LES ARCS 2017 - 2018

A snowHead

The Summer is over, well according to the calendar anyway!! So it is time to start the new Les Arcs 2017 - 2018 season thread.

Here are most of the basic links to things you need to know to start planning your winter breaks.

The Les Arcs Season runs from 16 December 2017 to 28 April 2018. The La Plagne season is the same. However the Vanoise Express is scheduled to close on the 22 April 2018.

Here is the main link to the Les Arcs web page. https://en.lesarcs.com/

Here is the main link for Peisey Vallandry web page. https://en.peisey-vallandry.com/winter

Here is the main Link to the La Plagne web page. http://winter.la-plagne.com/ski.html

Ski passes with discounts are now on sale via the web page. Use this link.

https://www.lesarcs-peiseyvallandry.ski/en/ or https://en.lesarcs.com/ski/skipasses.html

For short stays you can get a discount online, but you must buy the pass before 31/10/2017.

For season passes you get a discount online as long as you buy before the 30/11/2017.

Ski a la carte: For those that only ski sometimes this might be of interest. https://www.skialacarte.fr/FrontOffice/les-arcs

For all those that like following the Webcams.

https://en.lesarcs.com/webcams.html

http://app1.webcam-hd.com/lesarcs

http://www.arc1950.com/en/live-from-the-village-webcams-weather.html

For the weather and snow reports. http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-montagne/les-arcs-bourg-st-maurice/73700

For Insurance, always good to have a local French get 'Get Off the Mountain' cover:

For short stay visitors, the Carre Neige Daily Insurance is really cheap (you can buy it with your lift pass) and does the same job as Carte Neige for season pass holders. Cost approx. 2.80 euro per day. http://carreneige.com/accueil.en.html

Even if you have other Travel Insurance. I also always get the Season Carte Neige Insurance. It makes sure you will be rescued wherever you are skiing 'On and Off piste with or without a guide' and gives some money for the local Les Arcs Ski Cub. Cost approx. 75.00 euro for season.

Online purchase: http://www2.ffs.fr/carteneige/online Further info here: http://www.ffs.fr/federation/licence-carte-neige/garanties-dassurance

Here are the details in English. https://ffs.verspieren.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IN_carte_neige_license_2016-2017.pdf

and also further details in French https://ffs.verspieren.com/je-suis-un-licencie/garanties-dassurances/

You can look at photos and read other details on the Les Arcs Winter facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/

Hope to see old faces and meet new visitors this winter. If you have any questions about Les Arcs or the Paradiski area, please post your question here. If you prefer PM me on here or on the facebook page. I will always try and answer your questions, but it might not be straight away.

SKI SCHOOLs etc. Here is the Info I have put together for those interested in getting ski lessons, race training or freeride coaching. The list is very diverse so should cover all abilities old and young.

IMO The best schools are AIM or New Gen. If you can get one of their guys for small groups or Private lessons the kids should have fun. They will run a programme to suit the needs of your kids and are normally flexible about times etc. But not as cheap as ESF or the other French schools. They are both English run so NO language problems.

For Race Training you only really have the ESF training programme. There is now a strong ESF club group in Arc 1600 on the new Cachette Race piste as well as the Arc 1800 ESF club group during the French school holidays. Outside these periods we might have to run something ourselves for those interested as none of the schools are very keen to do so unless we have at least 6 in a group. Otherwise it get's very expensive. If you have youngsters interested in Race training then it might be worth you sending me a PM here or over on the Les Arcs Winter facebook page and we can try and put a group together as we have done in the past with our own Private English speaking Race Trainer.

For Freeriding any of the Mountain Guides are OK, but for the best coaching for the youngsters, maybe UPCA or one of the Teen groups with a Ski school might be better. Although again you MUST check that they have an English speaking Instructor for the youngsters. Likewise for this activity. If you get in touch by PM here or on the Les Arcs winter facebook page we can try and put a group together as we have done in the past with our own Private English speaking Freeride Coach.

https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/

Whatever you decide, for private lessons and free ride coaching you need to act fast. Any of the following Instructors or Ski Schools should provide the youngsters with a good experience, but hurry as the best people get booked up fast.

What I suggest you do now is use the web links I have given you and look at what they offer. Decide what suits your kids and pocket best then either Phone them direct (most speak good English) or email them to ask if they can do what you want for the kids. Otherwise just do the booking online using the forms most sites provide. Do be careful with the ESF and other French Ski Schools too make sure they know you want an ENGLISH speaking Instructor.

