Les Arcs 2019 - 2020 (Useful links are added to the first post)

A snowHead

Welcome to the new season thread for Les Arcs 2019 - 2020. I hope you find the links and info that are shared useful.

I hope as many people as possible contribute to this thread. The more info we share the better it is for everyone. Happy reading and hope you all have a good season.

The new season dates are as follows.

PARADISKI SKIING AREA OPENING
from 21/12/2019 to 25/04/2020

LES ARCS / PEISEY-VALLANDRY and the main La Plagne SKIING AREA OPENING
from 14/12/2019 to 25/04/2020

The main La Plagne area also opens on 14 December, but you must drive there from Les Arcs if you have a full season pass and wish to ski on the other side. Les Arcs and the Paradiski area closes 25 April 2019. Certain areas such as Villaroger might open later and close earlier depending on snow cover. The same applies to the La Plagne side. You need to check for each station for exact dates before buying your lift pass.

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

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 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 10%, but you must buy the pass before 31/10/2018.

For season passes you get a discount online 20% as long as you buy before the 30/11/2018.

Ski a la Carte: For those that only ski sometimes this might be of interest. Average 15% discount per day. 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 (waiting for update.)

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

You can also take a look at the Les Arcs Winter facebook page where I post loads of other stuff in English that you might find interesting plus all my photos and video from round the Paradiski area. Enjoy!

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 1800 and a smaller group that sometimes runs in Arc 1600. Outside the school holiday 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.

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.

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/

I HOPE YOU HAVE FOUND THESE LINKS HELPFUL!

A snowHead

I have added all the links to the first thread that we had last season. I have not had time to check them all. If someone finds a link that is not working. Please find the correct link and share it for everyone. I can then change the broken link. Hope this helps.

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

Marked for quick access. Summer is so overrated but still got 3 weeks in India to look forward to before snow.

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

To coin a phrase "Winter is coming!" Skullie

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Thanks for the links again @snowcrazy, It's really useful

This year we are planning 6 weeks in Les Arcs - Christmas/New Year, 2 weeks at the end of January and 2 weeks towards the end of Narch if anyone wants to meet up for a drink or a ski

You'll need to Register first of course.

Again, marking for quick accesss. Thanks for the links @snowcrazy.

@thefatcontroller, to be fair "Summer when not in Les Arcs is so overrated". We had a fab time out there, again, this off-season.

@johnE, We'll be there at Christmas, and possibly Easter (TBD). Our boys' trip this year might be, as per Admin suggestions in another thread, a train trip to the Dolomites. also TBD.

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

Yes, thanks @snowcrazy.

Hope to be there for most of the season although not over Christmas and hope to catch up with some of you!

After all it is free

wibble

The first dusting of snow passed through high on the Aiguille Rouge this weekend, but will all be gone with the sun out again today.

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

I hear there is talk of another great winter. Not sure how anyone can really know this early, but hey, I hope they are correct. More updates to come as the season get's nearer.

Remember for shorter period discounted ski passes you need to buy them before end of October and for season passes before the end of November.

They have messed about with the names of the passes this year, but basically the Classic Pass is for Les Arcs area only. The Essential Pass is for Paradiski area and the Premium Pass is for Paradiski with a few extra things added.

Not really sure why they added the new top level pass for shorter holidays (not available for Season Pass), but I guess it includes stuff like the swimming pool everyday so might be worth it.

I suggest you read the small print before deciding which pass you want to buy.

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

More to follow soon!

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Thanks @snowcrazy, I have started reading the small print about buying a season pass. Since I'm planning to be in Les Arcs for about 6 weeks this season 685 euros looks a very good deal.

However, I noticed a few things:

coupe-file aiguille rouge - my interpretation of this is that you can pay a bribe to jump the queue on the telepherique. Is this what the modification to the bottom station reception area that was going on during the summer is about?

DESCENTE AUX FLAMBEAUX - Does anyone have any information about what this is? Is it the normal escorted descent from the Arpette?

I can see no mention of the lift pass being usable during the summer.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

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@johnE, i think you are looking at the wrong ski pass. If you buy the paradiski pass you get the summer included. I do not think you get it with the Les Arcs area only ski pass. If you are out for 6 weeks it is well worth the extra to go over to la plagne side as well. There is great skiing and boarding on both sides of the Vanoise Express.

The decent is the one from Arc 1800 millie 8 i think. Mainly just for kids. Unless they have extended it for this season. I presume they do something similar in Arc 2000 side. You will need to check with ESF as they normally arrange this.

The lift jumping is at the bottom of Aiguille Rouge station. Do you really want to do this each day and it is only for weekly passes, not season passes. You can get a discount each time you jump the queue with the season pass i presume. Again, you need to ask lift office to be sure.

You all need to note that the Premium Pass is not for the season. So you do not get these benefits for the season. Hope that all helps.

@snowcrazy, Thanks for this. Sorry I confused the two messages. The first I was refering to the season pass and the second what just trying to find out what this premium pass was all about.

I was going to buy a paradiski pass. It isn't that much more expensive than the Les Arcs pass and as you say has some useful additions such as the special queues at some lifts. I found this really useful at New Year last year, but by the start of April they appeared to have abandoned it. However, I still cannot see it on https://www.lesarcs-peiseyvallandry.ski/fr/early_booking_saison

You know it makes sense.

You only see the offer for next summer when you get to the ordering part. I am not sure if it is thr same for only les arcs area as never buy that season pass.

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

A snowHead

A snowHead

Hi All - I'm considering Les Arcs 1600 for a Feb half term trip in 2020 with my 6 year old - does anyone know what the lift queues were like in Les Arcs last Feb half term please? I guess it was busy but trying to work out if it's going to be a huge issue or not. I'm not fussed about going up the Aiguille Rouge lift and we are happy to stay away from the busy areas. Thanks H.

