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Les Arcs 2018 - 2019 (Useful links are added to the first post)

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Welcome to the new season thread for Les Arcs 2018 - 2019. 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 starts on 15 December for Les Arcs and 22 December for the Paradiski full area. The main La Plagne area also opens on 15 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 27 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!
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Yeah. This summer lark is so overrated.
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 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?
@snowcrazy, thanks for that.

Looking at the Les Arcs - Peisey-Vallandry website I note that one of the advantages of the Paradiski lift pass is given as:
Quote:
This winter, don’t miss the priority access at all the main ski lifts

which sounds like a significant expansion of the trial at the Varet gondola last year. Have you seen a list of which lifts they regard as the 'main' ones?
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Alastair wrote:
@snowcrazy, thanks for that.

Looking at the Les Arcs - Peisey-Vallandry website I note that one of the advantages of the Paradiski lift pass is given as:
Quote:
This winter, don’t miss the priority access at all the main ski lifts

which sounds like a significant expansion of the trial at the Varet gondola last year. Have you seen a list of which lifts they regard as the 'main' ones?


Of no great shakes at Varet last year: can't think it is a major selling point unless you've never been before and have no previous on what it means.

(*# and that's me got this a a 'favourite' ... )
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
If you order discounted Paradiski lift passes from the Les Arcs or Peisey-Vallandry websites, does anyone know if they are valid only if you start from those places, or if they will work anywhere in Paradiski? In particular, will they work if they are first used at a lift somewhere in the La Plagne sector?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
@ecureuil, they work across the Paradiski, so your first lift of the day can be either side of the Vanoise Express regardless of where you bought the pass.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Looking forward to the new season
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Judging on your experience of the last few years, can someone give me an idea (educated guess) on where the snow line might be 5-12 Jan 19?

Never skied in France or at Les Arcs but am booked in with the family.

Am I stretching it to expect snow at Arc 1600 then?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Genista wrote:
Am I stretching it to expect snow at Arc 1600 then?
In a word, no. Obviously nobody can guarantee snow conditions at any time of the season, but there is an extensive network of snow cannons so skiing to 1650 is as guaranteed as it is possible to be. In a typical season the snowline will be well below that level, and even in bad seasons its usually possible to ski to all the Les Arcs villages. The exception to that used to be Villaroger (1250m altitude) but that was before they installed snow cannons on the home run, but even then it was a very rare occasion. I don't think you have anything to worry about, beyond the general "I hope the snow will be good" that we all do, regardless of our destination.
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
Genista wrote:
Judging on your experience of the last few years, can someone give me an idea (educated guess) on where the snow line might be 5-12 Jan 19?

Never skied in France or at Les Arcs but am booked in with the family.

Am I stretching it to expect snow at Arc 1600 then?

TBH the question is not about whether there will be any snow but more a question of whether there will be brown patches and rocks showing through at lower levels, some pistes closed and sod all off piste or whether everything is open, in good nick and there is off piste to die for. Or something in between obviously. And of course the answer is no one knows. As someone who skis (due to school age children) at Christmas and Spring break (late March/early April) I can testify that you will always be able to ski around the Paradiski circuit, it's just a question what and how. For example I've been there when a lot of pistes were closed and when skiing those were you had to be aware of poor patches to avoid, ski round. Last season was excellent both at start and finish (one of the best). 5-12 Jan is not optimal but cheap and quiet. I went on a lads trip about 10 years ago around that time. It was cold and cloudy for most of the week. Good coverage but they'd been no new snow for a time and there was none while we were there. It was certainly a lot better than being in the office but it wasn't a trip to remember. Probably didn't help that I was missing the kids who were very young at the time.

If you are new to the ski area that will help because you will have the excitement and interest of exploring a new ski area. And for me anyway, it is a ski area that the more you get to know it, the better it is.

Just for clarity, I don't ski Paradiski every trip but do go there quite a lot.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Genista wrote:
Judging on your experience of the last few years, can someone give me an idea (educated guess) on where the snow line might be 5-12 Jan 19?

Never skied in France or at Les Arcs but am booked in with the family.

Am I stretching it to expect snow at Arc 1600 then?