If you want any advice on what to book before you go ahead, please do send me a PM. I am always happy to help out. Chris.

Private Ski and Snowboard Instructors.

1) Rob Hutchison Private Instructor Independent (Scottish)

Tel: 00 33 6 22744983

Email. rob.hutchison@sfr.fr

2) Vincent Bammaz. Works for ESF Arc 2000 as Ski Instructor and Mid level Mountain guide. Speaks good English and will give private lessons.

Vincent is very good with those recovering from injury and those needing to improve their level.

Email: VBAMMS@aol.com

Tel: 00 33 6 66 14 15 76

3) Xavier Troubat, Independent, (not qualified), Freerider, Founder of Freeski Academy, Les Arcs. (Speaks some English.)
Free Ride Coaching.

https://www.xaviertroubat.com/

Email: xavier.troubat@orange.fr

Tel: 00 33 6 82 65 98 18

3) Christian Bougnaud Works for ESF as Instructor and also as High Mountain Guide. Speaks good English.

Tel: 00 33 6 15 93 03 17

Email: christianbougnaud@hotmail.com

4) Gilles Broche. Works for ESF as Instructror and also High Mountain Guide. Speaks good English.

Tel: 00 33 6 23 80 54 36

Email. gilles.broche.guide@gmail.com

5) Pascal Arpin. High Mountain Guide. Speaks English.

http://www.pascal-arpin.fr/

Tel: 00 33 6 10 48 44 95

(I will add Instructors to this list once I know who is around this season so if you are not sorted get back in touch with me for more contacts in December. Also if anyone else finds a good Instructor they would like to recommend. Please do let me have the contact or add the details themselves to the thread.)

Snowsports Schools in and around Les Arcs.

1) AIM snowsports school

Director. John McCarthy (English speaking school, works all over Les Arcs areas)

http://www.ski-aim.com/

Email. info@ski-aim.com

Tel: 00 44 131 618 7210

2) New Generation Snowsports School Peisey Vallandry/ Arc 2000

Managers. John Thomas Peisey Vallandry / Davide La Porta Arc 2000 (English Speaking School, works all over Les Arcs areas).

www.skinewgen.com

Email: For more info and bookings by email complete online request form and click send.

Tel: 00 33 4 79 01 03 18

Tel: 00 44 1462 674 000

3) ESF Les Arcs 1600 (You need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)

Good for Race Training using the new Cachette Race piste in Arc 1600. If you want them to do this, be warned groups are mostly in French unless you take a private coach. Also has private lessons and group lessons.

https://www.esfarcs1600.com/teens

Email: info@esfarcs1600.com

Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 43 09

4) ESF Les Arcs 1800 (You need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)

Good for Race coaching using mainly the Arc 1800 race stade, but also Arc 1600 race piste when Arc 1800 piste not ready.

https://www.ski-school-arc1800.co.uk/teens

Email: contact@esfarc1800.com

Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 40 31

There are also ESF Ski Schools in Arc 2000 Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 47 52, Arcs 1950 Tel: 00 33 4 79 08 24 19 , Villaroger, Peisey Vallandry.

5) ESF UK OFFICE. For info on all ESF schools in all French ski resorts in English.

UK Business Manager: Mark Neville

https://www.esf-uk.co.uk/

enquiries@everyonesawinner.net

Tel UK: 01992 444209

6) Evolution 2 1600/1800 and Spirit 1950 ( you need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)

www.evolution2-lesarcs.com

Email. contact@evolution2-arc1800.com

Tel: 00 33 4 57 15 94 96

Spirit Arc 1950

http://www.spirit1950.com/welcome

E-mail : contact@spirit1950.com

Tel: 00 33 4 79 04 25 72

7) Arc Adventure (Arc 1800, you need to ask for English speaking Instructor.)

www.arc-aventures.com

Email. esi@arc-aventures.com

Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 60 02

8. Ecole de Ski PRIVILEGE, Arc 1800. Independent School. They speak some English.

http://www.ecole-de-ski-les-arcs.com/en_index

Email: Email: For more info and bookings by email complete online request form and click send.

Tel: 00 33 4 79 07 23 38

9) UPCA Les Arcs

https://www.ucpa-vacances.com/centre/france/les-arcs/ or https://www.ucpa.co.uk/ (All in English)

UCPA - Arc 1600 - 73700 Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Tél. : 04 79 07 07 50 - Fax : 04 79 07 79 89
Courriel : arcs@ucpa.asso.fr

10) Also use this link for other ski schools in the Les Arcs areas.

https://en.lesarcs.com/ski-school-instructor.html

High Five Snowboarding School (in all Les Arcs areas).