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

It will be busy but not terrible providing you avoid the main lifts at peak times. The biggest queues tend to be just after 1 pm on the station level lifts, especially in Arc 1800

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It will be busy but not terrible providing you avoid the main lifts at peak times. The biggest queues tend to be just after 1 pm on the station level lifts, especially in Arc 1800

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@wills_h, thanks for the info - any idea what the traffic is like first thing out of 1600 please? I have assumed that it would get busier about 10:00 with the folk coming up from BSM so if we can get the chairs when they open it shouldn't be so bad - am I being over optimistic?

You'll need to Register first of course.

@Henwc, I couldn't really say with 100% certainty as I always stay in 1800 but the lifts there aren't usually too bad for the first lifts so I'd imagine 1600 to be the same. Others might be able to tell you better.

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

@Henwc, I have an apartment in 1600 but have never been in Febuary due to work commitments. However, I have skied over New Year week a lot. The occupancy rates are actually higher at New Year than at any time during the 1/2 term 3 week period. Which one of the weeks is your half term, some are much busier than others? IIRC the main one to worry about from local traffic is from the 24/2/2019.

Anyway the queues out of 1600 are rarely large, though there are a steady stream of people coming up the funicular the Mont Blanc and Cachette lifts cope with them well. These two lifts together have a much greater capacity than the funicular. In fact the traffic from the funicular is directed towards the 6 seater Mont Blanc leaving the one nearer the centre of 1600, the cachette, relatively free. The Combettes lift only ever has any queue when the ski schools set off in the morning. The rest of the time it is straight on, perhaps escorting a kiddie on the way.

It may suddenly become popular, but by and large 1600 is the quietest area of the Les Arcs domain. For some reason the Arc 2000 bowl is the busiest and has some lift queus to match. Arcabulle always has a huge queue. Nearer the time we can advise you which lifts to avoid at busy times and which are the best ways to avoid the queues. As an example purchase an Essential Pass now while it is offered on discount and enjoy some useful queue jumps. A simple example would be instead of waiting for the arcabulle lift ski down to the varet telecabine, go straight to teh front of the queue and cruise down the blue to the plangettes lift.

The Yuge app will tell you in real time where the queues are and help you plan your day.

If you decide to come to Arc1600 let me know and I'll offer all the advice I can so you have a pleasant stay.

After all it is free

@snowcrazy - thanks for all the links, am sure everyone will be grateful for such a comprehensive list.

I will be in Plan Peisey from start of Dec to end of April, usually on my own, except when kids are out in hols, so if anyone fancies meeting up just shout.

Am going to be trying to do a lot more ski touring this season in the area, so if anyone fancies that please get in touch.

I've been in this area, like Chris, for many years, and having spent last season in Chamonix I am looking to getting back to more varied skiing this season.

@johnE, Thanks for the great advice - going to seriously look at trains today! Also thanks @wills_h too.

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@Henwc, You might be lucky to get on the direct Eurostar during half term now. I think that tends to sell out pretty quickly. Also I wouldn't be tempted by the overnight train out, it's awful!

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

I’m happy to change at Paris on the way out, we did the Paris GDN to GDL change in the summer and it was fine. The way back has a cheapish direct Sunday daytime service so we can get that and ski the Saturday change over day which might be a little quieter. Main risk is our accommodation cancelling on us and being stuck for Saturday 23 night. In that case I will be looking for something one night in BSM I guess Thanks H

snow reports

@johnE, I'll be in LA in January for two weeks. I've skied there many times before, and looking forward to going back, but I haven't been there since the queue jumping was introduced, at least, not the officially sanctioned sort. How does it work? Do you pay up front for unlimited queue jumps? Is it free each time you use, it, or do you still have pay a supplement each time? Am I even likely to need it in low season January weeks?
Thanks.

@Chamcham, I'd say you're very unlikely to need it when you are looking at coming out.

You know it makes sense.

@wills_h, That's what I thought. Still interested in how it works.

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

As far as I know, on a couple of the lifts they have a special side queue for those with the top level pass, this queue can be much shorter than the main queue during peak weeks. I think it used to only be available on season passes and on full Paridiski passes, but it would appear that it is now only on the higher level shorter passes. At a guess the pass reading system will limit you to only one queue jump on the Aguille Rouge cable car per day. Although that could get messy if people try and take more and then end up having to traipse back through any queue that is behind them!

A snowHead

Thanks

A snowHead

I see from the blog updates that they are introducing / designating 10 'green' runs this winter: it's been a while since we've seen those in Paradiski"! Obviously(!) flattening out some blues...

https://en.lesarcs.com/news/news-fresh-from-the-ski-area.html

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

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

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@Alastair, Thanks for that list. I'd forgotten about most of them, even Mont Blanc (odd that. I have a choice between Mont Blanc and Cachette every morning and usually choose Cachette. ). Similarly Peisey is a key lift I forgot about.

You'll notice that there is a lift in each village to get you to the next one. They are there to enable you to get across the resort quickly. Vagere would be nice but Carreley gets you over the ridge to 2000.

I think they could do with some in La Plagne, in particular Arpette.

And it is a shame they discontinued the singles line for the Arpette lift in Les Arcs.

You'll need to Register first of course.

@johnE, @Alastair, singles line seem a much 'fairer' way of doing things - but the money is obviously talking.

Last year at the Derby, they had 2 gates for queue jumping, and 3 for not... it did seem a little ridiculous especially during the low season when there'd be no-one in the fast lanes, and a whole load of pushing and shoving in what could only be termed cattle class.

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

After all it is free

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Les Arcs 2019 - 2020 (Useful links are added to the first post)

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