Just returned from a weeks holiday in Les Arcs. We stayed at the 1950 complex which we found amazing and a real "winter wonderland" area. It has been designed by Canadians and made to have that chalet feel. It didnt fail. We went as a couple, but there were loads of families there as well as couples. The area is split into 5 or 6 different appartment blocks. There are 3 or 4 pools split between the blocks and you have access to them all (in some you need to ask reception for a card to get in the pool, but its no hassle). The pools are only luke warm, which is a shame, but still warm enough to go into after hard days skiing. Some pools are outside which is very festivey, as are some of the jacuzzis. There are also steam rooms and saunas - all free of charge. Each appartment block offers free wifi which is a bonus. 1950 has a variety of restaurants, but we only ate out once as they are quite expensive (18euros for posh burger and chips), but the meal we did have was very nice and I heard good reviews about the other restaurants in the The Village. There are also a couple of bars and a club but we didnt venture in as too tired. There is a crepe place where you can have a variety of pancakes at good price. There is a spar selling quite a lot of goods (basics for cooking ranging to posh butchers) Prices in spar not bad. Some things expensive, but some average french/uk prices. As normal, anything imported from UK twice the price...but this happens everywhere. 1950 is different from other resorts/complexes where nothing happens - there is usually something on around the "village" each night. We had marshmellows around the fire pit, ice sculptures, film nights, golf competitions (get golf ball into large couldron), and wine tasting competitions. All these are free and a nice touch. Appartments were ideal for what we needed. We had the smallest style of room. It was designed for 4 people (bedroom and pull out in lounge) but we would have found it a struggle with 4 adults in the room...ideal for 2 adults, 2 kids. Unfortunately, we had to go with that style room and pay the supplement for the 2 missing people in the room (as you do all rooms designed for 4 people). it would have been good if they did rooms just for 2 people (making cheaper holiday booking). The area is all car-free which makes it really nce and safe. The only problem is that when you arrive, you have to walk through an underground car park to get to your reception. This isnt a problem, but would be better if there was a coach drop off point and you walk through the village. 1950 is right on the slopes. You have to walk about 30feet until you can ski, with the nearest lift literally on the hill outside most doors, but you can ski right up to the door, which means no walking or coaches back to resort at the end of the day!
Les Arcs itself is a great resort - loads of runs, all sizes and colour. You would not get bored here for a week's ski holiday. We only did the cruising blues (and 2 tiny reds) as we loved the tree lined runs which were everywhere.
The conditions were fantastic. There was plenty of snow everywhere, helping make the place look that extra bit special. People say its been the best snowfall in a very long time. Some of the lifts are quite slow, and very long, but they all offer nice views over the slopes so you are constantly "ski-watching".
We got the paradiski lift pass which allowed us to ski unlimited in La Plagne too. We got over there twice, spending the other 4 ski days in Les Arcs. It took 35mins to ski to the La Plagne lift from 1950-all through nice blue runs. We only had to get 1 lift right by 1950 to be high enough to ski over to the La Plagne lift.
Click on the below links for the videos I made of Les Arcs skiing and the 1950 complex:
Where did you stay? I have just booked Chalet de L'arc...
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
dee3879, that's a restaurant up the hill... ( or possibly a block in 2000?)
The areas in 1950 are: Hameau de Glacier, Refuge du Montagnard, Prince de Cimes, Auberge Jerome, Jardins de la Cascade, Manoir Savoie , Sources de Marie and Chalet de Lys. ( I suspect you mean the latter!)
dee3879, the. Chalet block looked nice but don't think they had their own pool (but may be wrong). This isn't a major prob. We didn't use our pool once. We went across the village to a different block which had nicer Jacuzzi and pool. Think it was the Prince cimes block. You will soon find your way round as its a simple village square. You will have great time. Arctic Roll, we loved the village. Problem is its set the Barr for future holidays! If it was a bit cheaper and didn't have 4hr transfer we'd be back year after year. (Also grenoble airport is shocking when leaving back for UK) but I'm sure we'll be back soon!
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I think it is in 2000, it doesn't have its own pool, but we have use of one in a nearby building if required! I can't wait to get there as it sounds fantastic
Jon Ford, Brilliant videos, really enjoyed watching them, thank you. Good review too, thanks for taking the time.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Schuss in Boots, Glad you liked the vids. Enjoyed making them almost as much I skiing/filming them.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Arcs 1950 is great, isn't it? We've stayed there on a few occasions and always enjoyed it. We found it cheaper to book an apartment directly, either with Radisson or a private owner: there are loads about if you look on holiday-rentals, owners direct and similar websites.
We also travel by Eurostar directly into Bourg St Maurice which means a mere 20 / 30 min taxi transfer up to 1950...and no worry about weight restrictions on the luggage . It's a great option especially if you live in the south east. We travel by car to Ashford by choice, but could have got from Cardiff to St Pancras by train for less than £25 each (return).
As always, it does depend on which week you're going and whether you're happy to wait for a last-minute bargain or prefer to book ahead.
We always, always book equipment in advance to take advantage of the Internet discounts. On the other hand, we've also learnt to leave booking the skipasses till last minute, because you never know when there's going to be a "flash sale" on them: 30% off is not to be missed, if you're lucky enough to be going at the right time!
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
thetaxwoman, great advice, thanks. We were talking about doing it separately next time, so thanks for all the hints. Will look into that (saves flying and stupid queues at the airport), plus more of an adventure driving over. thanks again
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Hi, 4 of us plus 1 board arrive at Grenoble on 28/01 for a week at Les Arc 1950 in an apartment. I was wondering if anyone had some tips on the best car rental to book in advance? Was thinking of a Passat Estate or similar.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
@marksou, pay extra for winter tyres (normally described as "winterisation") on whatever car you go for. At that altitude you will often have a bit of snow on the road, especially if you arrive when it is snowing, and winter tyres will make a big difference.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And don't forget that the underground car park is approx €100 for a week
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
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