Mountain Layout — Skiing

Here is a larger, more detailed map of Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Peisey-Vallandry.

Here is a larger, more detailed map of Arc 2000 and Villaroger.

Here is a map of the Paradiski region.

Les Arcs is glorious for the ski-till-you-drop-and-then-do-it-some-more crowd. Snowboarders come from all over the northern hemisphere because, as one American enthusiast was heard to say, “In France you have the right to die.” This doesn’t detract from France’s excellent safety records, but the French are not saddled with the onerous liability problems faced by American resorts. Trails are marked, but this is generally seen as a formality or as a handy guide in white-out conditions. Otherwise, ski at your own risk.

Les Arcs has three large sections and two smaller ones. The sectors all are linked. The first major area is the face above Arcs 1800 and 1600, with 28 lifts servicing six expert trails, 15 intermediate runs and 19 beginner slopes.

The second major area is a massive valley above and beyond Arcs 2000 bounded by the 10,484-foot peak and ridge formed by the Col du Grand Renard and the Arpette. The 15 lifts in this area service 10 expert, 10 intermediate,\ and 11 beginner trails, as well as plenty of off-piste possibilities.

Peisey-Nancroix Vallandry has one expert trail, a baker’s dozen of intermediate runs, and 10 beginner runs. In cloudy or windy weather, these tree-lined slopes offer good visibility. This wide-open area drops down to the Vanoise Express.

The Vanoise Express connects Les Arcs to La Plagne and creates the Paradiski Ski Area. The 425-square-km. Paradiski area opens three glaciers and two summits — each above 3,000 meters high. Skiers will have their pick of 232 pistes served by 175 ski lifts. Boarders will enjoy two boardercross areas, four snow parks and two halfpipes. Connections are arduous on the La Plagne side of the cablecar.

Finally, there is the Villaroger sector, at the end of the 7 km.-long Aiguille Rouge runs. It has only three direct lifts back to the crest above Arc 2000. Another lift allows those who have skied below Arc 2000 to reach Villaroger without returning to the top of the Aiguille Rouge.

Mountain rating
This is one of the best Alpine areas and features something for everyone. There is great intermediate skiing all across the face above Arc 1800 descending from Arpette, Col des Frettes and Col du Grand Renard. Advanced intermediates will love the runs from the Aiguille Rouge across the glacier and down the Piste du Grand Col. Beginners and intermediates will have plenty of area at the bottom of the valley between Aiguille Rouge and Arpette. Experts face some exhilarating runs from the Aiguille Rouge across the glacier and then can drop down the massive face above Arc 2000.

Above Peisey-Nancroix Vallandry are relatively gentle beginner and intermediate runs ideal for carving. The drop along the ridge to Villaroger is for strong intermediates and experts. Experts should sign up with a guide and tackle the off-trail tours circling behind the Aiguille Grive and the Aiguille Rousse or ski an itinerary off the backside of the Aiguille Rouge looping around to Villaroger.