Tel: 00 33 6 09 05 87 21

Email: hello@highfivesnowboarding.com

https://www.highfivesnowboarding.com/

Bureau des Guides des Arcs (High Mountain Guides Office for Les Arcs Area and the Paradiski domain.)

http://www.guidesdesarcs.com/en

Email: info@guidesdesarcs.com

Tel: 00 33 6 58 16 07 94 between 18.00 and 19.00hrs

Links for Airport Transfer companies:

https://www.bensbus.co.uk/

http://snow-drone.com/shared-transfers/

http://www.mountainrides.co.uk/

http://whiterides.co.uk/

http://spiralcab.com/

http://mountainsunfrance.com/specialoffers/15010/

https://www.simply-transfers.net/

http://www.thecoolbus.co.uk/

https://www.skiidygonzales.com/ (Including Les Arcs transfers now.)

http://www.taxibourgsaintmaurice.com/

Links to Hotels for stop off on the way Les Arcs. Very varied in standard and distance from Les Arcs.

1) It as an overnight stop - 20-30 mins from Geneva.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1790465-d565825-Reviews-Hotel_Rey-Saint_Blaise_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html

2) About 5 mins before Bourg on the RHS Clean, cheap, does 1 night stands

http://www.autantic.fr/english/

Links too NICE PLACES to EAT around the area:

1) https://www.peisey-vallandry.com/hiver/l-ancolie.html

Other Interesting Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/oct/14/villaroger-les-arcs-redevelop-green-ski-resort-france-french-alps

http://www.sg-architecte.com/portfolio_page/villaroger/

http://www.sg-architecte.com/portfolio_page/laiguille-rouge/

A snowHead

Thanks.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Yeah....

You need to Login to know who's really who.

Countdown to first trip for new year Smile

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

just saying Hi to get this on my 'personal' threads. Arriving for first trip Dec 23rd...

You'll need to Register first of course.

@Arctic Roll, I'll raise you. Arriving 16 December.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Can't wait for my first visit to Les Arcs this winter!

After all it is free

I'm in. 2 weeks in April booked Very Happy

I am visiting Les Arcs for the first time on 6th Jan, also my first UCPA (Action Outdoors) trip!

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

I know this has been asked before but I can't remember the answer - why isn't there just a Paradiski thread?

Also, this is under "Snow Reports - weather - snow conditions" but the OP contains all sorts of non-weather and snow condition related information?

@snowcrazy, you know I appreciate everything you do - I am just feeling curious today!!

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

@Layne, interesting question. I guess the only answer is this is where we have always posted the season threads as although they start off the season being more about arranging you trip and all the links you will need to help you. After the snow starts arriving the thread does tend to focus more on conditions each day and where to find the best snow.

Regarding only having a paradiksi thread. The paradiski area is very large with a clear divide. One being the Les Arcs side the other being the La Plagne side. We did once have just one thread, but the La Plagne side wanted their own. Fair enough! Sometimes when things I and others post effect both sides we post on both threads. If it is more specific to Les Arcs side it get's posted here and viz versa. Hope that all makes sense. Very Happy

snow reports

Nigel, hope you post something about your UCPA trip. I always reommend them as I like their philosphy in the backcountry these days, but it would be good to hear first hand what you thought after you have been on your trip.

Would like to ski again in Les Arcs, but am looking at airport transfer options to determine which airport to fly to. Last time I went, I hired a car because there were 4 of us, but this time there's only 2 so I'd like to get a cheaper option.

I know that when I ski in Morzine, I can get an Alpybus and it costs about £20 each way. Does anybody know if there are similar transfer services to Les Arcs and if so, who does them? All I can find is direct transfers which are obviously a lot more expensive.

You know it makes sense.

@Fatmanoffpiste, I have friends who have used these guys multiple times and said they were good
https://www.bensbus.co.uk/

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

I'm just booking up for next Easter, staying in 1600 again. Last time here I scared the bejesus out of my wife on the drive up the hill (in my defense it was at midnight in freezing fog) , so she's very keen on the funicular this time. Is there anywhere safe/convenient/cheap to leave the rental car at the bottom of the mountain? Can you park by the funicular ?

A snowHead

A snowHead

@johnE, is overnight parking available at the funicular car park? I've never parked down there, but vaguely recall reading that the funicular car park is daytime only.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

You need to Login to know who's really who.

