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Visitor reviews for Les Arcs Ski Resort
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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April 14, 2012
Debbie Lee from United Kingdom
Fantastic snow and still more to come. Can't believe it is almost mid-April!
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Les Arcs Ratings
Based on 33 votes. Vote
Access: 3.9
(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Les Arcs.
Public Transport: 4.5
(1) There are no buses or taxis to Les Arcs, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
Scenery: 4.1
(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.
Accommodation: 4.6
(1) No places to stay in/near Les Arcs, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
Cheap Rooms: 4.0
(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.
Luxury Hotels: 4.2
(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Les Arcs.
Ski in/Ski out: 4.8
(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.
Childcare: 4.2
(1) There are no child care facilities at Les Arcs, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
Snowsure: 4.8
(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Les Arcs is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.
Snowmaking: 4.2
(1) Les Arcs relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
Snow Grooming: 4.6
(1) There are no snow groomers at Les Arcs, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Les Arcs are groomed daily.
Shelter: 4.0
(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Les Arcs is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
Nearby options: 4.2
(1) If snow conditions are poor at Les Arcs, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.
Regional rating: 4.4
(1) Les Arcs usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
Lift Staff: 4.5
(1) The staff at Les Arcs are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Les Arcs are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.
Crowds/Queues: 3.9
(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
Ski Schools: 4.6
(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.
Hire and Repairs: 4.8
(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
Variety of pistes: 4.8
(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Les Arcs has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.
Beginners: 4.5
(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
Intermediates: 4.8
(1) No intermediate terrain at Les Arcs, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.
Advanced: 4.8
(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
Snow Park: 4.1
(1) Not even a kicker at Les Arcs, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.
Off-piste: 4.6
(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
Cross-country: 3.7
(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Les Arcs, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.
Luge/Toboggan: 3.6
(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Les Arcs has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
Mountain Dining: 4.4
(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.
Eating: 4.5
(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
Apres-Ski: 4.3
(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.
Other Sports: 3.8
(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
Entertainment: 3.6
(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.
Winter Walks: 4.0
(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
Ski Pass Value: 3.9
(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.
Value (National): 4.2
(1) Overall, Les Arcs is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
Value (Global): 4.2
(1) Overall, Les Arcs is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.
Based on 33 votes. Vote
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January 22, 2012
Nicki from United Kingdom
In reply to Mark's question about taxis - I would recommend Taxi AARTHUR who are based in Bourg St Maurice. This site won't accept links but you can look them up and find their website on Google.
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January 17, 2012
David from United Kingdom
Packed snow on pistes, but still good.
Some good stuff off-piste on north facing slopes. Busier than I'm used to in mid-Jan - I guess the great weather and great snow has brought people out of the woodwork.
Bright sunshine from dawn till dusk, great food and great bars in Arcs 1950. Life doesn't get much better!
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January 12, 2012
Alex from United Kingdom
Yes, it has got it all, including a fairly fast lift system. But you have to avoid some of the crowded pistes. Even this week (mid Jan) we had to be careful where to ski and a what times to avoid them.
We saw 3 collisions with ouch factor in one day. Big groups of 10+ skiers, plus ski schools, plus beginners made for end of the day home run mayhem.
The slow zones are not supervised (naked stag group speed tucked through the one at 1800 while Piste Security watched and laughed). Would you get away with this in Whistler ? - not a chance.
So yes it's good, but maybe a victim of it's own success?
We skied Tignes the next day and it was so much quieter on the slopes. The day after Saint Foy and it was empty, the last day was to meet friends who were in Les Arcs for the week - busy pistes again!
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December 30, 2011
Malcolm from United Kingdom
We love Les Arcs. The resort has a huge variety of terrain and pistes. We've been skiing here for 10 years and never get bored. If we do get the urge to explore we take a day out and within an hour be skiing in Tignes, Val D'Isere, Les Rosiere/La Thuile. There are some great mountain restaurants like La Fumee. We stay in the village of 1950 which is delightful, great for kids and has a wide choice of restaurants. The bowling alley/sports bar in 2000 is a fun evening out if you've still got the energy after dinner. We can't recommend the resort highly enough and we've skied all over the world..only Whistler comes close.
