 Poster: A snowHead
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It is now September and time to start the Les Arcs reporting page. Hopefully members will post their uptodate snow and resort reports here throughout the season.
First of all I see that the lift pass pages are now available at https://en.lesarcs.com/ski-pass-1 .It is not an easy page to navigate but I did find the page for the season pass. It would be 667€ for me to get an essentials season pass (which includes the queue jumping facility*) but it is looking far more complicated. We are planning to arrive on December 18th and leave on Boxng day. However, I turn 75 in January so a season pass for the rest of the season will 50€. It looks as if my best purchase will be a 1 day early season a six day normal and a 50€ season pass. For families with children the pricing structure looks even more complicated. Fortunately the staff in the lift pass office are very helpful so I'll just walk in and talk to them. 
With the covered car park in Villards closed I suspect resort parking will be at a premium. I'll try and keep people uptodate as to the situation as I see it.
Finally, if anyone wants to be shown around the resort by an old duffer when I'm in the resort then please get in touch
* Ski lifts : Mont Blanc / *Villards / Vagère / Carreley / *Transarc / Arpette / Comborcière / Bois de l’Ours / Marmottes / *Varet / Grizzly / *Peisey / *Vallandry / Villaroger - note the inclusion of the new telecabine from Villaroger and like last season no Derby
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Tue 2-09-25 11:50; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| johnE wrote: |
| ... Villaroger - note the inclusion of the new telecabine from Villaroger and like last season no Derby |
Nice to see an express lane on the new gondola. I can't remember if the lifts out of Villaroger start running on the first day of the season (the 13th December, this season) or a week later for Christmas (20th)? I was the very first paying customer when the TransArc opened last winter although that won't be possible for the new Villaroger gondola, but I'll definitely want to head that way for the opening day if snow conditions allow.
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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?
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Thanks @johnE, just checking in so it comes up on "my threads".
Like @rob@rar, if it's open, I'll try to head out to Villaroger on opening week.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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A little bit of info on the Ski A La Carte website:
https://www.skialacarte.fr/gb/content/13-les-arcs
Also, from the Les Arcs website:
With its 40 cabins with 10-seats and external ski racks, this lift readdresses comfort and efficiency: linking Replat (1200 m) to the summit of Plan des Violettes (2119m) in just 6 minutes 45, cutting the ascent time by almost 10 minutes for an investment of 19 million euros.
This project represents an investment of 19 million euros by the Domaine de Montagne. The transformation will be accompanied by a new service building: a shared reception area (ski school, tourist office, sales point with ticket offices and vending machines), an underground car park with 112 spaces, 114 ski lockers and modern toilets.
Not sure of the need for Villaroger to have an express lane - doubt the traffic will increase to the extent that this will be a significant attraction. Suspect it's more of a marketing ploy for the essentials pass, pushing up the number of lifts with express lanes.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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As the essentials pass also covers La Plagne I think the original concept was to highlight the lifts needed for a speedy return to the Vanoise express. But it has been expanded since then to allow fast transits across the whole resort, so, for example Comborcière to get from the 2000 valley to 1600 or Vallandry, Peisey to get from the Vanoise Express to 1800. The Villaroger lift fits that strategic pattern. Mind you the car park implies that they are expecting visitors from other resorts such as Tignes to make day visits.
So @Arctic Roll, and @rob@rar, are in Les Arcs for the opening week. Do you fancy meeting up for a drink? I'll be a bit late for first footing on the Villaroger lift.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Is there a new piste map out with the new gondola on yet?
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| johnE wrote: |
| So @Arctic Roll, and @rob@rar, are in Les Arcs for the opening week. Do you fancy meeting up for a drink? I'll be a bit late for first footing on the Villaroger lift. |
Be good to meet up at the start of the season. I’m probably going to be in Les Arcs from just before opening day until the 29th, so any time before Christmas is good for me.
The new piste map doesn’t seem to have appeared on the website yet. Still showing Replat and Violettes lifts.
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| rob@rar wrote: |
| The new piste map doesn’t seem to have appeared on the website yet. Still showing Replat and Violettes lifts. |
Yes, that's what I saw as well, thought I'd ask 
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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.
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Do any Les Arcs regulars know of any taxi companies who can take us from Bourg St Maurice to Arc2000? And the approximate cost for 3 people with luggage and ski bags? This will be on a Saturday Morning in early Jan! TIA!
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@195062, thanks for the reminders about ski a la carte! Went to to my account to cancel the auto-renewal as I'm not sure it'll be worth it this year (skiing elsewhere outside the SalC coverage) , and came across interesting new info. Renewal dates are now based on start date, not 1st October as previously. Meaning it's valid for a year, including the carre neige not just a season.