@Pejoli, I am also planning to be in Arc 1600 over Easter. We will probabbly drive overnight on the Wednesday night before good friday and stay in Les Arcs until the Saturday following Easter. As usual we have made no plans other than the vague notion. Last Easter we drove up to Tignes for a few days of variety.

Outdoor parking was still free last Easter.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Hope to return to Peisey for a week this season - but will miss onsen though. wink

You'll need to Register first of course.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

@Pejoli, I've stayed at this place, both summer and winter, and would recommend it as an overnight stop - 20-30 mins from Geneva.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1790465-d565825-Reviews-Hotel_Rey-Saint_Blaise_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html

Another option if you'd like to get almost the whole way there is the Autantic in Bourg itself: but I guess it depends what time your GF flight gets in.

After all it is free

HI snowcrazy

You mentioned a La lagne thread but I cant seem to find one. Do you know if it still exists please?

Thank you for all your assistance.

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

@Pejoli, well in that case the Autantic may be your option - about 5 mins before Bourg on the RHS

http://www.autantic.fr/english/

Again, clean, cheap, does 1 night stands (...). Stayed there both during off seasons, and also last winter when doing the Rosiere / Arcs / Val road trip, easier to be in the valley than up in our apartment.

snow reports

Got my flights sorted outside this morning (glad I made the effort to set the alarm clock!), but now I'm trying to pull the trigger on the apartment. I've been in 1600 the last couple of times and its worked out really well, but now I'm wondering about Peisey. The convenience of being near La Plagne seems nice, if we finally get round to using it, but I stayed there a few years ago, and I don't remember much in the way of restaurants etc (though I was in a chalet then, so not paying that much attention). So any views on the two :
- how do they compare these days in terms of amenities :(we're a family, so less interested in bars etc on this trip)
- with the reconfig of the lifts, how long does it now take to get over from 1600, at a 'reasonable ' pace
- any other pro/cons that might swing it one way or the other?

You know it makes sense.

@Pejoli, The trouble with giving a time to get over to Peisey from 1600 is that I always get distracted along the way. You know the scenario - cruising down towards Vallandry and the snow looks really good on such and such piste so you spend the next hour or so lapping it. I am often seduced by Cachette first thing in the morning.

Anyway from 1600 up Cachette and down all the way to the Vallandry lift. Up that and across to the Vanoise express. I would say about 45 minutes but @snowcrazy, makes this journey regularly and would give a better estimate.

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Only a light dusting after the rain, but it is enough to count as the first snow of winter! Well I think so! The sun is back again so do not expect it will last, but here is hoping for a good start to the winter.

https://www.lesarcs.com/webcams.html

In other news, still no confirmed news about the 'free days' in other resorts for season pass holders. I will try to bring you news on this as soon as possible.

The work on the new lifts around the Paradiski area are all going well, but fingers crossed. Although we want a good early start to the season, the bad weather needs to hold back to allow the work to finish.

The other building works across the area are also progressing. But I am still concerned for high season and how much more busy the main lifts will become. Time will tell!

Remember, discounted passes are on sale and for short stays need to be bought online before end of October. For season pass holders you have until the end of November. There are a few other deals also online so check out the Les Arcs web page for full details.

https://www.lesarcs-peiseyvallandry.ski/en/

More news to come as I get anything worth sharing.

For Photos and other stuff to get you in the mood for the winter, check out the Les Arcs Winter facebook page as I start to add a new photo album. Coming soon!

https://www.facebook.com/LesArcsWinter/

A snowHead

@Pejoli, Just read your post. Peisey Vallandry is OK these days. A few bars and some nice places to eat. Not a great party place, but some good spots like the Mont Blanc Bar. I agree being able to go Les Arcs side or La Plagne side is a good draw to this base. But in a week how often will you go across unless you are good skiers. Most people do a day on the other side (inlcuded in the ski pass these days), but more than that depends on your ability and things like ski school pick ups.

From Arc 1600 you can get to the Vanoise in about 35 minutes if you ski ok. Quickest route is normally Cachette then Arpette Chair and straight to Vanoise Express. You can go the route John says, but it is longer, but maybe more interesting skiing. The main thing to check is lift queues during the time you are out. High season can be very busy in the morning at Arc 1600 and Vallandry if you get there when ski school are starting. Hope this all helps.

A snowHead

Just one warning: Never never ever take the Route des Bauches to the Vanoise Express on the La Plagne side - you will regret that - unless your are a cross country skier!!! Twisted Evil

Some years ago my wife asked for an easy route to go back to the Vanoise Express with my daugther - quickly I and my friend had a look at the map and pointed at that easy blue called Route des Bauches.