We've skied that week every year for 10 years. 2 years ago was awful but 1600 could still be skied back to. As others have said, no guarantees but more a case of 'how good the snow will be than if there will be snow'
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 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.
I’m coming from Australia with kids who have only skied a 100mt very hill with about a dozen runs...I bloody hope it’s memorable.
I thought that Les Arc was as safer bet as I could find. We’re staying at 1950 and was looking for somewhere where we could ski treelined runs as well as bowls. Not many place to do that. Hopefully the treelined runs are good to go.
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 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
@Genista, 1950 is lovely, you will be fine, there are fabulous runs all round your kids will love. No need to panic.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@Genista, Welcome!
1950 (my home town... well, for some of the year) will have snow, it will be memorable, it will be the best skiing you've ever done: There will be snow to 1600 and the other tree-lined routes. And even it is only canon snow (highly unlikely but it has been known), there will be more than enough. We're out for our 15th consecutive year, both for Christmas and the week after you, and I'm not planning on doing anything other than skiing.

Fear not - it will be fabulous.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Genista wrote:
I’m coming from Australia with kids who have only skied a 100mt very hill with about a dozen runs...I bloody hope it’s memorable.

Blimey. Isn't Japan or the States nearer Very Happy Laughing

Genista wrote:
I thought that Les Arc was as safer bet as I could find.

It is.

Genista wrote:
We’re staying at 1950 and was looking for somewhere where we could ski treelined runs as well as bowls. Not many place to do that. Hopefully the treelined runs are good to go.

Mmm... I think you've made the classic mistake of thinking that staying high to guarantee snow cover is the smart move when it's not necessarily that simple. Here's why: if the weather closes in your local runs will have poor vis and are more likely to be shut because of high winds. And in the thick of winter that is even more likely to be the case. Better IMO to stay lower with immediate access to tree skiing and good links to the higher areas of the domain for when the weather is good. Snowmaking and lifts mean that when snow cover is poor there is still a route home. My place of choice is Les Coches but places like Vallandry, 1600, Villaroger, Montalbert are all options.

It's not a disaster, 1950 is a nice 'village' and now I've said all the above you will probably have a glorious sunny week Happy If the weather closes in and links closed I've heard people on here talking about getting the bus round to 1600/1800 in order to find some tree skiing.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Layne wrote:
Better IMO to stay lower with immediate access to tree skiing and good links to the higher areas of the domain for when the weather is good. Snowmaking and lifts mean that when snow cover is poor there is still a route home. My place of choice is Les Coches but places like Vallandry, 1600, Villaroger, Montalbert are all options.

It's not a disaster, 1950 is a nice 'village' and now I've said all the above you will probably have a glorious sunny week Happy If the weather closes in and links closed I've heard people on here talking about getting the bus round to 1600/1800 in order to find some tree skiing.
It's very unusual for the lifts starting in Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 to be shutdown by wind or snow, while lifts starting in Vallandry or Villaroger are operating normally. Less unusual for lifts in the Arc 2000 bowl to be shutdown but some lifts on the 1600/1800/Vallandry side of the domain to be running, but that doesn't happen all that often (last season I think was exceptional in that regard). I can't ever recall a time when I've been at my place in Arc 1800 and wished I was at a lower altitude, and only occasionally wished I was based at a higher altitude (usually very beginning or very end of the season).
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Wow - this forum rules! Quick and useful responses.

Japan is too Aussie-fied now and the flights I got to Europe were nearly half the price of the US. Skiing is cheaper too.
So Europe it is. This is the ‘once in a lifetime’ family trip (I’ve got 4 teenage daughters) so we will be away for 4 1/2 weeks and will ski at Les Arc and maybe a day or two in Austria or Switzerland.

The 2015 season worried me a little, would love to top to bottom coverage but your comments are right, it will amazing either way.

Before kids we skied Canada and Saas Fee both with great snow, here’s hoping.
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 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?
Whoops - make that 3 teenage daughters. That’s plenty enough!
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@rob@rar, there is more to it than that... for example the drive in.. and 1800 is kind of halfway house anyhow. It was a general comment on people seeking somewhere to stay that is "snow sure" at ~2000+m unnecessarily and without considering the downsides.

