Have a question, a concern, or a suitcase to pack? Here are our best practical tips for planning your trip to Les Arcs: what you need to know before you go, tips for getting around, tricks to make your stay easier, and a few well-kept secrets to help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Train, car, plane: choose your mode of transportation, and we’ll help you with the rest. By train, you’ll arrive directly in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, and then the funicular will take you to Arc 1600 in exactly 7 minutes. If traveling by car, be sure to check road conditions and your winter equipment. If you’re flying, the nearest airports are Geneva and Lyon, about 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Be sure to book your transfer in advance: train from Lyon, taxi, private car, or shuttle, depending on your route. Once you arrive, shuttles and eco-friendly transportation options are available to help you get around more easily.
After the last funicular (9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), you’ll need to take a taxi or ride-hailing service to get to Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, or Arc 2000. A quick tip: Book your ride in advance, especially on arrival weekends.
Yes, the shuttle buses between resorts are free from the funicular’s arrival station. They allow you to travel between the various high-altitude resorts: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000.
Shuttle schedules vary depending on the season, operating dates, and school vacation periods. Before planning your trip, always check the current shuttle schedules between Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000.
Between November 1 and March 31, in mountainous areas, your vehicle must be equipped with winter tires or have snow chains or snow socks. In Les Arcs, this is essential for a smooth drive up to the resort.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving on mountain roads, you can park your car in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and then reach your lodging via the funicular and shuttle buses. This is a convenient way to avoid driving uphill. Please note, however: even if you stop in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, winter equipment remains mandatory.
Before hitting the road, check real-time road conditions, traffic conditions, and any potential disruptions in Savoie. This is the first thing you should do before heading to a ski resort, especially in winter and on busy travel days.
Not all parking lots in Les Arcs can be reserved in advance. Online reservations apply only to a limited number of spaces in certain covered parking lots. Without a reservation, you can park in a covered parking lot, subject to availability, or in an outdoor parking lot, which is generally accessible without a reservation.
Before you leave, be sure to check which parking lot is closest to your lodging. In the summer, most parking lots are free, with the notable exception of the covered parking lot in Arc 1950.
The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Before you leave, and then every morning during your stay, be sure to check the weather forecast for Les Arcs so you can adjust your gear, activities, and travel plans accordingly.
You can also check the webcams and live cams installed at various locations throughout the resort to see real-time conditions.
Before heading out to ski, hike, or ride, check the real-time status of the slopes and the ski lift schedules. This information varies depending on the season, the weather, snow conditions, and operating conditions.
Be sure to check the day’s schedule before you head out: the mountains are vast, but the last lifts won’t wait for you.
Even when the weather acts up, there’s always something to enjoy in Les Arcs. Depending on the conditions, you can opt for more sheltered ski areas, check out the day’s events, go to the movies, enjoy a wellness center, a pool, or an indoor activity—or simply adjust your plans.
Before heading out, check the weather, which slopes are open, and the events calendar to choose the activity best suited to the current conditions.
Healthcare services are available in Les Arcs and Bourg-Saint-Maurice: doctors’ offices, pharmacies, healthcare professionals, and other useful services during your stay.
If you have a minor issue, an injury, or need medication, visit the page dedicated to healthcare in Les Arcs to find the nearest service based on where you’re staying: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, Arc 2000, or Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