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December 12, 2011
Boo Weetman from France
Having stayed at Le Loissel, Villaroger for the past 8 years you can tell that we love Les Arcs as it has something for everyone. The beautiful unspoilt village of Villaroger is where we start our day from, free parking and no queues and then access Les Arcs where are 2 young boys love to head to the Snow Park and Boarder Cross in Arcs 1600 and Arcs 2000. Us parents love the tree lined skiing and finishing the day doing the 7km long run back to Villaroger from the top of the Aiguile Rouge. A well earned beer in La Ferme Villaroger with the roaring log fire is the best way to end the day before heading back to the Chalet. We will once again be heading there for New Year and are currently here (12th Dec 2011 ) enjoying an early season trip, with great conditions and deserted pistes!
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November 26, 2011
Ramon from United Kingdom
I have been taking groups to Vallandry in Les Arcs for the past 15 years and totally love the place. Perfect for beginners as the summer road (blue run) comes directly back to the hotel. Take guide and go off the back of the Auguille Rouge and you get some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps!
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October 25, 2011
Amanda from United Kingdom
Have just booked to go back to Les Arcs 1950 for the 5th year. Its got to be the best resort in France for February Half-term skiing, or any skiing if you're lucky enough not to have to go in school holidays.
So many runs to cover and we still haven't yet made it across to Le Plagne! We have always described it as "If Disney did skiing, it would be 1950", and then last year a local described it to us like this. It's beautiful, car free, loads of mountain to ski on, great atmosphere in the town, very family friendly. We love it and cannot wait to go back in 2012.
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August 02, 2011
Mike from United Kingdom
Stayed at Les Arcs on 2 occasions. In general provides excellent value skiing, in a snowsure resort. Mix of resorts provide something for everyone, value family accommodation and more upmarket accommodation at Arc1950
Overall, great value for money and some of the best skiing in Europe.
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March 30, 2011
David from United Kingdom
Snowing this morning after snow on Monday night. Some great powder skiing out there if you stay up high.
They've been bringing in skiers from other resorts to Les Arcs by bus, which says it all. Les Arcs is the best place for spring skiing and if you can get a good deal I'd recommend you stay at Arcs 1950. It is a cut above most accommodation in France and rivals Courchevel for atmosphere and apres-ski.
Enjoy the snow while it lasts! -
March 18, 2011
Jonathan from United Kingdom
After spending many years skiing in places such as Val D'Isere , St Anton, Chamonix, Serre Chevalier etc I had a week's holiday at a friends place in Villaroger (small village linked to Les Arcs) and was hooked. The area comprises a massive amount of varied terrain for all abilities and never seems to get over crowded or too busy even at peak times and bank holidays. There are many great restaurants across the area and if you stay in Arc 1600 you also have Bourg-St-Maurice on your door step only a funicular railway ride of around 7 minutes away which has some of the best restaurants in the Alps at very cheap prices.....in fact Les Arcs and the surrounding area had such an impact on me I purchased an apartment in Bourg-St-Maurice in 2003.
I have yet to meet anyone who has visited the area and never enjoyed their time......in fact, some have gone for just a week's skiing and have fell under it's spell, and never gone home.
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March 01, 2011
Matt Raven from United Kingdom
I stayed in Les Arcs for the last 2 months. Jan/Feb 2011.
Based down in Bourg St Maurice at an amazing Hostel called Loft [www.loftbourg.com] Had the best time in both Bourg and up in the mountains.
The snow this season has been pretty poor with no real dumps since the beginning of January but Les Arcs held what it had very well and I wasn't disappointed.
Great variety of runs from beginners to experts. Great night life both up and down the mountain. Just remember that the last funicular down is at 9pm.
My favourite run was probably Derby but also spent alot of fun times in the park.
On the days it did drop enough snow to go off piste, I had the best times and the variety of things to do kept me busy every day for 2 months.