@Genista, 3 teenage daughters.... I once worked with a guy who had 4 daughters. I have never seen a guy so beat wink I think you'll have a fantastic trip. Be sure to post on here how you get on and some pics - we always need pics Happy
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Layne wrote:
@rob@rar, there is more to it than that... for example the drive in.. and 1800 is kind of halfway house anyhow. It was a general comment on people seeking somewhere to stay that is "snow sure" at ~2000+m unnecessarily and without considering the downsides.
Pros and cons to all decisions about where to ski. I don't think there's a big difference between staying at 1600m in Vallandry and 1800m at Arc 1800. Of more importance, IMO, is your choice of ski area, including access to lower altitude terrain if the weather comes in or upper lifts are shut and higher altitude terrain to make the most of snow depths and conditions if it is unseasonably warm. I think Les Arcs does pretty well in terms of lower, tree-lined terrain and higher altitude terrain, with the choice of which village very much a secondary issue.
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@rob@rar, you seem to be unnecessarily defending your decision to locate at 1800. Totally agree that in various places Paradiski offers up some great tree lined terrain and that is of predominant importance over for example Espace Killy which is quite limited below the tree line. However, assuming you've made the decision to go to Paradiski why not go the extra mile and place yourself in one of the best village locations. And by extension I raised the fact that many folks seem to just want to be as high as possible without consideration of the downside. Many years ago I stayed at Arc 2000 and spent the best part of a day scooting up Arcabulle and back down again in very poor visibility. Had I been in one of the lower lying villages and probably 1800 I would have had more options and a better days skiing. On top of which it was a far longer drive up the mountain and iirc we had to use chains driving in. Personally I can see no discernable advantage of staying at the higher altitude villages. What are the pros of staying at 2000?
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Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
#1stworldproblems
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After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
@Layne, We have owned in 2000 for 10 years. It’s horrible, avoid the place.
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Layne wrote:
@rob@rar, you seem to be unnecessarily defending your decision to locate at 1800.
No, simply putting an alternative viewpoint to your advice that being in a lower altitude village in Paradiski is the best option. I don't think it makes much of a difference.
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
@rob@rar, being anywhere in Paradski is a better option than work in my humble opinion 👍
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
thefatcontroller wrote:
@Layne, We have owned in 2000 for 10 years. It’s horrible, avoid the place.

It's not horrible. I know that. You know that. And that isn't what I said Very Happy

Would be interested to know though (genuinely) what particularly attracted you to that station/village rather than anywere else in the domain?
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 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.
@Layne, cos it's close to 1950 and it cost a hell of a lot less? Laughing
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 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
Layne wrote:
thefatcontroller wrote:
@Layne, We have owned in 2000 for 10 years. It’s horrible, avoid the place.

It's not horrible. I know that. You know that. And that isn't what I said Very Happy

Would be interested to know though (genuinely) what particularly attracted you to that station/village rather than anywere else in the domain?


Many reasons, the simplest being we wanted as snow sure as you can get & we wanted a car free resort. We also wanted somewhere high so we could ski back for lunch and not spend an hour travelling high again. Reality is we knew Paradski well but had holidayed only on the La Plagne side before we bought, our ultimate preference was Belle Plagne but we bought in 2000 in the end. Embarrassed to say we had bought before we had ever driven up there and boy did we get a shock!

Negatives of 2000 is that if bad weather sets in you do get cut off, the bus to 1600 has been our saviour and it can be very, very cold but we walk out the door in the morning and we ski down to lifts rather than most who have to travel up. That said I wouldn't have an issue owning in most parts of Les Arcs (Villarogier, no too low). There are pluses and minuses to any part of Les Arcs but owning an apartment in the Alps is a pleasure & a dream, there are no negatives.

@Arctic Roll, Harsh but we do spend a lot of time in the 8 to 8 Laughing
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@thefatcontroller, thanks - a very honest appraisal of how things worked out.

