Serene winter landscape: snow-capped mountains with pink-kissed peaks emerging from mist, framed by frosted evergreen and bare trees.

Winter 25/26 ski season build up

Imprint: By Caro Blackwell, Updated 22 May 2026

Here we are excited to be back for the winter season with a snow report and itching to get on the slopes. Les Arcs is shaping up for a brilliant start to the season. The resort opens on 13 December and will run through to 25 April 2026. Snow cover is already looking strong, with 60cm down at 1,600 m and 150cm up at 3,200 m.

Temperatures over the next few days will stay really cold, between -6°C and -2°C, with -7°C today, and there’s around 9 cm of snow forecast for Sunday. The first big dumps of the season have left the slopes with a solid base, and the coming days look mostly dry, allowing the snowpack to settle nicely. Early-season runs and first tracks should be in great shape, with fresh powder and beautifully groomed pistes to enjoy.

What's new this winter in Les Arcs

This winter Les Arcs has a few exciting updates. The all-new Villaroger Gondola will whisk skiers from the foot of Villaroger to the base of the Droset chairlift in under seven minutes, complete with a new welcome area, ticket office, shops, and a snack bar.

Transarc has completed its transformation with the Mineral Gallery and a new summit terrace for relaxing after your runs. The Balcony Above the Clouds at Transarc, Arcabulle, and Plagnettes provides a perfect picnic spot with panoramic views, while ChronoSki gives everyone a safe way to test and master their speed.

Arc 1600 has also had a fun upgrade with info about local mountain animals, plus new eateries across the resort, including Chez Fifine in Arc 1600 and the new La Folie Douce space, L’Atelier, for workshops, parties, and après‑ski fun.

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First events of the winter season

The first events of the season give plenty to get excited about. First Ascent on 6 December is a perfect chance to enjoy quiet slopes and the first rays of the morning sun, with a ski tour to the Col de la Chal and a hot drink and lunch included.

Then from 13 to 20 December, the Les Arcs Film Festival returns, celebrating the best of European cinema with over 100 films, concerts, DJ sets, special events, and discussion forums — a real cultural highlight in the resort’s calendar.

Ski holiday prep

Here's a quick checklist to prepare you for your winter ski holiday in Les Arcs - check all the links below, we've got you covered.

Book your accommodation
How to get to the resort
Need skis and boots?
Get your ski lessons booked
Plan lunch or dinner at your favourite restaurant
Check out what events are on during your holiday

Ski Hire in Les Arcs

Galerie Commerciale

Location
Arc 1600

Ski and snowboard rental located in La Cachette commercial building and residence in Les Arcs 1600, with direct access to the pistes and the Combettes 1 and 2 ski lifts.
Le Belmont

Location
Arc 1800

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les Arcs? Just visit the Skiset Le Belmont store!
Snow Pro Villards

Location
Arc 1800

This ski hire shop is near to the lifts the ski schools. Benjamin and his team will welcome you to the store and assist you with their technical knowledge and expertise.
Place Haute

Location
Arc 2000

No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
Edenarc

Location
Arc 1800

Edenarc shop is located on the car park level of the Prestige Edenarc- ODALYS Residence.
Villards

Location
Arc 1800

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les Arcs? Just visit the the Villards store!

Ski Schools in Les Arcs

Private ski lessons

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.
Private ski lessons

This ski school offers private snowboard and ski lessons for adults and children. They provide a personalised service for all abilities.
Group ski lessons

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.
Private ski 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.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group snowboard and ski lessons for adults and children in Arc 1600 and 1800.

Airport Transfers in Les Arcs

Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers private transfers from Geneva Airport to Les Arcs. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Les Arcs, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
Shared airport transfers

Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
Shared bus airport transfers

A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
Private airport transfers

The team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.

Winter Things To Do in Les Arcs

See our Activity Guide

Snowshoeing

Location
Arc 2000

This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
Snowshoeing

Location
Arc 1950

This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
Heliskiing/boarding

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.
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Horse drawn skiing

Learn the skills needed for Ski Joering in Les Arcs.
Patinoire Naturelle (Ice Rink)

Location
Arc 2000

In Place de la Patinoire you will find the natural outdoor ice skating rink.