So will use them for 1st week of this season, as the fixed cost elements are already paid.
And I wonder, if this means that days contributing to "13th day €1" days also accumulate across the whole year, not just the season (if you didn't get to 13 then you started again from 0). You would think so.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@surferrosa, any number of them gather that the station, but usually majority are pre-booked so finding the odd 'free' one is tough. Certainly worth booking in advance. be approx €90
Our goto has always been https://www.taxibourgsaintmaurice.com/ aka AArthur taxis. been using them over the years when weather / public transport issues / injuries dictated taxi as the best option. Reliable, will find you in resort if booking a "downhill" option, and speak good English on the phone.
Alternates include https://www.taxibourgstmaurice.com/ (note subtle difference in website spelling...) and www.taxi-cts.fr - although the latter seem to have gone up market since we last used them!
HTH
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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.
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@Arctic Roll, thank you. We’re actually staying in an apartment in BSM on the Friday night so would need to book it from there, not the station. But thanks for the links. We’ve then got a weeks stay at L’Aiguille Rouge with Sunweb and as we’ll have the full area pass we are hoping to use the free afternoon on the Saturday. Do you know what the traffic is likely to be like Saturday 3rd Jan? I’m guessing it will be busy leaving Les arcs but hopefully not too bad if you’re gonna up the mountain?
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@surferrosa, you'll be fine if you move early enough - and in fact, any time in the morning. The N90 to Bourg is the major bottleneck, and the resorts fan out after BSM so you'll not be competing with Val, Tignes, Rosiere, Ste Foy traffic .And there won't be any airport coaches through that early either.
Depending on what time Sunweb let you in (or provide changing space and luggage storage) then getting to 2000 for an afternoon's reminder of what snow is all about will be a non issue. Even having to hire your gear ( if you do) should be a doddle. I have visitors who like to get up the hill reasonably early (say leave BSM by 9:15, 9:30, arrive by 10ish) sort the gear out, have wander about and suss out the cafes / bars / restaurants, and get going after an early lunch. Enjoy!
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You know it makes sense.
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@surferrosa, may I advise that a “full area pass” pass may mean the full les arcs area not the essentials pass. There are restricted area day passes available at the lift office for say the arc 2000 valley which are good value. I only found this out when purchasing a pass at the 1600 office when the lady told me it was less expensive than a half day pass.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@johnE, we upgraded the lift pass with Sunweb to the “essentials” pass (extra £19!) for the full Paradiski area. My research tells me that it kicks in at 12.30pm the day before. 
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Poster: A snowHead
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@surferrosa, always good to check the meaning of words. “full area” is not used on the les arcs website. £19 is good value for the afternoon pass alone.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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It might be my phone that's messing up but JohnE's link does seem to be working for me and just returns a "page not found" message unfortunately.
For those of you who are Les Arcs regulars; I will be driving out there the last weekend of January to ski the first week of Feb. Planning on staying in Chambery on the Friday night with the aim of getting into 1800 by 8:30-9:00 on the Saturday morning. Does anyone have experience of the drive and any advice re timings, things to avoid etc that may be useful?
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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?
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Thanks for noting the problem with my url. It was caused by a full stop at the end of the sentence. I’ve removed the period. Let me know if it now works.
As to the drive- it has been a longtime since I’ve driven on a Saturday, but when we used to do the overnight drive getting into the resort about that time on a Saturday it was fine, but we did need snow chains once after overnight snow.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@johnE Ah yep, working now. Thanks mate.
I've decided to knock the overnight alpine drives on the head. Being the wrong side of 30 now I need my beauty sleep not just to drive but to actually enjoy the skiing on the first day instead of just trying to make it through to 4pm when I can get into the apartment!
That's good about the drive. We'll do the Chambery supermarket stop the night before and try and get on the road good and early. I've got some chains (only used in anger once) so should be good on that score. Fingers crossed theres no enormous rockfall this time after one kiboshed our return from the Alps last winter.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@PrinceJohn, If the roads are clear, I reckon on about an hour and three quarters from Chambery to Arc 1950. Knock around 10-15 minutes off for Arc 1800. If the weather's ok you should be fine at that time. I generally stop at the Leclerc at Aime for supplies; others stop at the Intermarche or Super U in Bourg St M.
Was that the rockfall near Moutiers at the beginning of February? In the queue for six hours to get past that on the way in to the valley.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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The very same rockfall! Took us about 8 hours to get to Dijon 
Still. At least it was the end of the trip rather than the beginning. Some poor souls were being put up in sports halls and all kinds of places.