I'm not quite sure I believe "there are no negatives" but I don't wish to split hairs, as it were Happy
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Really I am just hoping that I am not skiing on tracks of snow surrounded by rocks and grass.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Like this!! 😂


http://youtube.com/v/R9vgmy1fiQU
ski holidays
 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Genista wrote:
Really I am just hoping that I am not skiing on tracks of snow surrounded by rocks and grass.
I've skied a lot in Les Arcs over the last 15 years. That situation has only happened once, at the very beginning of the season and only the the final part of the pistes down to 1400m. This is what it looked like last season in the same week you'll be there (this is about 1650m altitude) wink

ski holidays
 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?
@Genista, Click here and check a couple pages as I posted pictures from that week in 2017 from Arc 2000

http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=132870&start=400#3162204
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
Cool pics. A repeat of last season would do the trick.

Coincidentally, Australia had a bumper season this season too...after some pretty crap ones.

I’ve skied in Aus probably 7 or 8 times (I’m in Perth...4 hour flight followed by a 4 hour drive to get to snow!) and had probably great ❄️ Twice. It’s a real crap shoot here. It’s awesome when it’s good though.
ski holidays
 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I'm a big fan of Les Arcs and think you have made a great choice. 1950 is unusual in the apartments are generous for France and the 'village' is compact and pretty(ish). Only negative is I found the 1950 restaurants to be more commercial and expensive that other villages, so do travel around at night.
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 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
Thanks Val. It looks really nice. I have secured one of the big top story apartments, that’s looks spacious. 2 bedrooms and a good size living room. The whole 4 week trip is gonna be great but I will be secretly waiting for that week at Les Arcs.

Thanks for the heads up about the food. Although with 5 of us we will probably make dinner in the apartment most nights. I have had 3 kids for 12 years and it still kills me when I go to pay the bill in a restaurant.
ski holidays
 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Quote:

@rob@rar, there is more to it than that... for example the drive in.. and 1800 is kind of halfway house anyhow. It was a general comment on people seeking somewhere to stay that is "snow sure" at ~2000+m unnecessarily and without considering the downsides.

The interesting thing about the numbers for the parts of Les Arcs is the numbers relate only roughly to height. The bottom chairlift in Arc 1600 is at 1630m. The Vagere in Arc1800 is at 1730m and Arc 2000 is about 2100m. Like the others I stayed at Arc2000 once (in early january) and when all the lifts were closed in the valley due to storms simply got the bus to Arc1600. Now I have an apartment in 1600. Last year we were able to ski down to La Grange and the better skiers, down to Bourg.

It may seem odd but on poor snow Christmas holidays the snow is often better low down rather than high where the pistes are more rocky and the wind strips the fresh powder.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
@Genista, As with all villages, there are places to go, and places to avoid when it comes to food. Most people in the village, including ourselves, will self-cater for the majority of the week, with perhaps a take-away pizza on arrival if late, and a good-bye meal out on the last. The supermarket is set up nicely for that (although I don't think I've ever seen Vegamite...) including cooked roast chickens, for which you need only deal with the veg and potato accoutrements. The bakery is greaat for daily fresh crossaints and baguettes (and cakes, so many cakes...) but queues can form if you are not there close to opening time (7.30am).

But yes, restaurants in 1950 can damage your wallet.

Of an evening, if you can make it, you will find most owners in either George's Wine Bar or The Wood Bear Cafe next door (it serves alcohol, don't be fooled by the name): sometimes they're empty sometimes they're rocking. It all depends on who's around.

Keep up with this thread for mountain lunchtime stop recommendations - they can change from season to season (and there's a lot of them!) so up-to-date opinion is important.
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 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.
@Arctic Roll, We always have these lazy intentions of eating out but the 8 to 8 in 1950 is so well stocked that after a days skiing we find it easier with a little planning to stay in and have comfort food, wine and a boxset. Gone out once in about 3 years between 2000 & 1950.
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Quote:

@Arctic Roll, We always have these lazy intentions of eating out but the 8 to 8 in 1950 is so well stocked that after a days skiing we find it easier with a little planning to stay in and have comfort food, wine and a boxset. Gone out once in about 3 years between 2000 & 1950.

I usually end up have an evening meal in the Arpette every Wednesday night and one or two in the Arc 1600 resaurants as well.
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