Airport Transfers in Les Arcs

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Ski Hire in Les Arcs

Ski Hire in Les Arcs

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Ski Schools in Les Arcs

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Lifts & Trails in Les Arcs

Updated 19 April 2026

Lifts

  • Lifts : 35 / 52
  • Connections : 3 / 4

Pistes

  • Pistes : 86 / 116
    • Greens : 11 / 14
    • Blues : 42 / 50
    • Reds : 28 / 35
    • Blacks : 5 / 17
Arc 1800 webcam Panoramic webcam view of Arc 1800 (Espace Mille8) in Les Arcs.  In the middle is the terrace of La Folie Douce restaurant.  On the far right is the Villards gondola.

Arc 1800 webcam

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Arc 1800
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This is a panoramic webcam view of Arc 1800 (Espace Mille8) in Les Arcs.  Centre-shot is the terrace of La Folie Douce restaurant.  On the far right is the Villards gondola.

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Arc 1950 webcam This webcam view gives a direct view into the pedestrian centre of Les Arcs 1950

Arc 1950 webcam

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This webcam view gives a direct view into the pedestrian centre of Les Arcs 1950.

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Arcabulle webcam Fantastic view over the Les Arcs ski area from this webcam at Arcabulle (2600m), with Mont Blanc in the background

Arcabulle webcam

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Fantastic view over the Les Arcs ski area from this webcam at Arcabulle (2600m), with Mont Blanc in the background.

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Arpette (2400m) webcam, Les Arcs Sitting atop the Arpette ski lift, this webcam looks down to the resorts of Arc 2000 and Arc 1950

Arpette (2400m) webcam, Les Arcs

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Image updates every 15 mins

Sitting atop the Arpette lift this webcam looks down on to the resorts of Arc 2000 and Arc 1950.

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Latest News & Reviews

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.

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Upcoming Events

Each 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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