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@PrinceJohn, as an overnighter and driving in to the Tarentaise resorts mid-morning I can say that in late Jan at 9am you would have no issues whatsoever.
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Does anyone know if balconies are still closed in 1950?
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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.
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@marky5slice, some are, some aren't.
Very much depends on original construction materials, which buildings have negotiated what can be released with court experts, and whether a hotel operator is prepared to distinguish between the good the bad and the ugly, or take the easy route and put a blanket ban in place (by building) to prevent claims and / or reputational damage.
And of course risk aversion is rife. While mine for e.g. is officially closed, its not because it is inherently unsafe itself (according to 'sperts) , it's the one above that might fall on it and anyone standing on it at the time. And that might is doing a lot of heavy lifting according to independent evaluators. But they're not French, so...
2017 this started... Court cases still ongoing. The wheels of "justice" grind ever on.
Meanwhile balconies elsewhere in the Tarantaise, made with materials and building practices of the 19th century seem somehow to have survived 100+ years, and still be functional and risk worthy. Indeed, strange times we live in.
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Wow, ok thank you
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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100 Days until the season opening. Not that I'm counting, or anything...
Spotted some art via the Arcabulle webcam, created on the slopes near the top end of the 2000 bowl. Wonder if Simon Beck has been at work?
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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.
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Quick question, considering Arc 2000 for Easter 2026, and will have a full party of 18 including children. If I was to book a private transfer, can they actually drive us directly to Arc 2000 or will we need to use a lift/gondola/funicula for the final part of the journey? Just asking as some will have small children in prams/strollers.
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| Roscoe wrote: |
| Quick question, considering Arc 2000 for Easter 2026, and will have a full party of 18 including children. If I was to book a private transfer, can they actually drive us directly to Arc 2000 or will we need to use a lift/gondola/funicula for the final part of the journey? Just asking as some will have small children in prams/strollers. |
You can drive to 2000
https://www.peakretreats.co.uk/media/18246/arc-2000-resort-map-21.pdf
Last edited by 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  on Thu 11-09-25 14:50; edited 1 time in total
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You know it makes sense.
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@Roscoe, they will be able to drive you directly.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Thanks for the quick responses.
Anyone had any experience of the Belambra hotel? Seems as though its bottom end but its half board and includes the ski passes with the hotel booking. And when needing 6 passes roughly totalling £2k, it seems like good value for money.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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That's good to know! Getting 2 rooms for a family of 6, half board, for £3.7k with ski passes (£2.1k alone!) included is crazy value!
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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?
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| Quote: |
If I was to book a private transfer, can they actually drive us directly to Arc 2000 or will we need to use a lift/gondola/funicula for the final part of the journey?
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It depends on what you mean by a "lift". For some accommodation you get the ordinary building lift up from the Arc 2000 bus stop to, IIRC, the 7th floor then walk across the pedestrian resort. It is not difficult and, of course, deals with people with luggage every day.
ps I have a friend who has severe claustraphobia and would not get into a lift under any circumstances.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| johnE wrote: |
| Quote: |
If I was to book a private transfer, can they actually drive us directly to Arc 2000 or will we need to use a lift/gondola/funicula for the final part of the journey?
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It depends on what you mean by a "lift". For some accommodation you get the ordinary building lift up from the Arc 2000 bus stop to, IIRC, the 7th floor then walk across the pedestrian resort. It is not difficult and, of course, deals with people with luggage every day.
ps I have a friend who has severe claustraphobia and would not get into a lift under any circumstances. |
I meant, as in, Chair lift. An elevator lift would be fine.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Re the lift sale: perhaps I'm being daft but it seems to be offering only 6 day passes. Does anyone know if it would be possible to order 8 day passes with the 40%off deal?
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My son recently tried to get the discounted tickets the day after they were announced only to discover that a/ only 6 day tickets were available and b/ they weren’t available for Christmas week. So I think my wife will get a season pass on 19th of December and son and I 7 day passes from then. I’ll then get a season pass in march. I’ll see if the ski a la carte will work out for my son who never plans ski trips more than a couple weeks in advance.
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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.
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Looks like the first snowfall of the season.
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Does anyone have any suggestions for accommodation for myself, my son and another friend on the evening of Friday 13th of Feb, we are trying to beat the rush into the valley on Saturday the 14th but are struggling to find anywhere for that one extra evening. Could be in Bourg or 1950, we tried Basecamp and they have nothing available except the capsule rooms and those disappear the moment I mention a child as part of the party so I assume they don't want unaccompanied children in a room, which is understandable.
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FAQ