Highly recommended resort and will be going back again.
Matt
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February 27, 2011
David MacKenzie from United Kingdom
This was our fifth stay at Les Arcs 1950. We go as a family and the kids love it. We drive down from London, arrive pm on Saturday and rent skis from Intersport at Arc 2000 from the shop at the front - very quick, great staff - much better than the 1950 options which are more expensive. We tend to self cater and shop at Bourg St Maurice on the way up. However, the restaurants are fine and cater for a range of tastes. With children, eating out becomes expensive - hence the self catering.
The apartments are excellent and the views outstanding. There can be some late night noise if your apartment faces into the village, but so far it has never been a real issue.
The skiing is dependable and the slopes well maintained. This year it was icy buy there were plenty of places where we found fresh powder - Grand Col is the best place to go - not many people and plenty of options for the more adventurous.
The trip up to Aigille Rouge is a must although the wait can be long - its 7km to Villaroger and as long as the snow is OK, it is a good run.
We will probably go again as the children like the familiarity of the resort - in five years we are still discovering new challenges, but most of these are now off-piste - short in most cases, but great fun. -
February 22, 2011
Katie from United Kingdom
I stayed in 1950 (Les Arcs) and it was the best holiday of my life! You can ski in and ski out of the village. There are amazing restaurants within 5-10 minutes walking distance and the shop is within 2 minutes walking distance. The ski slopes are great and the views are stunning.
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February 09, 2011
Richard Bland from United Kingdom
Stayed in a lovely chalet in Vallandry (between Les Arcs and La Plagne) 22nd to 29th Jan. Stunning views and gorgeously sunny but really cold. Some runs very icy, especially on the run home. Best snow was on the Arc2000 side in the morning and the Arc1800 side in the afternoon. Fabulous week skiing and boarding. Been here many times now. You just can't beat a lunchtime beer in the mountains can you?
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February 06, 2011
Anastasia from United Kingdom
We are at Les Arcs 1950 right now. This is our second year. Last year we came in April and had the best skiing ever! We returned this year because we think this is the best resort for a family with children. The accommodation is fantastic, you get 2 bedrooms, jacuzzi, swimming pool and sauna for a 1/3 of the price of what you would pay elsewhere in a chalet. The skiing is brilliant: still haven’t skied all the slopes, so much to cover. Great for all abilities! Some people say that the restaurants are pricy in 1950. Have you been to Prezzo lately, in the UK? You pay £50 for lunch for 3 so it is basically the same here in the pizza place. But then again who said that skiing was a cheap sport? At the end of the day the price of the accommodation balances out the prices in the restaurants. You can also go to Spar and stock up to make your own dinner; would like to point out that a nice bottle of wine in the Spar is about 9 Euros, you can only get a very poor quality wine in Sainsbury’s for this amount of money!
Overall, the resort is very friendly, children can go out on their own and buy pancakes etc and there are no cars allowed. Lots of restaurants and shops within 1 minute walking distance. The snow is great in April and now in February. Highly recommend this place over many other resorts that we have been to in France. -
February 04, 2011
Elaine from United Kingdom
Skied Les Arcs 30 and 31 Jan and 1st Feb. Friendliest resort we have ever been to. We thought 1800 was the best base. Snow was OK high up (above 2000m) but some runs were quite icy. They need more snow soon as some of the pistes are becoming unusable and rock-dodging was the order of the day. It would be very tough getting around if you were a boarder. Run off Aiguille Rouge was brilliant and not too busy. Despite the lack of fresh snow we really liked this place and would go back in a heartbeat.
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February 03, 2011
emma from United Kingdom
I returned from Arc 2000 (Les Arcs) on Sunday. We had sunshine all week but it was very cold at about -8. That was the saving grace for the snow as it was holding up, although icy in places, but bits of heather/grass and lots of stones were starting to show. It really needs more snow - I see the forecast was for higher temperatures and freeze/thaw conditions which will be a disaster snow wise.