We split up and my wife and daugther finaly reached back to our chalet - only to sware at my advice.
I and my friend had told the wife and daughter that we later that day would go back that same route.

Having reach quite exhaused the chalet my cruel wife and cruel daughter agreed NOT to telephone us, to warn us to take the course. We skatted all the way, sometimes overtaking af walking snowboarder - and when resting - the snowborder had found he could push the board overtaking us This went on and on and on and .......... Twisted Evil

So never ever ever take the Route des Bauches or propoes Route des Bauches in the on the La Plange site of the Peisey Vally to anybody -espeacially your wife!

Som help from please from the locals:

Is L'Ancolie still run by the mother of David Poisson? And still as good as some years ago?

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

@Hyst, I agree with you, BUT I have some very bad news! Because they have removed the higher chair connecting back to Les Coches side from the bottom of Dechoir piste. If you do this nice route or just play over that side and end up below the rope tow. If they closed the Crozat chair because of bad weather which can often happen in high winds (hope the new lift can be kept open longer), then YOU WILL HAVE TO GO BACK ON THAT LOVELY piste you have just mentioned! Ops! I think this could turn into an even bigger mistake than taking the linking lift out from Montalbert side a few years ago!

Yes to your other question, but I did hear a rumour she might be selling. Not sure if that was true!

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@snowcrazy,

Thank you very much for the additional information. (and thank you for your simpathy wink

)

Hope the new owners of L'Ancolie can keep the standard she used to have.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

L'Ancolie

Just had this translated by Google - so seems open for this winter:

PRESENTATION
L'Ancolie: gourmet table, conviviality in a traditional and cozy, generous cuisine with the famous terrines of Manu Poisson and attentive service with the smiling reception of Maman Kaillou ...
For lunch: menu of the soil.
For dinner: a menu, declined à la carte, to discover our flavors.
Especially do not hesitate to entrust us your evening: we will concoct you a menu confidence. On the same price base with our small aperitif home more ..
OPENING PERIOD (S)
From Saturday 16 December 2017 to Sunday 22 April 2018

EverydayOn reservation

From:
https://www.peisey-vallandry.com/hiver/l-ancolie.html

You'll need to Register first of course.

The winter seems to be coming and going right now. First a few days of fresh snow, then more warm temps and now the rain is back so should be more fresh snow high up. Looking at the Sat images on the weather channels it looks like the storms in the atlantic might send some bad weather this way. If the winds hit europe just right we could be in for an early dump like last year. Hope so Toofy Grin

.

Right now I was told today that the new lifts are all progressing well and on target. Hope so.

Also the details for this year's Film festival are out. It will run during the first week of the season. 16 - 23 December. Always an interesting festival with many new films you might not get to see anywhere else. They will be showing films in all Les Arcs stations plus Peisey Vallandry and Bourg Saint Maurice. Full details on the web page.

Remember discounted lifts passes are on sale now via the online link. The short stay discounted lift passes stop at end of October. The discounted Season passes stop at end of November.

Good to read the details of the Ancolie have not changed. Pleased to read that the rumour was not true and it has not been sold. At least not yet!

I will update some more links as other useful sites go live.

Time to start the webcam watching! Bring on the snow!

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

@snowcrazy, All being well I'll be a regular as I'm buying a small apartment in 1800. Is there any additional lift pass discount for owners or should I simply buy the ordinary season pass?

After all it is free

@Alastair, hi. Yes, you can buy the paradiski season pass. If you are coming out often and maybe in the summer as well then this is the best option. It includes the summer pass. You need to buy this before end of November to get the discount. There are no other discounts in Paradiski area for owners unless you get points during the season for rentals. Local pass discounts are only for those that pay French income tax or work on seasonnal contracts.

Also if you go on the Les Arcs summer and Winter facebook pages you can see loads of photos of all the different stuff we do summer and winter. Hope to see you this winter. Are you out over New Year?

@snowcrazy, Yes, I was certainly planning on buying a season pass - just wondering if there was any additional discount available for owners as there is in some resorts.

I should be out over the New Year but this isn't definite yet; I plan to be out for most of the season. Are you there all year round?

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

@Alastair, i am around when the lifts are open most of the time. If you fancy meeting up when you come out send me a PM on here or over on the les arcs winter facebook page where quite a few of us make contact once the season get's closer. Let's hope for a good winter! Very Happy

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LES ARCS 2017 - 2018

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