Les Arcs revolutionised the way that beginners are taught to ski using the ‘Ski Evolutif’ method and continue with that fine tradition to this day, the pride in being able to teach anyone quickly and easily still stands, ensuring that most beginners will be confidently tackling the intermediate slopes within a relatively short period of time.

The huge range of interlinked red and blue runs gives intermediate skiers plenty of scope not only to enjoy varied skiing but also to improve their craft across the 425kms of available piste, advanced skiers can enjoy some of the heart stopping runs, notably the 7km black run down into Villaroger with its amazing 2000m vertical drop.

Alongside the excellent runs are some great off piste opportunities and over 158kms of cross country terrain which is both varied and challenging, for those wanting something a little different there is also a well designed snowboard park which is incredibly popular.

They are some great restaurants spread throughout the villages and not least is Chez Clarisse in Arc 1800, serving fantastic hearty Savoyard specialities – the outdoor terrace is perfect for those sunny afternoons and the warm and cosy interior is perfect for a warming meal after a day out on the slopes. If you fancy eating something completely different then Los Chicanos in the new Radisson Blu complex in glitzy Arc 1950 serves excellent Mexican food that gives enough spice to warm up even the coldest of skiers.

The range of leisure activities throughout the resorts is varied and offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax at one of the many spas, visit a bowling alley, ice skate or watch a film at the comfortable cinema Les Arcs can cater to your demands; for those that like their aprés ski a little more lively Arc 1800 is filled with vibrant bars and nightclubs.

Les Arcs has a well developed chalet culture and booking either a serviced or unserviced apartment is a fairly simple procedure, slightly less usual are resort hotels although the Arc 1950 resort does have some great new luxury options (although it should be noted that these are generally priced to reflect the level of luxury that they offer).

The chalet-hotels that cluster around Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 generally offer good value, although some of the rooms can tend to be on the small side and suffer from a slightly soulless feel.

Les Arcs has a ski season that runs from mid December until late April although the skiing may be limited during the first and last few weeks, the snow is reliable once the season settles in and skiing is rarely interrupted by adverse conditions.

The region also actively promotes a summer season when there are great opportunities to use the lifts (July & August) to enjoy the best of the mountain and all the summer activities that it offers.