Arc 1950 was lovely to pop down to in the evenings. Arc 2000 is not that interesting or pretty but was convenient.
My second trip to Les Arcs and it remains one of my favourite resorts for skiing.
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February 01, 2011
Allan from United Kingdom
Spent the last week in January in Arc 1800 (Les Arcs). Conditions deteriorating due to no substantial snowfall for weeks. Runs are very icy, especially the red runs which are almost impossible on a board. Best conditions are to be found higher up and in Arc 2000 where there is a small amount of powder covering the icy base although it does dissipate quickly throughout the morning. Towards the end of the week spent a lot of time dodging large stones which were appearing on the pistes. Great resort though but needs more snow!
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January 16, 2011
John from United Kingdom
Just got back from a week in Les Arcs. It did finally snow on and off but couldn't really make up the lack of snow on the lower slopes which turned very icy which is a shame for beginners as these are generally mostly blues. Les Arcs is a fantastic place for all abilities. Of course the better conditions were found higher up with good snow and it has its fair share of blue runs up high as well. Couldn't find a rude person anywhere! Trying a little 'schoolboy French' worked wonders and yes, they laughed but also helped us out. Even the lift attendants were pleasant! No queues apart from a five minute wait for the cable cars. Nothing to complain about apart from the sheer expense of eating out in 1950, not too bothered as we were self-catering in a large (by French standards anyway) appartment which worked out fine. Will definitely return as we couldn't cover all the runs in a week.
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January 05, 2011
David C from United Kingdom
Les Arcs is an excellent resort but it needs some more snow...
Had about 5cms of snow on 28th Dec 2010, but clear blue sky and sunny days for next five days.
Apparently they had rain just before Xmas that washed some of the snow away, but most runs were skiable (although by the end of the week there were some stones starting to show on the lower slopes and some of the Blues were getting a bit icy from beginners side slipping).
On 2nd Jan they finally started some snow cannons around 1800.
Les Arc is a fantastic place (I've been 4 times out of ~30 ski holidays) and due to the height has the most reliable conditions.
Even over New Year the queues were never more than 5 minutes.
People who found it rude, I'm not sure where you went, but if you try even a little French, it will be rewarded!
I'd strongly recommend Arc1800 for partying. 2000 for Chalets and 1950 for Self Catering (restaurants can be expensive in 1950). -
December 17, 2010
sam deegan from United Kingdom
Les Arcs: good result, had loads of snow last night (16/12/10) about a foot. Got to Les Arcs 1600 to find out only a handful of lifts were open, although enough to play on. Navigating around with so many slopes shut was hard, although the powder today was fantasic. We came in a motorhome from England and stayed at campsite camping Le Veryson, bour St Maurice. It was very clean and very friendly. Audrey was nice.
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August 29, 2010
Chris Franklin from United Kingdom
Wow, what an amazing place to ski, we stayed literally on the pistes, right next to the Grizilly lift in Vallandry with Hucksterslodge.com. Comfortable accom, great company and superb snow made a exceptional trip! Cant wait for next season!
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April 05, 2010
mick-coventry from United Kingdom
Les Arcs is a great resort: had a week at the end of January and the conditions were excellent. Stopped at the Agouille Rouge at Arc 2000: great food and ski in-ski out. I suspect the previous reviewers were unfortunate with conditions/hotel etc. This is a top resort with varied skiing for all abilities. Linked with La Plagne but make sure you don't leave it too late to return on the "Vannoise Express" back to the Les Arcs side. We just made it back in time when we went over. Don't trust the piste maps. I suspect the local taxi drivers had an input on the piste map as it would cost a fortune to be taxied back.
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March 26, 2010
Ali from United Kingdom
Has one of the reviewers actually been to Les Arcs?
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March 15, 2010
Jimm from United Kingdom
Les Arcs is a dreadful resort with terrible skiing, really unfriendly towards the English, shocking snow, 2/10.
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February 06, 2010
Gazza from United Kingdom
Had a fantastic week's skiing a couple of weeks ago in January '10 ... possibly the best snow I've seen in the past five years! Stayed in Arc1800 which I think is the best of the four villages with a good choice of bars and restaurants. For value-for-money we had a self-catering duplex apartment L'Archeboc booked online with CIS and only a few minutes walk from the Transarc cable - a real bonus with door-to-door ski-in-out convenience. There are a couple of supermarkets in the village and take-away pizzas etc. Bars are fun but pricey as sterling is weak against the euro.
Skiing is the key focus though and Les Arcs is really great for intermediates with massive long blue-red pistes not to mention challenging downhills like the Aiguille Rouge "nosebleed" run to Villaroger which is a 2000 metre vertical drop and 7 km long - burn those thighs!
I never had time to leave Les Arcs to ski the other half of Paradiski, the La Plagne side connected via the Vanoise Express cable - maybe next time .... over 400 km of pistes is really too much in one week .... especially when the beer is so good.
Lets hope the London St Pancras to Bourg-St-Maurice tgv trains get a bit cheaper - I want to fit in a few more long weekends before the snow goes .... -
January 25, 2010
JT - Coventry from United Kingdom
Have just returned from a fabulous week's skiing in Les Arcs, staying at the Hotel Village Club du Soleil in 1800. This hotel was great, with friendly staff and excellent food being the highlights.
This was only my 3rd skiing holiday, but the best so far: snow conditions were superb and the weather was perfect (save for Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon when heavy snow arrived, although this made the skiing better on many of the slopes).
The ski school I attended courtesy of ESF was of a very high standard - I never thought that I would have progressed to black slopes, off-piste and jumps - thanks Mathieu :-). The lifts were also great with minimal queueing, even the drag lifts were gentle compared to Flaine last year!
The only downside was the price of drinks in local bars, which were very expensive, but I suppose that's the way of things in these 'captive audience' resorts, with a weak pound against the euro. Take a tip here: buy bottled beer in the supermarkets, it's far better value!
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March 25, 2009
Smith E from France
Stayed at Les Arcs 1950 in March. Resort was lovely, great weather and great skiing. Stayed in Raddison apartments which were great, however very rude staff who were most unhelpful. Booking was wrong when we arrived but they did not care and were not willing to help out at all. The rest of the holiday was fantastic, although very expensive in restaurants and bars so we cooked in the apartments which actually worked out well. We think Raddison should employ some helpful staff for the next season as this is a very real let down and nearly spoilt what turned out to be a fantastic holiday at Les Arcs.
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February 27, 2009
H&D from Ireland
We are just back from a week skiing in Les Arcs 1950. What a fabulous week with plenty of snow and sun. The resort itself is great with an excellent variety of runs suitable for all abilities.
However, this is our second year to come back to Les Arcs 1950 and we noticed some things this year that we were disappointed by. The queue in the ski hire shop (Concept Board Shop) on the Sunday morning was horrendous (our family queued from 8.10 am and were not out until 10.45 am, meaning that I missed an hour and a half of a lesson with a ski instructor. The operation did not seem as efficient as last year and the staff were not as attentive. My son cried and told the assistant that his boots did not fit, but the assistant insisted that they did fit and he wasn't trying to get them on - it was much later on in the day when we realised that the boots were new and there was paper stuck in the toe. Another family member received a pair of boots which should have been relegated to the bin and after the first day she had to change them, but not before she had developed five quite severe blisters which severely hampered her ability to ski for the rest of the week.
Additionally, I was horrified at the rudeness and general unpleasantness of a member of staff at the ski pass booth - in this day and age there really is no need for this type of high handed attitude.
We stayed in an appartment in the Radisson SAS that was excellent, as ever. The appartment was clean, warm, spacious with good cooking facilities, however, I did notice some cutbacks from our previous visit. Our rooms this year were only tidied once as opposed to daily last year and towels weren't provided in the swimming pool area - these are only minor things, however, important in terms of service delivery.
All in all, it was a great holiday and would recommend Les Arcs as a resort. There is a array of excellent restaurants and the ski instructors are very professional.




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